How to Restring Blinds
If your window blinds have broken or frayed cords, it’s time to restring them. Restringing blinds doesn’t have to be a challenging task; with the right tools and a little patience, you can easily restore them to their original functionality. This step-by-step guide will help you restring your blinds with ease.
Tools and Materials:
– Flat-head or Philips screwdriver
– Replacement cord
– Scissors
– Lighter
– Needle-nose pliers
– Clothespin or small clamp
Step 1: Remove the blinds from the window
Take down the blinds by carefully removing the brackets that hold it in place. Use a flat-head or Philips screwdriver to remove any screws securing the bracket.
Step 2: Lay the blinds on a flat surface
Place the blinds on a flat surface with enough room for you to work comfortably. Make sure that there are no obstacles in your workspace, which could hinder you during the restringing process.
Step 3: Remove any damaged parts
Examine the cord and identify any damaged or frayed sections, paying particular attention to where the cords go through the holes of the slats. Use scissors to cut out these damaged sections.
Step 4: Measure and cut new cord
Measure out a suitable length of replacement cord, considering both vertical and horizontal dimensions. It is recommended that you add approximately one and a half times the length of your blind for ease of operation. Cut this new cord with scissors and briefly hold one end over a lighter flame. This will help prevent fraying on both ends of the cord.
Step 5: Attach new cord to existing cord or anchor point
If possible, attach one end of the new cord to any remaining old cord using a clothespin or small clamp. Alternatively, tie it securely to an anchor point in your blind’s headrail.
Step 6: Thread the new cord through the blind
Using needle-nose pliers, thread the free end of your new cord through the holes or loops in the headrail, following any patterns or layouts on the old cord (if available). Continue threading it through each slat and ladder string until you reach the bottom bar.
Step 7: Secure the new cord to the bottom bar
Tie a knot or use a small clamp to secure the new cord to your blind’s bottom bar. Ensure that it is tight enough to hold, but not so tight as to cause damage.
Step 8: Trim excess cord
Use your scissors once again to trim any excess cord from the bottom of the blinds or from where it attaches to your anchor point(s).
Step 9: Reinstall your blinds
Now that you have successfully restrung your blinds, reinstall them onto their brackets and ensure that they are securely attached. Test their functionality by raising and lowering them.
Congratulations! You have successfully restrung your blinds. With these new cords in place, your window treatment should function smoothly and last for years to come.