Blinds are a practical and stylish way to cover your windows, especially if you value privacy, light control, and affordability. But when something goes wrong — like a snapped cord or a bent slat — it can throw off the whole look and feel of your space.
The good news is that many common issues are easy enough to repair yourself. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you fix some of the most common blind problems, shared by the team at Harrisons Curtains & Blinds.
Problem: Bent or Cracked Slats
Slats can bend or crack over time, particularly if the blinds are opened or closed roughly or frequently. If your blinds are still under warranty or came from a quality supplier, you may be able to request a replacement slat. Otherwise, you can repurpose one from the bottom of your blind set.
Here’s how:
- Take the blinds down and lay them flat on a clean surface.
- Use a flathead screwdriver to gently remove the plastic plugs at the bottom rail.
- Untie the knots in the lift cords and carefully unthread them up to the damaged slat.
- Remove the broken slat and slide a replacement into position.
- Re-thread the cords back down, matching the original path through the slats.
- Tie the knots again, push the plugs back into place, and reinstall the blinds.
This fix works for both wooden and aluminium horizontal blinds.
Problem: Broken Cords
If one of the lift cords snaps, it becomes nearly impossible to operate your blinds. Fortunately, replacing the cord is doable with a bit of patience.
Steps to replace a broken lift cord:
- Lay your blinds on the floor and remove the bottom rail plugs.
- Open the headrail by popping open the brackets.
- Carefully remove the damaged cord.
- Feed in the new cord, either using a needle, glue, or even a stapler if needed.
- Thread it through the slats and down to the bottom rail, following the original path.
- Trim the cord, tie it off securely, and replace all plugs and brackets.
- Re-hang the blinds and test for smooth operation.
Replacement cords can be found at most hardware stores or ordered from the manufacturer.
Problem: Jammed Blinds
Blinds that won’t open or close properly can usually be fixed in just a few minutes. First, check whether the slats are misaligned. Even one slat out of place can cause the whole mechanism to jam.
Quick fixes:
- Gently adjust any slats that seem out of line.
- For vertical blinds, apply a light spray of silicone lubricant into the headrail if friction seems to be the issue.
- In some cases, giving the cord a gentle but firm tug can realign internal components and reset the system.
If none of these work, it might be worth contacting a professional or checking the product’s manual.
Check Your Warranty
Before diving into repairs, take a look at your warranty. If your blinds are still covered and the damage is not caused by misuse, you might be eligible for a free replacement or repair.
If your warranty has expired or you’ve repaired the same issue more than once, it could be time to consider a fresh start with new window furnishings.
Need Help or Thinking About Replacing Your Blinds?
Sometimes, the damage is beyond repair or just not worth the hassle. If you’re considering an upgrade, the team at Harrisons Curtains & Blinds can help you find a new solution that suits your home and budget.
Book a free in-home consultation today and explore a wide range of modern, family-friendly, and energy-efficient blinds tailored to your space.
