Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Adjust & Fix Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds


Vertical blinds are made from one of a variety of materials, including vinyl, fabric, wood, faux wood and metal, which make them versatile additions to most decors. Their large size make them appropriate for tall windows and sliding glass doors. After continued use, your vinyl blinds may need minor repair and adjustments. It is possible to fix the blinds yourself with a few basic materials, which will save you money in the long run.


Instructions


1. Remove a broken slat, or vane, by sliding a thin, flat object up the vane on the side where the hook is, on the vane carrier. Pull the vane and card down and out of the holder.


2. Reattach a vane after you have removed the old one. Align the carrier stem where the new vane will go with the rectangular hole in the headrail by pulling on the chain. Push a piece of string through the hole in the carrier stem. Push the stem into the carrier body. Pull the chain and align the other stems with the one you are going to replace. Grab both ends of the string and gently pull downward to move the stem back in place. Slide the vane into the grooves and snap it into place.


3. Shorten the pull cord on your vertical blinds if it is too long. Look inside the headrail and locate the vane carrier where the cord is tied in a knot. Hold that vane carrier with one hand, and with the other, pull out the extra cord until the cord safety device reaches the desired length. Tie a knot in the cord at that location. Pull the control chain to ensure the blinds work properly, then cut the excess cord 1/2 inch below the knot.


4. Create an overlap if there are gaps between adjacent blinds. Look inside the headrail of one blind and locate small, white tubes. Pry off one of the white tubes so the vanes move closer to the edge of the headrail, which should eliminate any gaps.


5. Pry off the control end cap with a flat screwdriver from the headrail if the control chain is difficult to operate. Locate the pulley with a metal rod in the middle. Find the round washer that has a jagged hole in the center. Gently tap the control rod on the end to loosen it. This should make the control chain easier to operate.


Tips Warnings


If the vane does not slide out easily, it may be stuck on the hook. Simply pull it off the hook and try again.


If there is still an overlap between butting blinds, remove another white tube from the headrail. Keep removing the white tubes until the blinds are at the desired distance from each other.