Blind cords

[jillie]

We have blinds in the coach which are strung so tight it's almost impossible to raise or lower them. I want to loosen the cords a bit but am worried I might crack the dohickies holding the ends of the cords. How do I release the tension on the cords so that I can loosen them?

[GaryKD]

Hi jillie,
I am not familiar with the part pictured. However, with one hand hold the part. With the other hand loosen the screw holding it to the wall. Loosen it just enough so you can determine how the tension can be relieved just a bit. Gut feel says you'll be turning the part counter clockwise to relieve some of the tension.

You can also call Newmar at 800.731.8300. Ask for coach owner service.

On edit: If there is no slack left in the cord (they cut it too short), you'll need to get some tweezers and move the end of cord knot closer to the end of the cord. This should provide just enough slack to relieve some tension.

[jillie]

Gary, I completely unscrewed one of these dohickies from the wall. The cord was still tightly held in place. I'm wondering if I should somehow pry it apart with a screwdriver to release the cord. Then I could untie the knot and retie it further down to give me the slack I'm looking for.

[GaryKD]

Because the cord remains tight inside the plastic holder, I'd consider calling Newmar first. From the photo there is a small recessed portion of the outer circumference. Does this push in or pull out to release the cord?

[JohnParker]

Jillie;

I just restrung one of the blinds in my coach. It has the same clamshell retainer as in your picture.... It is a two-piece item. Loosen the screw about three turns. Using a small flat blade screw driver pry the clamshell apart to free the string and move the knot down the string. It looks like you have about 1/2 inch of room to the end of the string which will be more than enough to ease the difficulty. The slide tension is very sensitive so try just moving the string in the clamshell before you make a new know or cut the excess.

Good luck

[jillie]

I'll try that tomorrow.

[jillie]

OK, I gave it a whirl today and so far, so good. Got one more to do then we should be good. Thanks.

[Mr_D]

Looks like they went to a new part. Ours look like plastic sewing machine bobbins. If you break them just get a metal bobbin and use it. I have lots left over in my mothers stuff (Home Economics teacher for 33 years)

[GaryKD]

Hi jillie,
Congrats on your success.

[dougburi]

When the time comes (and it surely will) that you have to replace the string, I suggest replacing the original string with 50 lb test weight monofilament fishing line from WalMart. It's much cheaper, and works much more smoothly than the original string. Also, leave yourself several inches of slack for future adjustments. The little two part cord tensioner shown in your photo is an unmitigated pain to adjust -- surely there must be a better method???? Anyone have any ideas??