Key Takeaways
- The vertical blinds’ structure includes a headrail, track, slats, carrier stems, control chain/cord, wand, valance, bottom chain/weights, mounting brackets, and tension pulley.
- How to fix vertical blinds: First, contact the blinds manufacturer for a warranty. If not available, check the solutions below!
Vertical Blinds Structure
Vertical blinds are window treatments with long vertical slats opening and closing to the sides. Their structure includes:
- Headrail: The top part that holds everything together. It runs across the window and supports the blinds.
- Slats (Vanes): The vertical strips hang down and are rotatable to control light and privacy or slide open to see outside.
- Valance: A decorative piece that covers the headrail, making the blinds look nicer.
- Valance Returns: Side pieces that extend from the main valance to cover the ends of the headrail.
- Headrail Clip: A metal or plastic material uses to attach the headrail to the mounting surface.
- Corners/Corner Edges: Cover and protect the edges where two surfaces meet, typically where the valance returns meet the main valance or two blind panels intersect.
- Clips: Small components that secure different parts of the blind together.
- Valance Hardware: Brackets, clips, screws, and any other fasteners necessary to attach and support the valance securely over the headrail.
How To Fix Vertical Blinds: In-depth Tutorial
1. Got Broken or Damaged Slats
Broken or damaged slats in vertical blinds can happen for several reasons. Regular use causes wear and tear, while sunlight can fade and weaken the slats. Accidental bumps or low-quality materials with sunlight can affect them after a period of use, and even extreme temperatures or humidity can warp the slats. So, how can you fix a broken blind?
Solution
To the question of how to repair vertical blind slats,
- First, slide the damaged slat out of the carrier stem.
- Then, replace the new slat with one that is precisely the same size as the previous one (or measure your blinds’ size to get the perfectly fit one). You can find these tools at hardware stores or online retailers.
- Lastly, insert the new one into the vacant spot, and the repair vertical blinds guide is done!
- Or contact the brand of the blinds for warranty.
2. Got Stuck and Unresponsive Blinds
How to replace vertical blinds in case they are stuck or unresponsive? It usually involves a malfunction in the system.
The main reasons are dust and dirt buildup in the tracks, misaligned slats, and broken or worn-out components like the control chain or tilt mechanism. This causes the blinds to not fully close or open or to get stuck in one position.
Solution
To do the vertical blind repair, you’ll need:
- Remove the blinds from the window to inspect the whole scene thoroughly.
- Check the tilt rod to see whether it is stuck or broken. If there is a jam, lose it. If it is broken, replace it.
- Check for alignment issues in the carrier stems. If there is a misalignment, adjust them to the original position.
- Finally, put the blinds back into the window and thoroughly test their operation.
3. Misaligned Blinds
Misaligned blinds mean the slaps are improperly lined up, causing them to overlap and jam. The causes usually are incorrect installation, regular slating shifting, or rough handling. When misaligned, blinds can be hard to open and close. So, how to repair vertical blinds?
Solution
To do vertical blinds repair, follow these steps:
- First, take the blinds from the brackets.
- Then, check the top rail and look at the carrier stems, where misaligned issues usually occur. If there is a misalignment, use needle-nose pliers to straighten each stem. Similarly, ensure the slats are attached correctly and hanging evenly.
- Once you’ve completed the adjustment, put the blinds back on the brackets and test whether they work smoothly again.
4. Stripped Master Gear
A stripped master gear happens when the main gear malfunctions and can’t control the blinds properly.
This issue usually occurs after a while of use. Rough handling or poor-quality installation materials are also reasons. When stripped, the blinds become hard to open or close.
Solution
So, how to fix broken vertical blinds? The guide is quite easy.
Buy a new gear. Then, remove the headrail and replace the damaged gear. Make sure all parts are correctly aligned before reassembling the headrail. Finally, remount the blinds and test them to ensure they operate smoothly.
5. Difficult to Rotate Blinds
When the blinds are stiff, slow, completely immobile, or hard to adjust, it’s probably because of the tilt mechanism, such as misaligned slats, worn-out gears, or jammed cords. But no worries—fixing a vertical blind is pretty simple!
Solution
So, how to fix vertical blinds that are hard to rotate? Here are 5 steps to do it:
- Thoroughly check the tilt control rod and gear to see whether they are aligned.
- If the gear is worn out or the tilt rod is damaged, replace it.
- If not, inspect each carrier stem. Replace any that are broken or not working correctly.
- After making replacements and adjustments, test your blinds. They should rotate smoothly if the repair is successful.
- If the rotation is still tricky, check for twisted slats or uneven weight and adjust them to the original position.
6. Broken Gear or Gear Comb
A broken gear or gear comb is a serious issue. The leading causes are rough handling, excessive load, poor lubrication, or wrong installation. In some cases, you have to replace all the blinds. But before doing that, try the solution below.
Solution
How do you fix vertical blinds? Do these:
- Use a screwdriver to take out the broken gear.
- Replace the broken gear with a new one, and make sure it fits the blind size precisely (you can try to contact the brand for a warranty and have them replace it for you)
- Put in the new gear, making sure it is correctly installed.
- Test the blinds to make sure they work again.
7. Got Snapped Blind Cord
A cord is usually a string we use to adjust the blinds lifting and lowering. As it is quite reachable for children and pets, a snapped blind cord often happens. Other reasons for the issue could be wear and tear, exposure to sunlight weakening the material, or excessive usage.
Solution
The solution to fixing vertical blinds is pretty simple. Buy a new cord at the store with the exact same measurement as the previous one, remove the broken cord, and replace it. Another way is to contact the blinds brand for warranty and have them do that for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to fix vertical blinds that won’t slide open?
Check for obstructions in the track and remove them. Clean the track thoroughly. If the slats are misaligned, realign them. Ensure the control chain or wand is intact. Lubricate the track if needed to ensure smooth operation.
2. Why are my vertical blinds not rotating properly?
The cause usually comes from the tilt mechanism, like misaligned slats, worn-out gears, or jammed cords. To fix it, thoroughly check the tilt control and adjust the carrier stem to the original position if it is misaligned. If it is broken, replace it with a new one.
3. How to fix a broken vertical blind stem?
First, identify the brand and get replacement parts that match the brand and vertical blind style. Then, remove the broken stem with pliers. Insert a new stem, ensuring it fits the size of the previous one, and click into place. Reattach the slat to the new stem. Test the blinds to ensure proper operation.
4. How to fix misaligned vertical blinds?
To fix misaligned vertical blinds, gently take out the misaligned slats. Check and clear the track of obstructions. Ensure hangers are correctly attached. Adjust the control chain or wand for smooth movement. Test the blinds to make sure they align properly.
