Blinds are a great way to control the light and privacy in your room, but sometimes they can be frustrating when they don’t close properly. Whether your blinds are horizontal or vertical, corded or cordless, there are some common problems that can prevent them from closing tighter. In this post, we’ll show you how to fix some of these problems and make your blinds close tighter.
You can make your blinds close tighter by troubleshooting basic problems, such as tangled cords, backwards or overlapping slats, holes or dirt in the slats, or a stuck rod. You can also replace a blind or a carrier stem if they are damaged or broken.
How to Troubleshoot Basic Problems
Before you replace any parts of your blinds, you should try to troubleshoot some basic problems that may be causing them to not close tighter. Here are some steps you can take:
- Adjust blinds that won’t turn: If your blinds won’t close because they won’t turn, check each blind individually. It’s likely that one or two blinds are backwards and simply need to be twisted into the right position. Blinds may also be overlapping, in which case you can use your hands to gently push them apart.
- Patch up holes with a repair kit: If your blinds have holes on one or both ends, they may not close properly. You can buy a cheap blind repair kit at a department store and simply place adhesive tape over the holes. This should correct the issue.
- Remove items jamming the blinds: If your blinds won’t turn because there is something stuck in the slots where the blinds are connected to the carrier stem, try to dislodge it with your fingers. It could be a piece of dirt or even a small piece of the blind itself that broke off. If you can remove the object, this will usually clear up the issue.
- Use lubricant spray to fix rotation issues: If your blinds won’t turn because the rod is not rotating, it may just need some lubrication. Pick up a lubricant spray meant to be used on household items, like WD-40. Spray a small amount of lubricant where the rod is connected to the blinds. This may help the rod rotate properly.
How to Replace a Blind
If troubleshooting doesn’t work, you may need to replace a blind that is very bent or cracked and is preventing surrounding blinds from closing or rotating. Here are some steps you can take:
- Disconnect the spacer chain if necessary: Some blinds are connected by a spacer chain running along the bottom between each blind. If your blinds have this chain, you’ll need to disconnect it before removing a blind. Use a pair of pliers to open up one of the links on the chain and slide it off the hook on the bottom of the blind.
- Remove the blind from the carrier stem: The carrier stem is the part that connects the blind to the rod on top. To remove a blind from the carrier stem, use a flathead screwdriver to pry open the tab on one end of the stem. Then, slide out the blind from the stem.
- Insert a new blind into the carrier stem: To insert a new blind into the carrier stem, slide it into the slot on one end of the stem. Then, use your screwdriver to snap back the tab on that end. Make sure the blind is facing the right direction and is aligned with other blinds.
- Reconnect the spacer chain if necessary: If your blinds have a spacer chain, you’ll need to reconnect it after replacing a blind. Use your pliers to close up the link on the chain and slide it onto the hook on the bottom of the blind.
How to Replace a Carrier Stem
If your blinds are all in good shape, but they still won’t close tighter, you may need to replace a carrier stem that is cracked or damaged. Here are some steps you can take:
- Remove the end control cap: The end control cap is the part that covers the end of the rod where the carrier stems are attached. To remove it, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off gently.
- Remove the carrier stem from the rod: The carrier stem is attached to the rod by a small metal clip. To remove it, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to squeeze the clip and slide it off the rod. Then, pull out the carrier stem from the rod.
- Insert a new carrier stem into the rod: To insert a new carrier stem into the rod, slide it into the slot on the rod. Then, use your pliers to snap back the metal clip onto the rod. Make sure the carrier stem is facing the right direction and is aligned with other stems.
- Replace the end control cap: To replace the end control cap, simply snap it back onto the end of the rod.
Wrap Up
You can make your blinds close tighter by troubleshooting basic problems, such as tangled cords, backwards or overlapping slats, holes or dirt in the slats, or a stuck rod. You can also replace a blind or a carrier stem if they are damaged or broken. With these simple tips and tricks, you can fix your blinds yourself and enjoy a more comfortable and private room.
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
