How to Fix Window Blinds

Restore your window blinds.

Window blinds can add a decorative touch in any home while serving a basic function. They come in a variety of materials and styles and range in price from relatively inexpensive to expensive. Many blinds begin to wear out through time. Several things can break, such as the slats, worn out strings or the blinds may not tilt. Depending on the problem, it may save you money to repair the blinds instead of replacing them. It is simple to fix blinds yourself and it just takes a few basic items to restore your window treatments to their proper working condition.

Things You'll Need

• String
• Scissors
• Pliers
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Fix the wand tilt by turning it counterclockwise while the blinds are closed in the downward position. At the same time, tug on the rear string of the ladders that carry the slats.

2. Twist the wand tilt clockwise at the same time you are pulling down on the back string of the ladders.

3. Replace the wand if the above steps do not work. Remove the metal part of end stiffener out to the head rail on the same side the wand tilt is on. Take out the C-clamp, which supports the rod. Remove the tilt rod from the wand tilter. Use a screwdriver to open the head rail to take out the wand. Grab the wand tilter with pliers and pull it out. Push the wand tilter back in place. Put back all the parts such as the rod, C-clamps and stiffeners before you hang the blinds back on the wall.

4. Look to see if the cords are stuck in the head rail if blinds do not hang correctly. Pull the cords out if you can and lift and lower the blinds with the pull cord. This should help them hang evenly.

5. Replace broken or worn out strings by taking the blinds down from the wall and untying the knot in the string or snipping with scissors. Lay them on a flat surface and remove the string from all the slats.

6. Measure the old string against the new one and cut accordingly. Shove the string through the hole in the cord lock in the head rail. Thread the new string through the slat holes. Push the cord through the opening in the bottom rail and tie a knot underneath it to secure the string. Hang the blinds back on the wall and check that the length is even.

7. Replace broken or damaged slats by removing the blinds from the window and setting them on a flat surface. Slide out the bottom rail and undo the knot in the string. Pull the slats out until you reach the broken ones. Set new slats in between the string ladders that hold the slats and replace the ones you took out. Place the blinds back on the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a professional about the different strengths and widths of string before you replace it on your blinds. There are varying sizes for different blinds.

References

• Your Blinds: "Troubleshooting Information"
• Blindsaver: "How to Replace a Wand Tilt"