Having broken blinds can be an eyesore and nuisance. Whether it’s frayed cords, bent slats, or crooked vanes, broken blinds affect the look and function of your windows. Thankfully, many common blind problems can be fixed with some basic tools and DIY know-how. This comprehensive guide covers steps for repairing various types of defective blinds to restore them to proper working order.

Assessing the Damage

Before attempting to fix broken blinds, you need to inspect them to determine what exactly is wrong. Here are some common problems to look for:

Frayed or Broken Cords

Over time, blind cords can become frayed or broken from constant pulling and wear. Check the full length of each cord to see if any areas are damaged or ready to snap. Frayed cords present a safety hazard, especially in homes with small children and pets.

Bent or Broken Slats

Slats are the horizontal louvers that compose Venetian or mini blinds. Bending and warping can occur if the blinds are forced out of alignment or manipulated roughly. Examine each slat to see if any are bent, cracked, or broken.

Crooked Vanes

On horizontal blinds, the thin vanes can get bent and twisted so they no longer sit flush together when closed. Visually inspect the vanes on closed blinds to see if any appear obviously crooked.

Broken Tilt Mechanism

Many blinds have a tilting mechanism that allows the slats or vanes to be rotated open and closed. If the tilt mechanism is damaged, the blinds will not be able to operate properly. Test the tilting function to see if it works smoothly and freely.

Once you’ve identified the specific problems with your broken blinds, you can move on to the correct repair method.

Fixing Frayed or Broken Cords

Frayed or broken cords are a common issue, especially with vinyl or aluminum mini blinds. Replacing the cord is an easy, inexpensive fix.

What You’ll Need

• Replacement blind cord kit
• Scissors
• Cord tensioner or tension pulley

Steps to Repair

1. Lower the broken blind completely and remove it from the window brackets. Place the blind on a flat surface.
2. Cut the knot at the bottom of the cord loop and pull the cord out from the routing holes. Make note of how the original cord was threaded for reassembly.
3. Feed the new cord through the routing holes in the same pattern as the old cord. Leave equal lengths hanging at the bottom.
4. Knot the two ends together and cut off any excess.
5. Install a tension device such as a tension pulley or cord tensioner at the bottom to eliminate dangling cords. This prevents child and pet strangulation hazards.
6. Remount the blind in the window brackets and test that the cord and tension device operate smoothly.

With a new blind cord installed, your blinds will raise and lower easily again. Routinely check cords for fraying to catch problems early.

Correcting Bent or Broken Slats

Bent and broken blind slats can make blinds look unsightly and prevent proper operation. Use these steps to straighten and replace slats:

What You’ll Need

• Mini blind slat replacement kit or new slats
• Needle nose pliers
• Scissors
• Tape (for broken slats)

To Straighten Bent Slats

1. Lay the blind on a flat surface and locate bent slats.
2. Carefully flex the slat in the opposite direction of the bend to straighten. Apply gentle pressure with your fingers or needlenose pliers padded with a cloth.
3. Once realigned, run a straightened slat through the fingers of both hands to smooth any remaining kinks.
4. Rehang the blind and check that the bent slats now align correctly.

To Replace Broken Slats

1. Remove the broken slat by cutting its string connectors at the top and bottom.
2. Insert the replacement slat in the same position. Knot the strings through the holes to reconnect it.
3. On blinds with tilted slats, bind the replacement to its neighboring slat with transparent tape to keep the tilt alignment intact.

With persistence and care, warped, cracked, and broken slats can be repaired for normal blind function. Replace severely damaged slats that cannot be salvaged.

Correcting Crooked Vane Alignment

When horizontal blind vanes become misaligned and point in various directions, it detracts from the window’s appearance. Straightening the vanes restores the uniform look.

What You’ll Need

• Craft stick or knitting needle
• Damp cloth
• Paperclip

To Realign Vanes

1. Lightly wet a cloth and run it across the top edges of the misaligned vanes to soften any stiffness.
2. Working from the cord side, insert a rounded craft stick, knitting needle, or paperclip loop into the pocket at the top of each vane.
3. Gently rotate and align the vane so it points straight down, removing any twists.
4. Once realigned, run a straightened vane through the fingers of both hands to smooth any remaining kinks.
5. Check that the vanes hang evenly when closed. Make further adjustments if needed.

With a little time and finesse, crooked vanes can be corrected. Be patient and avoid forcing the vanes to avoid damaging them.

Repairing Broken Tilt Mechanisms

If the tilt mechanism that adjusts slat angles no longer works, a few repairs can typically get it moving freely again.

What You’ll Need

• Medium-sized flathead screwdriver
• Needlenose pliers
• Replacement tilt wand, tilter gear, or tilt rod kit (if needed)

Steps to Repair

1. Fully lower the blind and remove it from the mounting brackets. Lay it flat on a level surface.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws securing the headrail cover. Lift off the cover.
3. Inspect the tilt mechanism inside the headrail for damage. Check that the tilt rod moves freely when the wand is turned.
4. If parts are broken, replace them with new ones matching your blind’s hardware. Reinstall the wand and test tilting.
5. If the mechanism is jammed, apply lubricant spray. Manually twist the rod back and forth until it moves freely.
6. Replace the headrail cover and return the blind to the window. Check that tilting works correctly.

With basic mechanical troubleshooting, a malfunctioning tilt mechanism can often be repaired instead of replacing the entire blind.

FAQ About Fixing Broken Blinds

Many homeowners have additional questions when trying to repair their broken blinds. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns.

Is it worth fixing old blinds or better to just replace them?

• If the blinds are highly damaged or repair parts are no longer available, replacement may be the best option. But many repairs are quick, inexpensive fixes. It’s worth attempting to prolong the life of functional blinds.

Where can I buy blind replacement parts like cords and slats?

• Many retailers that sell blinds, including big box stores like Home Depot, offer replacement components and repair kits. Specialty blind repair shops also carry supplies. Check with the manufacturer or installer to source repair parts.

How do I get replacement blinds to match my old ones?

• Take detailed measurements and photos of your existing blinds. Bring these to the store when purchasing replacements. Styles, colors, and features change over time, but many retailers can help find close matches.

What kind of lubricant can be used to fix a stuck tilt rod?

• Do not use WD-40 or harsh chemicals. Blind hardware safe options include silicone spray, lithium grease, graphite powder, or dry lubricant spray. Apply lubricant sparingly and wipe away excess.

How do I rethread a blind cord back through the routing holes?

• Use a long, stiff wire with a little hook or tape on the end to fish the cord through the holes. A piece of string or cord can also work. Have patience and be careful not to enlarge the holes.

Why do my blinds make a squeaking or rattling sound?

• Noisy blinds often just need lubrication using dry spray lubricant on the mechanisms. Check for loose hangers or defective parts. Adjust cord pulleys to remove excess slack.

Conclusion

With some basic DIY skills and tools, many common blind problems like broken cords, bent slats, and jammed tilting wands can be repaired. Start by thoroughly inspecting the damage. Obtain the necessary supplies and replacement parts. Carefully follow the steps for the specific type of blind repair. Repairing blinds rather than replacing them saves money and prevents waste. Take time periodically to inspect, clean, and lubricate blinds to maximize their longevity. Properly maintained window treatments will keep your home looking great for years to come.

Summary

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