How to Fix Broken Blinds: Complete Step by Step Guide
Window blinds are some of the most important accessories in our home. They keep our house protected and offer the privacy that we deserve. However, just like with most things, they could get damaged with regular use. Sometimes, our kids and pets would play with the blinds, which can lead to their damage.
The steps involved in fixing broken blinds will depend on how the blinds got damaged, the type of blinds that you have, and several other factors. But generally, window blinds are not that complicated to repair.
So, if you have window blinds at home, then it’s highly recommended that you learn the basics of how to fix broken blinds.
Things Required to Fix Broken Blinds
Before you begin, it’s important that you have all the tools needed to fix the broken blinds. The tools will vary, but generally, these are the things needed to fix the broken window blinds:
Flathead Screwdriver or Butter Knife
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A flathead screwdriver is a type of screwdriver that has a wedge-shaped flat tip. This tool is used to loosen or tighten screws with a straight or linear notch at their heads. The flathead screwdriver is one of the most common household tools, so you probably have this tool sitting somewhere in your home.
If you don’t have this type of screwdriver, go to your kitchen, and get a butter knife. In fact, any small knife can be used as a substitute for a flathead screwdriver, such as the Swiss Army knife, paring knife, or utility knife. Just make sure the blade is not dull.
Long-nose Tweezers
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The tweezer might be a beauty tool, but you will be needing this tool to fix broken blinds. And in case you’re wondering what long nose tweezers are, they are the type of tweezers with an extremely sharp pointed tip.
Tweezers’ main purpose is to remove ingrown hairs, fine hairs, and blackheads. But these tweezers are also very useful in grabbing the string that binds the window blinds.
Replacement Slats
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To replace blind slats that have been broken, you need to have new slats. Make sure you purchase those that are similar to what you have. You can buy replacement slats online or you can go back to the store where you bought your window blinds and see if they can sell you new slats.
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How to Fix Broken Blinds: 7 Steps
Once you have the tools and materials ready, it’s time to get started. Refer below for the steps on how to fix broken blinds.
1. Remove the Plastic Stopper from the Bottom of the Blinds
The first thing you need to do is to remove those plastic stoppers found at the bottom of the blinds. These are the tiny little plastics that are used to keep the blind slats in place.
You should find two of them, one on the left, and the other on the right. Pop off both of them using the flathead screwdriver or knife, whichever tool you have.
After you remove these plastic stoppers, the knotted lift cords that run through the holes of the blind will be loosened. Set the plastic stoppers aside, and make sure you don’t lose them.
2. Pull Out the Cord and Unknot the Strings
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The next step is to pull the cords out of the holes. To do this, grab the pair of tweezers you have prepared. Use the tweezers to hold the cord and pull it out.
After pulling the cord out, untie its knot. If you cannot untie the knot, cut it right above the knot, then burn the ends.
3. Pull out The Cord to the Height of the Broken Slat
Next, pull the middle cord out of every slat until you reach the broken slat that needs replacement. Do this on the cords that are both on the left and right sides of the slats.
If you will be using another set of blinds to replace the broken slats, you will have to follow the steps above in removing the slats from that window blind.
4. Take Off the Broken Slats that Need Replacement
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After you have taken off all the cords, it should now be easy for you to remove all the broken slats that need replacement.
Carefully inspect all the window slats and remove those that have worn out.
5. Slide the New Blinds and all the Other Unbroken Blinds
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Finally, you’re now on the most important step of how to fix broken blind slats.
Since the broken ones have already been removed, it’s time to insert the new slats.
You have to now carefully insert the cord through the holes of the new slats, then push it all the way through the base.
6. Restring all the Blinds Using the Center Cord
Image Credit: Zebra Blinds
Now that you have put the new slats in place, tie up each side of the cords, making sure that the slats are of the same length.
You have to be patient on this step, or the blinds will look uneven, and you will have to repeat the steps all over again.
7. Shove the Knot Back and Cover With the Plastic Stopper
The last and final step of this window blind repair is to attach the plastic plugs that you have removed. If possible, use a rubber mallet or hammer to ensure that the plastic plugs are tightly secured.
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FAQs
Q1: How to Fix Broken Blinds Pull Cords?
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The pull cord is one of the most important parts of the window blinds. This is what that you need to pull in order to open or close the blinds. Due to the constant pulling, the cord could eventually get broken.
To fix this, simply remove the old cord and attach the new cord using the steps indicated above. Make sure to tie a large knot at the end of the new cord to keep it from slipping off.
Q2: How to Fix Broken Blinds Strings?
One of the most common issues that you could encounter with your window blinds is a broken string or cord. Thus, knowing how to fix broken blinds strings is important.
This should be easy to do since all you need is to cut the broken cord and replace it with a new one.
Thread the new cord into the holes of the blinds weaving it over and under the slats. Continue these steps until you have threaded all of the strings through every hole in the blinds.
When you’re done, tie a retaining knot at the bottom in order for the string not to slip back through the hole.
Q3: How to Fix Broken Blinds Slats?
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To fix broken blind slats, purchase new sets of replacement slats online or from a local hardware store near you. Make sure you purchase the slats that match with the slats that need replacement.
Remove the broken slats and attach the new slats following the steps indicated above.
Q4: How to Fix Uneven Blinds?
The reason behind uneven blinds is because some parts have malfunctioned. Usually, this happens when the blinds are stuck in a raised position and will no longer go down.
To fix this, raise the cord to the headrail level to make sure that the cord lock has been disengaged. At this point, the blinds should now come unstuck, and will no longer be uneven.
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Final Thoughts
The steps on how to fix broken blinds should be easy to follow. You don’t need to be well-experienced and no fancy tools are needed. But remember that there are many reasons why your blinds may have been broken.
In most cases, the issue may have something to do with the cords only. If the issue is due to some broken or damaged slats, then the steps above should get you covered. But if it is due to something else, it is best to seek the help of a professional.
