Taking blinds apart

The Danes Are Coming · 02-19-2010, 09:03 AM

On one of our blinds the cord has now been pulled to the extend that the cord has slipped into the aluminium rails, and we can't get hold of it.

The aluminium rail has a clear plastic stop at both ends and these ends appear to either glued in place or stuck really tight. Did any of you ever tried to take a blind to bits?

Failing repair, can anybody recommend a place for a replacement blind?

Strangely enough, all our clear plastic cord retainers at the bottom of the blinds (the ones where the cords feed through and tie on) are disintegrating. All the milky-white and more bulky ones are intact. Have any of you replaced the clear ones?

MACRacing · 02-19-2010, 09:13 AM

I just did that last night. I thought mine were glued in also but it was just a tight fit. I used a small screw driver to get it started and then switched to a larger one to get it off fully.

I found info on this post in the general MH section.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f86/blind...air-63475.html

Hope this helps
Mat

Mandys Man · 02-19-2010, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Strangely enough, all our clear plastic cord retainers at the bottom of the blinds (the ones where the cords feed through and tie on) are disintegrating. All the milky-white and more bulky ones are intact. Have any of you replaced the clear ones?

We have had to replace several of the bobbins that hold and tension the cords. It is on my to-do list that I am going to find a metal replacement for them. I have found many different metal bobbins at sewing machine stores on-line, but I want to see them before buying so I know if they will work

If you decide to re-string them yourself, this is a very good cord to use.

Diplomat Don · 02-19-2010, 01:22 PM

Mandys Man....Are you adjusting the blind tension by turning the bobbins with a screwdriver? Is this causing them to eventually go bad?

Just for info.....When I first got my coach the dang blinds were always coming loose/losing their tension. I kept adjusting them at the bobbins with a screwdriver. I finally discovered that is not how they should be adjusted. Whenever they lose tension....just grab the cord on one side or the other, doesn't matter which one, pull it out and wrap it around the bobbin one time. You're done.

I also spent some time trying to figure out why they were coming lose. They come lose if you don't pull them straight down. My wife and I initially were pulling them down and as they neared the bottom it was natural that we kind of pulled them out toward us. This caused the cord to come unwrapped from the bobbin. We are very careful when they reach the last couple of inches to make sure we're pulling straight down and not out.

Thought this info might help.

Mandys Man · 02-19-2010, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diplomat Don

Mandys Man....Are you adjusting the blind tension by turning the bobbins with a screwdriver? Is this causing them to eventually go bad?

Just for info.....When I first got my coach the dang blinds were always coming loose/losing their tension. I kept adjusting them at the bobbins with a screwdriver. I finally discovered that is not how they should be adjusted. Whenever they lose tension....just grab the cord on one side or the other, doesn't matter which one, pull it out and wrap it around the bobbin one time. You're done.

I also spent some time trying to figure out why they were coming lose. They come lose if you don't pull them straight down. My wife and I initially were pulling them down and as they neared the bottom it was natural that we kind of pulled them out toward us. This caused the cord to come unwrapped from the bobbin. We are very careful when they reach the last couple of inches to make sure we're pulling straight down and not out.

Thought this info might help.

Nope, not using driver to adjust. I honestly do not know what is causing them to break. Last time, we were loading to go somewhere and two of them were broken. Always at the weak point of course. Where the two holes are drilled in them. I have noticed that it seems to depend on how they were tied from the factory. Why they would use cheap plastic on these is beyond me

Diplomat Don · 02-19-2010, 01:56 PM

I've been pricing out the new roller shades from MCD, but it's hard to pull the trigger on $1600.00 worth of new blinds. Maybe when I retire next year and we're using it more. Got to buy new slide covers first!

wilpower · 02-19-2010, 02:32 PM

Mandys Man:
I have used metal sewing bobbins from Wally World with great success. I bought a package of 8, and have used 4.

Drifter · 02-19-2010, 06:28 PM

Henrick, We changed our shades to the MCD's and I still have the old one's with me, there like new so what ever parts you need I can mail to you. Take a picture of what you need and post it or explain in detail. You can PM me with your address. Tell Anna that Frankie says Hi.

walt2137 · 02-20-2010, 09:14 AM

I was trying to figure out how to attach a file I have on how to repairing blinds and finally found the url to the site. Go here for parts and how to repair.
Fix My Blinds. Blind and Shade Repair Parts and String.

Walt

The Danes Are Coming · 02-20-2010, 06:22 PM

Thank you for all the advise and links.

Mike - thank you very much for your kind offer

. I will try and do a repair and see where that gets me. Walt have e-mailed me some instructions that may "get me through". If I don't succeed I may take you up on the offer

Mochisme · 10-13-2011, 11:05 AM

This site is unbelievable... I have been searching with different words for an hour and finally found the answer I need here. Old thread, but very timely info for me after the Grandson broke the thread on one bedroom blind.

Thanks for the great link Walt2137 that was the key to it all.