After a lot of use, you might be finding yourself with troublesome blinds. Luckily, you can fix your blinds with broken or frayed
cords rather than replacing them. While this does take a little bit of time, it will save you a lot of money. Here are steps for how to restring your blinds.
1. Find out where the problem is. Has the string broke or become frayed? Did it come undone from one end and pull out? To find the answers to these questions, first, follow a string that’s intact. With most blinds, the string goes up from the tassel by using some form of gravity catch. The string goes across the hollow channel at the top of the blinds, and goes back down through a row of holes along the slats. From there, they are secured by being tied together through the channel at the bottom of the blind. There’s also a set of lateral strings which are responsible for rotating the blinds. Before moving on to the repairs, you might want to take a photograph of the blinds or use a working one as a reference point.
2. Next determine the size of the string you will be replacing. Blind strings generally come in millimeters, so be sure to have a millimeter measurement.
3. Next, you must determine how much string you’ll actually need. To do this, first measure the full height of the blinds. You should measure across the top of the blinds, from the furthest (highest) string. Next, measure down the hanging part of the string. Add these two numbers together, and then multiply the result by how many strings are on the blinds–or how many you’ll be replacing, if you’re not replacing all of them. If your blinds are on the older side, you might just want to go ahead and replace all of the strings at the same time. This can save you time and effort in the long run. If you’re not sure how much string you’ll need, you can just order extra. Blind strings are rather inexpensive, so buying extra isn’t a bad investment.
4. Next, you’ll need to remove your blinds from the window. The exact instructions for this will vary from blind to blind, but blinds are mounted at the top. For specific instructions on your blinds, see if you still have a manual for them. If not, consulting a search engine could prove to be useful.
5. The next step is gaining access to the top and bottom of the blinds. This will also vary by the model and make of your blinds. You will find that most blinds have easy access to the top once they are removed from the window. On the bottom, you might have to remove a bumper or cap, or possibly have to slide out a rail.
6. You will need to disconnect the string at one end. You can choose to begin at the top or bottom. It’s easiest to work with one string at a time.
7. Now that the string is disconnected, you can insert the new string. First, thread the new string through the base of the blinds, and then up through the row of holes. Some blinds that are newer will lack these holes. If this is the case, follow the path of the old string along the vanes. If the string in need of replacement is not broken, but simply worn, you can try inserting the new string by taping it to the end of the old string. By doing this, the new string will be threaded while you are removing the old one, cutting out a big step! To thread the new string, you can also use a tapestry needle or very small crochet hook. While removing the old strings, you might need to cut or unknot the string from the tassel. If so, you may choose to save the tassels for reuse or purchase new ones.
8. After your new strings are threaded, don’t forget to secure the string along the bottom rail. You’ll need to firmly tie the string through the holes, and double check that the knot won’t slip out. Some blinds come with a washer or tab that ties onto the string. If so, replace it (if you kept it) or tie a knot sufficient to not slip through the hole.
9. After this, you’re almost done! With the blinds in the closed position, leave a little excess length on the pull side. Repeat these steps as needed until you’re done restringing your blinds.
Make sure to tie off all strings.
10. If there were any caps or bumpers that you removed before replacing the strings, now is the time to put them back in place.
11. Re-hang the blinds and carefully check that they operate smoothly. After this, remember to put tassels back on the ends of the strings.
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