How to fix roller blinds

Knowing how to fix roller blinds will depend on a few things. Mainly it will depend on which aspect of your roller blind needs fixing. In this article, we’ll look at how to fix various issues you may be having with your roller blinds; from the mounting brackets to the fabric itself.

Fixing roller blinds

When roller blinds work well, they allow for versatility in letting in and keeping out light, heat, and curious eyes from seeing into the interiors. But they can also be a source of issues ranging from too fast to too slow actions in rolling up or down.

Luckily, the following easy-to-follow DIY steps in how to fix roller blinds will restore their original functionality. You can then save on the costs of professional repair or on new purchases to replace existing blinds.

Gather the tools and supplies:

Don't worry – the tools and supplies necessary in fixing roller blinds can be found in any home-owner’s shed. You will need:

Pliers
Screwdriver or hammer
Tape measure
Straight edge
Level

You may also need duct tape and stapler when replacing torn roller blind material from the blind.

Roller Blind Fixings

When you get a roller blind, you will need certain fixings. You will need to make sure you have all of these before you attempt to fix your roller blind. If not, you may need to purchase new roller blind fixings.

To fix your roller blind, you may need the following roller blind fixings:

Blind cord
Blind cord locks
Roller blind mechanism
Blind cord weight
Wall fittings

Step 1: Check the mounting brackets:

The first step is to check the mounting brackets. The goal: To determine that these allow the roller blinds to retract smoothly and freely as well as to confirm that these are levelled and aligned.

Check that the roller blinds are not touching the frame and sides of the window as these retract. Otherwise, the frequent contact can eventually rip the edges of the blinds and, in turn, make them roll unevenly.

Ensure that the mounting is aligned and level using either of these two methods:

Using your metal tape measure, check that the mountings have the same equal distance from the window's top to bottom areas. The roller blinds may not appear crooked to your naked eye but the measuring tape can reveal otherwise.
Using a level, check that the mounted rolled-up shade is, indeed, on an even level. Look at the bubble – it should be completely centred.

If the roller blinds are uneven or misaligned on their mountings, just make the appropriate adjustments. This may be the only step necessary.

Step 2: Adjust the tension:

In most cases, the issue lies in the spring tension, which can be too tight or too loose. First, if the blinds cannot be lowered or raised, then the spring is locked.

Take the roller out of its brackets on the wall.
Grab the pin using pliers; turn it clockwise, which will release the spring; let go of the pin quickly when you feel the tension, which will unlock the spring. Repeat these steps until the pin is unlocked.

Second, if the blinds are too difficult to raise, then the spring is too tight.

Roll the shade to its "up" position and then remove it from the wall brackets.
Unroll the shade partway using your hands.
Put the shade back into its wall brackets. Repeat these steps until the blinds appear to be working well.

Patience is required especially when the steps in how to fix roller blinds are repeated, but the results will be well worth your efforts.