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How do I Repair Blinds?
Blinds add a lot of beauty to your home, except when they are broken. Missing, broken or bent slats on blinds can make your home appear to be in disarray. It is relatively simple to repair blinds on your own. The types of blinds you can repair yourself include vertical and horizontal vinyl blinds, also known as venetian blinds.
The easiest blinds to repair are in the vertical position, as it is just a matter of snapping them on and off. Replacement slats can be purchased at do-it-yourself stores. Measure the length of the vertical blinds and have the store cut them to the necessary size. Open up the blinds so that they are parallel to each other, and not overlapping. Bend the broken slat towards the window so that it opens the hook it is hanging from, then lift it up and out. Slide the replacement blind into the hook until it catches and hangs freely.
Horizontal vinyl blinds are also relatively easy to replace, though they are a little more time-consuming. Purchase the replacement blinds from the previously mentioned locations. Remove the plugs that are located on the bottom rail, which conceal the knots for the lift cord. Untie the knots and remove the slats that are necessary to get to the broken one. Replace the broken slats, then reposition the slats that were removed and tie off the pull cords.
It may be necessary to replace the lift cord when you repair horizontal blinds. Open the blinds as far as they can go, then lift the whole unit off its brackets. Place the blinds face down on the ground so the pulley operation is facing towards you. Cut the lift cords and pull them out. Use a large needle to thread the replacement cords through the slots on all the slats, then replace the blinds on the bracket.
If, in the attempt to repair blinds, you notice the head rails need replaced, take it to a professional. These parts are easily damaged, which can prevent the blinds from functioning properly. Blind repair services can be found online, or in the phone book. Check with your operator's manual to see if your blinds are covered under warranty. If the blinds are old, or you need to replace a lot of slats, it may be cheaper to just buy a new set.
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Discussion Comments
ask the company of the cost to replace the slat. Replacing one blade is very easy to do. You can also get replacement blades online.
Does anyone know whether or not blinds come with a warranty when you have them custom made?
I purchased some very nice wooden blinds that are made to fit my windows. One of the slats is already damaged and I would like to get it repaired, but I worry it will be more expensive because of the custom sizing.
Should the company that made them be responsible for the repair? Or do I have to hire someone new to come in and fix them?
I would try DIY, but am not sure if I could purchase a replacement slat that would actually fit.
If you have blinds that you picked up at a big box store, check out the cost of a replacement version, before you invest in new slats. Sometimes the blinds are cheaper to replace altogether, when you take into consideration how much time you will spend replacing the broken slats and purchasing replacement parts.
I have found that if you aren't careful when you try to replace a slat you can cause more damage than was originally there.
If you are going to do this yourself, take it slow. Also, make sure you take a slat with you to the store so you can get the correct size and color.
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