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How to Replace String Ladder on Horizontal Blinds

Video ID: 401025

Introduction

String ladder allows for blind slats to rotate to let light in and block light from entering into a room. String ladder is typically used on wood, faux wood, mini, or Venetian blinds. When the string ladder gets damaged or tears, you do not have to replace the blinds. You can replace the string ladder by following these steps.

A Note on Safety

Kids can strangle in blind cords. To make your blinds safer for kids, keep cords out of reach and secure cord and bead chain loops. To learn more, please visit our child safety guide.

Tools Needed

Scissors
Flat head screwdriver
Needle nose pliers
Tape measure

Parts Needed

String Ladder

Step 1 – Measure the length of the window to determine the amount of string ladder you will need.

  • The formula used to determine the amount of string ladder that is needed is: the length of the blind + 12 inches x the number of ladder strings.
  • We recommend replacing all the ladder strings with new ladders when doing this repair.

Step 2 – Remove the blind from the window and lay it on a flat surface.

  • The hooks on the top of the clips will snap onto the headrail.

Step 3 – Remove the wand.

Step 4 – Remove the bottom rail buttons, and untie the lift string.

  • Remove the bottom rail buttons using a flathead screwdriver.
  • Untie the lift string.
  • Sometimes these strings go through the bottom button. Depending on the brand, they may tie off a different way.

Step 5 – Pull the lift strings through the slats.

  • Make sure to not pull the lift strings through the headrail.

Step 6 – Remove the old ladder string from the drums.

  • Using pliers, remove the string ladder from the drum of the blind.

Step 7 – Separate the blind slats from the headrail and pull off the old string ladder.

Step 8 – Lay out the old ladder string and the new ladder string. Cut the rungs on the new ladder string to match the rungs on the old ladder string.

Step 9 – Crimp a new ladder clasp on the new string ladder in the same location as the old string ladder.

  • Use your pliers to tightly secure the ladder clasp to the string.

Step 10 – With the ladder string still lined up, cut the bottom end of the ladder string eight inches longer than the old ladder strings.

Step 11 – Feed the new ladder string up through the head rail, and attach them to the drums.

Step 12 – Rehang the blind.

Step 13 – Feed the top slat through the ladder.

  • Use your pliers to tightly secure the ladder clasp to the string.

Step 14 – Slide the rest of the slats into the ladder string.

Step 15 – When putting in the last slat, slide the bottom rail through with the slat on top of it.

Step 16 – Thread the lift string through the slats by alternating either side of the cross threads every three slats.

Step 17 – Thread the string through the bottom rail hole, and tie it off.

Step 18 – Cut the ladder strings off about 2 inches from the bottom rail.

Step 19 – Insert these strings into the bottom rail hole.

  • Once you place the strings in the bottom rail hole, secure the strings with the bottom rail button.
  • Complete this step for all of the ladders.

Step 20 – Place the ladder clip on the underside of the top-most slat if needed.

Step 21 – Attach the wand.

Step 22 – Test your repair.

  • Test your repair by rotating the wand to open and close the slats.

Recommendations for Child Safety:

  • The lifting cords should be no more than 40% the total length of the blind.
  • Consider installing safety washers on each lifting cord.
  • Leave each cord hanging separately. Do not tie them together.
  • Use cleats to keep cords out of the reach of children.