How to Fix Broken Blinds

Updated March 2019

Broken blinds can be an annoyance, especially when they leave your window looking shabby and aren’t fulfilling their purpose. Wear and tear over time can’t be avoided though and there are some problems which arise more frequently than others. This article will cover some of the most common problems with blinds and how to fix them.

How to Replace a Broken Tilter Mechanism

Problem: my blind slats won’t tilt anymore, they are stuck at one orientation.

Solution: this issue could be caused by a couple of factors. Firstly, you should check to see if the cords which allow the tilting action have gotten tangled in the headrail. To do this, you will need to fully open the blind and remove the blind from its brackets. Look inside the top of the blind at the components to see whether the cord inside is tangled or caught – this could be what is preventing tilting motion. If this is so, untangle the cords and reaffix your blind.

If there are no issues with the cords themselves, you may require a new tilter mechanism; these can easily be bought online. The tilter mechanism will be situated at the far end of the headrail on the side with the cords or rod used to control the tilting action. There will be a metal rod running across the headrail and through the tilter mechanism; slide the rod so it is just clear of the mechanism and remove the broken tilter from the headrail. Simply fix in the new tilter mechanism in its place, slide the rod back through and reaffix your blind.  

How to Restring the Lifting Cords of a Horizontal Blind

Problem: the string which runs through the the centre of the slats to connect them and form the lifting mechanism is worn and frayed/broken.

Solution: if the cord is just frayed and worn, rather than broken, and needs to be replaced, this can be a relatively easy task. Firstly, you will need to identify the type and width of replacement cord you require. You will then need to measure out a length of cord to replace the damaged one. A good technique is to use new cord which is equal in length to twice the length of the window added to its width. When the string isn’t fully broken, you don’t even need to remove the blind from the window, just work with the blind fully extended.

To start the replacement, remove the cap from underneath the bottom slat to expose the cord ends. Identify the correct cord and cut off the end knot. Using a lighter, melt the ends of the existing and the new cords, then push them together and roll between your fingers to fuse the ends together. You can neatly tape the ends together but this may result in some coaxing needed to get the join through all the necessary parts. Tie a knot in the end of the new cord.

To restring the blind, all you now need to do is pull on the lift cord until the new string has totally replaced the old in the system. Replace the cap on the bottom of the blind and make any length adjustments needed. Cut off the excess old string, removing any end tassels from the lifting cord and reattach these to the end of the new cord.  

If the cord is completely broken, rethreading can be a more complex process. For this reason, it is a good idea to contact a blinds professional to ensure the new cord is threaded into the system and through all necessary mechanisms properly.

How to Replace a Broken Slat in a Horizontal Blind

Problem: one of the slats in my blind has broken/misshapen and needs to be replaced.

Solution: a broken or misshapen slat need not be cause for a whole new window covering. In fact, most manufacturers provide an extra slat at the bottom of your blinds for repair purposes. To replace the broken slat, first remove the caps on the underside of the bottom slat to expose the cords. Unthread the cord which runs through the slats up to the broken one – this will allow you to slide out the broken slat. Slide the new slat into place and rethread the cord through the slats again, knotting the end and replacing the caps.

Common problems with electric blinds

Problem: My blinds won’t move when I press the remote.

Solution: When your blinds fail to respond to the remote control, this could be due to a number of issues — but it is most likely electrical issues. Check simple issues such as battery charge or if the blinds are plugged in correctly. You could also try using a different device to ensure it isn’t a problem with the remote, which could need replacing. If you have checked all electrical components and it still fails to work, continue to our other page which details the causes of other failures and how to fix them.

To read more about how to fix common problems with electric blinds please read our post

How to Fix Common Problems with Electric Blinds.

Common problems with Roman blinds

Problem: My blinds aren’t folding neatly when I open them.

Solution: Roman blinds are often chosen due to the neat and aesthetically pleasing folds it creates when you pull the blinds up. It can be frustrating when you buy blinds specifically for this aesthetic and they don’t fold up correctly. It is important when you first get Roman blinds that you hand-fold them where you want the folds to appear. This will define the creases and ‘guide’ the blind into the right place when raised. The creases must be defined otherwise the folds won’t fall where you want them to. Once this is done, the fabric should be loose again, but the creases will need to be redefined. Hand-fold your blind in the way you want it to fold and run an iron over it again. Now your Roman blinds should fold up neatly and correctly.

To read more about how to fix common problems with Roman blinds please read our post

How to Fix Common Problems with Roman Blinds

Common problems with vertical blinds

Problem: One of the slats on my blind is damaged.

Solution: If one or two of your vertical slats become damaged, then this is an easy fix problem you can do on your own. Contact the supplier for your blind to get your replacement slats delivered. Simply slide a card into the stem – the clip which holds the slats and is attached to the headrail – and carefully slide out the slat. To attach a new slat simply push the new slat into the stem, making sure the hole is aligned with the stem clip.

To read more about how to fix common problems with vertical blinds please read our post

Common Problems with Vertical Blinds

Common problems with Venetian blinds

Problem: They won’t stay open.

Solution: If your Venetian blinds won’t stay in position, this can be due to issues with the cord lock mechanism. We recommend taking the blind down from the window and placing it on a flat surface, so you can easily examine  the head rail. Inspect the cord lock and if it appears to be jammed, take a flathead screwdriver into the lock and free it. If this fails to work, it could be an issue with the cord being frayed or tangled. To replace the cord, use a lighter to fuse the old cord and new one together, then run the cord through the cord lock until the old cord is completely removed. The last possibility is that the cord lock has broken and this will need to be replaced.

To read more about how to fix common problems with Venetian blinds please read our post

Common Problems with Venetian Blinds

Common problems with roller blinds

Problem: my roller blind won’t stay open/in position, it seems too loose. Alternatively, the roller blind mechanism is really stiff to open and close.

Solution: roller blinds use a spring under tension inside the headrail as the mechanism for opening and closing the blind. Sometimes the spring can become too tightly coiled or become uncoiled, and this is when problems with the mechanism arise.

For tightening a loose mechanism, pull the blind material about halfway down and remove the blind from the wall brackets. By hand, carefully roll the blind material back up and then reaffix in the brackets. Repeat these steps if the tension needs increasing still.

For loosening a mechanism, remove the blind from its brackets fully retracted and then unroll the blind material by hand until it’s about halfway closed. Then, replace the blind in its brackets and test the tension; repeat the steps if the tension isn’t reduced enough.

To read more about how to fix common problems with roller blinds please read our post

How to Fix Common Problems with Roller Blinds.

From reading this advice, you will now be able to fix some common frustrating blind malfunctions. If you have more complex blind problems or your blinds are overly worn and you require new ones, get in touch with Denton Blinds. We can offer expert advice and a fantastic selection of beautiful bespoke blinds for your home or commercial property in Burton upon Trent and Kettering. For further information and enquiries, contact our team today.