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How to fit vertical blinds

Learning how to fit vertical blinds is fairly simple, as long as you follow instructions and work safely. Once you’ve gathered your tools and are ready to begin; you will first need to install the mounting mechanism. This is the most complicated step, yet by following the full instructions below, you will be able to complete it easily. Then comes vanes and tension pulley; both of which are straightforward tasks. For full instructions on how to fit vertical blinds, keep reading our guide.

The ease of installing made to measure vertical blinds partly lies in your ability to follow instructions. Use the tools and adopt safety measures while performing the necessary steps. Even with this relatively simple task, eye and hand protection gear is a must for safety purposes.

It is also important to carefully check the packaging before discarding the shipping containers. All the parts from the screws to the blinds should be removed from the boxes.

To expedite the work, be sure to gather the tools and materials within easy reach. Check that children and pets are also away from the work area as the sharp objects, such as nails, drills, and scissors, can be dangerous.

Vertical blind slats, header rail and tools places on a table

Step 1: Gather tools & materials

The first step in learning how to fit vertical blinds is gathering the following tools and materials.

  • Tape Measure
  • Pencil
  • Flat screwdrivers
  • Hammer and Finishing nails
  • Drill and hex-head (1/4") bit
  • Scissors
  • Drill bits (1/16" and 3/16")
  • Wall bracket
  • Nuts
  • Bolts
  • Mounting clips
  • Mounting screws
  • Head-rail
  • Louvres or vanes
  • Chain and clip
  • Cord weight or clip

Step 2: Make the mounting mechanism

The following steps are for interior mounts. You can tweak the steps to suit exterior mounts, although it is also advisable to read the mounting instructions before starting your work on the window frame.

With many vertical blinds, mounting clips are attached to the mounting brackets. But since these are not used in interior mounts, just remove the screws and the brackets. However, keep the clips!

A woman using a screwdriver to secure a vertical blind header rail onto a support bracket
  • Make marks on the valance and the window - or door or ceiling, whichever is applicable - frame. Hold up the valance over the centre of the frame, mark its width, and measure 1" from the wall for the depth marks.
  • Ensure that the valance is level and centre before clipping over the third groove. The clip should be approximately 4" from each end although it can be lesser.
  • Hold the valance up, line it with the dust cover and the depth marks. Using a power drill, drill holes through the valance at the marks. Hold the valance and its clips up to the holes to align. Drive the screws through the clips and valance into the sill, frame, or ceiling.
  • Snap the headrail into place. Just insert the front edge in the mounting clips and then rotate back. Remove the blind by releasing the headrail (i.e., insert a screwdriver between the release tab and the headrail).

Step 3: Attach the vanes

With the hard part over, attaching the vanes or louvres is easy-peasy.

  • Rotate the stems.
  • Push the vanes up into the stems.
  • Using a gentle yet firm motion, pull down on the louvre and check that it catches on the stem hook.

Tip: Check that the overlaps in the louvres are the same. Otherwise, these will not rotate.

Tip: Insert a credit card when removing louvre when you want to remove and then reinstall these parts of the vertical blinds.

A woman attaching vertical blind slats to a header rail

Step 4: Attach the tension pulley

A cord weight or tension pulley is an essential safety measure. It lessens the risks of accidents especially among children. It should be attached to the cord itself before being secured to the wall.

  • In an inside mount, the tension pulley must be placed toward the back of the windowsill. This way, it will not interfere with the louvres' proper rotation.
  • Adjust the length of the cord for both safety and aesthetic purposes. Traverse the louvre holders so that these are in a stacked position, hold the knot along the inside of the track, and slowly pull out the surplus cord. Re-knot the cord to its desired length and trim-off the excess.

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