Chloe Zhang
A broken blind slat can be repaired by removing the damaged slat and replacing it with a new one. This is a simple process that can be done by following a few steps. First, remove the lift cords from the slats above the broken slat. Next, take out the broken slat by sliding it out from the side. Then, thread the cord through the bottom rail and tie it off. Repeat this process for all the cords in the blind. Finally, insert the replacement slat and move the base of the blinds up to ensure there are no gaps when fully extended.
How to replace plastic blind slats
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Remove all of the lift cords from the slats to just above the broken slat. |
| Step 2 | Remove the damaged slat by sliding it out from the side. |
| Step 3 | Insert the cord through the bottom rail and tie it off. Repeat this for all other cords in the blind. |
| Step 4 | Put the replacement slat in place of the broken one. |
| Step 5 | Move the base of the blinds up by one space so there are no gaps when fully extended. |
| Step 6 | Check how the lift string is threaded and proceed to follow the same course with it through the slats and bottom. |
| Step 7 | Re-insert the buttons back into the blinds' bottom rail. |
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What You'll Learn
Removing the damaged slat
To remove a damaged slat from your plastic blinds, you will need to first untie all the lift string knots from the bottom rail. Then, check how the lift string is threaded and follow the same course through the slats and bottom. You can use tweezers or other means to push the string through the base. Trim any frayed strings and slip it through, or use a finishing nail to push it through. Tie each one off, ensuring they are as close to the same length as possible.
Now, you can begin removing the damaged slat from between the ladder strings. Work your way up the blind, removing each slat one by one until you reach the damaged slat. Once you have removed the damaged slat, you can insert the new slat and begin threading the lift cord back through the routed holes, starting with the highest slat.
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Preparing the replacement slat
Before you start the process of replacing a plastic blind slat, you will need to purchase a replacement slat. You can do this by measuring the slats you already have and ordering a slat of the same size. Most mini blinds do not come with more than one additional slat, so you will likely need to buy a new one.
Once you have your replacement slat, you can begin preparing it by removing all of the lift cords from the slats above the broken slat. You can do this by removing the plugs at the bottom of the blinds with a flat-head screwdriver and pulling the lift string through the hole. You can then untie or cut the knot.
Now, you are ready to remove the broken slat by sliding it out from the side. Next, insert the lift cord through the bottom rail and tie it off. Repeat this process for all other cords in the blind.
You are now ready to put the replacement slat in place of the broken one. You will also need to move the base of the blinds up by one space so that there are no gaps when the blinds are fully extended.
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Inserting the replacement slat
To insert the replacement slat, first, you will need to move the base of the blinds up by one space. This will ensure that there are no gaps when the blinds are fully extended. Check the threading of the lift string and follow the same course, pushing the string through the slats and bottom using tweezers or other tools. You can trim any frayed strings if needed.
Once the string is through, tie each one off, trying to keep them as close to the same length as possible. Replace the plugs at the bottom of the blinds, covering the lift strings. These plugs should go over the rungs of the other strings, securing them in place.
Now, insert the replacement slat into the space where the broken slat was removed. Make sure it is securely in place and follows the same path as the other slats. You may need to adjust the slats above and below the replacement to ensure they are all aligned correctly.
Finally, test the blinds by extending and retracting them to ensure the replacement slat is functioning properly and tilting at the same angle as the other slats. If the replacement slat is not tilting correctly, you may need to adjust the tilt mechanism or the lift cords.
Your blinds should now be fully functional with the new replacement slat inserted.
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Re-threading the lift cord
Measure the amount of string needed
Determine how much string you need by measuring the blind. Lower the slats of the blind as far as they can go. Use a measuring tape to measure the height from the bottom rail to the top of the head rail. If you want your lift cords to hang a little, add 20-40 inches (51-102 cm) to your measurement so that there is some extra slack in the lift cord when the blinds are lowered all the way.
Buy a blind cord repair kit
Go online or to your local home repair store and buy a cord repair kit with enough string for your blinds. Blind cord kits come with a restring tool, which is a small length of soft metal with an oval-shaped opening at the end. This wire restring tool will help you thread the string through the smaller openings.
Remove the safety washers
Some blinds have plastic washers embedded in the lift cords to prevent the string from rolling all the way into the head rail. Remove these washers by threading the string all the way through the opening in the washer, or simply clip the washer off with a pair of scissors. Set your washers aside if you plan to reuse them.
Pull the lift string out of the bottom rail
Go underneath the bottom rail and locate where the lift strings meet the bottom rail. Use pliers to pull the lift string out of the bottom rail of the blind.
Re-thread the lift string
Use the restring tool to thread the new string through the oval-shaped opening at the end. Push the tool through the opening to bring the wire through the rail. You can also melt the old string and the new string together to join them. Put on a pair of thick rubber gloves to protect your hands and hold the new string up to the length of the lift string sticking out the bottom of your blind.
Pull the replacement cord taut
With the new cord in place, pull it taut to remove any slack from the ladder area. Measure where the tassel will go and knot the cord.
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Re-attaching the bottom rail
Once the slat is removed, insert the lift cord through the bottom rail and tie it off. Repeat this process for all the cords in the blind. Now, you can put the replacement slat in place of the broken one. Move the base of the blinds up by one space so that there are no gaps when fully extended. Check how the lift string is threaded, and then follow the same course with it through the slats and bottom rail. You can use tweezers or other means to push the string through the base. Trim the frayed string, if necessary, and slip it through.
Tie each cord off as close to the same length as possible. Finally, replace the plugs removed at the beginning, ensuring they go over the rungs of the other strings, securing them in place.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the plugs at the bottom of the blinds that are covering the lift strings. Pull the lift strings through the hole and untie or cut the knot. Then, remove the lift cords from the slats up to the broken slat. Finally, remove the damaged slat by sliding it out from the side.
You will need a flat-head screwdriver to remove the plugs at the bottom of the blinds. You may also find tweezers or a thin nail useful to push the string through the base.
Check how the lift string is threaded and push it through the new slat and bottom rail, following the same course. Tie each cord off as close to the same length as possible.
Move the base of the blinds up by one space so that there are no gaps when fully extended.
