Pleated shade repair - DIY?

DH has replaced two of ours over the past year. The first one was a real challenge - patience is what is required. Having done one, the second one was a lot easier. Just follow the instructions very carefully.

Not too difficult, but much easier if you repair it before it breaks. Ours was fraying but not broken. I just taped the new cords to the old ones and carefully pulled the new ones in place when the old ones were pulled out.

Yep, done too - but get the repair kit with the correct cord. I cheated on one and found some cord from Walmart - lasted less than a month before it snapped too.

After doing the first one, you can work out how they work and then they are easier :)

You can buy the cord cheap online and dye it to match at home. Restring is easy but time consuming the first couple of times

Depends on how big the shade is. I've done a couple small shades that only used 2 cords. Relatively easy, but if you have a cat, make sure it's not in the room with you.

I have repaired several. Go to Fix my Blinds. You can get everything you need there and detailed instructions.

Not difficult but it does require some patience.

Yup, what they said.

HappyKayakers - I assume that's the voice of experience?

schlep1967 wrote:
Not too difficult, but much easier if you repair it before it breaks. Ours was fraying but not broken. I just taped the new cords to the old ones and carefully pulled the new ones in place when the old ones were pulled out.

What works better for me is melting the ends then touching the melted ends together and rolling them between your finger and thumb. Results in a nicely welded joint. No, I never burned my fingers doing this. :B
Also works well if you have the two ends of the broken cord accessible.

Dennis M M wrote:
Yup, what they said.

HappyKayakers - I assume that's the voice of experience?

Yep! My cat plays with that piece of string to this day. It wasn't quite so amusing when she was trying to play with it as I was trying to thread it :E

My rear window shade broke while on a trip. It seemed loose and would work its way closed while driving. I removed the shade and tied the broken string back together and set the proper tension. It has been working fine ever since.