Lifting and Lowering Problems

Standard Operation Lifting Problems:

I can’t raise my shade.

This most often indicates a problem with the lifting strings. If the string is broken or fraying, it’s time to replace it. We recommend replacing ALL of the lifting cords at the same time for the best results and function of your shade. Determine what thickness of string you need here. You may also need help to find out how much string you will need. If your cord continues to break or fray, it is probably being pulled over a sharp or jagged surface inside the shade. Follow the path of each string and see if something is cutting it. Also, make sure that the shade fabric is not caught between the installation bracket and the headrail.
 

The shade won’t stay up when locked in place.

Usually, this is caused by a failed cord lock or crushed lift cord. To determine if the problem lies with the lock or the cord, do this: Try to raise your shade up just a few inches and lock it in place. If it locks, the problem lies with the cord. If it doesn’t lock, the problem lies with the locking mechanism.

Over time, the cord can get crushed where the shade is continuously locked in the same position day after day. You can either replace all of the lifting cords or start locking the shade in a different location

If the shade won’t stay up at any position, the lock needs to be replaced. Take the shade down and compare your lock to those on our website.

I can’t lower my shade all the way.

If the strings are too short for the shade to lower fully and cover the window completely, the only solution is to replace the cord. Unfortunately, there is no way to tie, sew or melt new string to the old string to make them longer. That may work for a short time but isn’t a permanent solution. The string could also be twisted up inside the shade preventing it from lowering all the way. Again, the solution is to replace all of the lifting cords.
 

Only one string is broken on my shade. Can I replace just the broken string?

No, you will need to replace all of the strings that cause the operation.

If you have a top down/bottom up shade, you can replace the strings on the broken operation. Be sure to replace all of the cords that cause that operation. For example, if you are only restringing the bottom up portion of the shade, replace all of the strings that operate the bottom up function.
 

The shade raises or lowers unevenly, or the bottom rail is uneven when fully raised.

First, check that the headrail and installation brackets are level and aligned, and are fixed tightly to the mounting surface.

Then, check to see if there is an obstruction in the shade’s path. If a shade hits an obstruction as it is lowered, it may become misaligned. This may cause the shade to be angled or tilted when fully raised. Try lowering the shade completely, then raising it to allow it to self-correct.

If one of the lifting strings is frayed or broken you will need to replace all the strings in that operation.

Also, the lifting string could be rubbing through the cord guide or rubbing a groove in the cord lock. Take the shade apart, and inspect the cord guides and lock. Look for sharp edges or points of wear. Replace any worn out parts. You may also need to restring the shade.
 

My string is broken and/or pulled out of my shades.

If the lift string is broken, it’s time to replace it. Please follow these measuring instructions to select the correct thickness of the string. If the string has pulled out the shade, check to see if it is broken or frayed. If so, replace it.
 

Clutch Operation Lifting Problems:

I can’t raise my shade and/or lower my shade all of the way.

There can be multiple problems with this. The first thing to check is the cord or chain loop. Check for signs of wear, fraying or breakage. If needed, replace the loop.

Even though you use a loop to lift the shade up, there are still strings behind or inside the fabric that draw the shade up. Inspect the lifting strings to see if any are tangled or broken. Those strings may need to be replaced.

If all of the strings, cords, and loops are in good condition, the clutch mechanism itself needs replacement.

My shade is difficult to raise or goes up unevenly.

Difficulty raising the shade can indicate a problem with the cord or chain loop, clutch, mounting situation, or tension device. First, check the control cord or chain loop. Look for signs of wear, breakage or tangling. If the loop is in good order, the clutch mechanism may need to be replaced.

Difficulty raising the shade can also be an issue if the shade is slightly larger than the window opening for inside mounted shades. Shades cannot be forced into tight inside mount window openings. If it’s an inside mount, make sure there is clearance between the sides of the shade and the window casement.

When some tension devices are not installed properly, they can make it hard to raise the shade. Be sure that the tensioner is installed according to manufacturer recommendations.

For uneven shades, make sure that the brackets are installed evenly.

The cord or chain tension device has climbed up to the headrail.

Tensioners are designed to hold the cord or chain loop down to the wall, trim or window frame. If the tension device comes loose from its mounting location, it may interfere with the proper operation of the shade. Reinstall the tension device according to manufacturer specifications.

My cord loop is broken and/or pulled out of my shade.

If the cord loop is broken, it’s time to replace it. If the cord loop has pulled out of the shade, check to see if it is broken or frayed. If so, replace it.

If it is not broken, you can reinstall it. Sometimes if the cover on the clutch is broken in any way, it can cause the loop to work its way off of the clutch sprocket. Replacing the clutch cover will solve this problem.

My cord loop broke. Can I glue it, melt it or sew it back together permanently?

Unfortunately, no. The ends may rejoin temporarily, but it’s not a long-term solution. The loop needs to be replaced when it breaks.

My cord loop seems to be breaking more often than it should. What could be causing this problem?

If your cord loop is frequently breaking, you can try to prolong the life of by removing the weights that may be inside of the bottom rail. Also, if you are using a tension device, make sure that it is installed so the cord loop operates smoothly and isn’t too tight. If the cord loop continues to break, then inspect the clutch for signs of wear. Sometimes there can be a sharp edge that cuts and frays the cord loop.

Cordless Operation Lifting Problems:

My cordless shade won’t lift up/stay up/is uneven.

Most problems with operating cordless shades can be resolved by reactivating the cordless tension device. To do this extend the shade until it is fully lowered then raise the shade by pushing up on the middle of the bottom rail. It may take several attempts to reactivate the tension. If this does not resolve your issue, you may need to contact a professional repair service for this issue. Anytime the shade is left in the down position for an extended period of time; the cordless spring motor may need to be reset to operate properly.

My shades didn’t come with a handle on the bottom rail to operate them. Can I add one?

If your shade didn’t come with a handle, it was not made to use a handle. The cordless shade handles we carry are designed as replacements only. They are very specific and only replace the exact same part.

Fabric Problems

Several things can go wrong with the shade material. It can tear, the glue may fail, the folds may fall out, or it become soiled and cleaning won’t work. The edges of the material can fray. Whenever there is an issue with the material, it is time to replace the entire shade. We do not carry shade material at Fix My Blinds or have a referral for replacement fabric.

Need Replacement Blinds

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If your pleated shade is beyond repair, we recommend Blinds.com for replacements.

Child Safety Concerns

I’m afraid my child or pet will become tangled in the cords on my blinds.

Please visit the Window Covering Safety Council to see the latest recommendations for corded window coverings.