How to Replace a Levolor Tilt Mechanism on a 2" Cordless Blind

Guide ID: 101013

Introduction

This guide shows how to replace a broken tilt mechanism with a working gear. Levolor doesn't not manufacture this part anymore or have any replacement parts available. The workable substitute is not a perfect solution, but it will extend the life of your blinds! Please read the entire guide before starting this repair.

This tilt mechanism was used on Levolor CustomSizeNow and Trim+Go Premium cordless faux wood blinds sold by Lowes from 2012 until 2018. A tag inside the blinds may read PWLD2530. The unique double-geared design is patented and cannot be copied.

Buy Tilt Mechanism

Before you get started

This guide doesn’t offer a perfect solution for replacing this specific tilt mechanism. However, in the absence of available replacement parts, we put our heads together and came up with the best solution possible with the parts we have available to us.

We interact with many customers and know that lots of you are looking for a workable solution for this problem. If you don’t mind jury-rigging your blinds, this repair is for you!

The workable substitue is not a perfect solution, but it will extend the life of your blinds!

We aren't sure how well this substitute is going to work in wider blinds. The two blinds we have with this specific operating system are 30" wide. If your blind is especially wide or long, this hack may not work very well.

Consider replacing the tilt mechanism on a rarely used blind with this makeshift solution. Then, use the origional gear in a more often used blind.

Known Issues

The replacement tilt mechanism is not stablized within the headrail.

The body of tilt mechanism rotates inside the headrail, but it will not rotate more than the hole punch in the bottom of the headrail. The rotation can cause the wand to rub the back of the valance, cause the wand to become twisted on tilt mechanism hook, or cause the blinds to not close as tightly as they would with the original tilt mechanism. You may have to pull down on the wand while twisting to minimize rotation of the tilt mechanism body.

We have not found a solution for stablizing the replacement tilt mechanism. If you find a solution, please let us know.

The replacement tilt mechanism is smaller than the original tilt mechanism.

The only tilt mechanism that we have that works in this headrail is significantly smaller than the original. Because of this, there are gaps all around it and doesn’t seat into the headrail like a proper tilt mechanism should.

The tilt rod hole is square and the tilt rod is a rectangle.

The tilt rod in the headrail is rectangular. However, since the square hole in the substituted tilt mechanism is plastic, it’s able to accommodate the rectangular metal rod. Some of the plastic inside of the hole may shave off during installation. This is normal and won’t impact the part’s performance. To get the rectangular tilt rod into the square hole, you may need to use a small mallet if you’re not able to push it on by hand.

We interact with many customers and know that lots of you are looking for a workable solution for this problem. If you don’t mind jury-rigging your blinds, this repair is for you!

Consider replacing the tilt mechanism on a rarely used blind with this makeshift solution. Then, use the origional gear in a more often used blind.

Please don’t expect perfection with this hack! The replacement tilt mechanism is significantly smaller than the original. This leaves it space inside the headrail for it to move around. The stem on the replacement part can move up and down depending on which way the slats are tilted. To operate the blind, you may need to gently pull down on the wand and then twist it to open or close the slats.

Headings

Body of tilt mechanism rotates in headrail

wand hits valance

wand twists on tilt mechanism hook

slats do not close as tight as before

Please let us know your experience with this rough solution. We want to hear from you! And, if you come up with any ideas about how to stabilize the tilt mechanism inside the headrail, let us know. Our email is service@fixmyblinds.com.

Tools Needed

Small hammer or mallet

Screwdriver

Masking or painter's tape

Parts Needed

Replacement wand tilt mechanism

Step 1 – Remove the metal end stiffener from the top rail nearest the tilt mechanism.

Remove the blind from the window before beginning this project.
If the wand is still attached to the tilt mechanism, remove it and set it aside.
With the screwdriver and mallet, remove the end stiffener closest to the tilt mechanism.

Step 2 – If there is tape on the metal rod, remove it.

Step 3 – Slide the rectangular tilt rod away from and out of the tilt mechanism.

Step 4 – If you don’t have enough space at the opposite end of the headrail to slide the tilt rod all of the ways out of the tilt mechanism, remove the tilt rod from the headrail completely.

Step 5 – Take the tilt mechanism out of the headrail.

Step 6 – If you had to remove the tilt rod completely, reinsert the tilt rod through the drums being careful to line up the rectangular holes with the rod.

Step 7 – Put the new tilt mechanism onto the end of the rod. Since the tilt mechanism has a square hole and you’re putting a rectangular rod into it, you may have to use a small mallet to get the tilt mechanism on. Be sure that the tilt rod passes through the tilt mechanism completely. A small amount of plastic may shave off from the inside of the tilt mechanism’s hole. This is normal and will not cause any problems.

Step 8 – Put the stem of the tilt mechanism through the punch in the headrail. You will have to pull the tilt rod up a bit.

Step 9 – Put new tape on either side of the replacement tilt mechanism to keep the tilt rod from moving back and forth.

Step 10 – Replace the metal end stiffener. Then, rehang your blind and reinstall the valance.

We'd love to know how this substituion is working in your blinds!

Drop us an email, and let us know at service@fixmyblinds.com.