Lifting and Lowering Problems:

General Lifting Problems

When my shade rolls up, it is drifting to one side and is fraying the edge of my shade material.

This problem is called “telescoping.” First, check to make sure the roller shade brackets haven’t come loose from the mounting surface. Check that the brackets are level and even. Roller shades must be mounted absolutely level to operate correctly.

If the brackets are level and tight, it could be the shade material itself causing this. To correct it, unroll the shade all the way until you can see the exposed roller tube. Put a piece of masking tape on the side opposite from the telescoping (uneven) end. Then, re-roll the shade. The extra height that the tape gives will correct the problem. Add more pieces of tape one on top of another until the shade operates evenly. These tips work for both spring-loaded and clutch-driven shades.

The shade material came off of the tube.

Most of the time, the shade material is attached with double-sided tape. You can oftentimes restick the material to the tape. Or, replace the tape with a new strip of double-sided tape.

Sometimes the material can come off of the tube because it is “over-rolled.” That means that when you’re lowering the shade, you keep pulling on the chain and the fabric rolls completely off of the tube. This can make it difficult for the shade to roll up again properly. Installing bead chain stops to prevent the bead chain from being pulled too much is a good way to prevent this problem.

Clutch Operated Lifting Problems:

When I pull on the chain to raise the shade up and down, the shade won’t move or is hard to move.

This can be a problem with the bead chain or the clutch mechanism. Inspect the bead chain to see if it is broken, fraying or has broken beads. Replace the chain if it is worn.

If the chain is in good condition, the clutch may be broken or worn out and need replacement.

I can’t reach the bead chain on my roller shade.

Sometimes, depending on the height of the shade and furniture placement, it can be difficult to reach the chain to pull your shade up and down. You can replace the entire chain with a longer piece, and use a connector to join the ends together. It is better to replace the entire chain rather than add extensions. The connectors that join chain ends together can interfere with the operation of the clutch.

My chain broke and/or pulled out of my shade.

Replacing bead chain on a roller shade is a simple repair. The first step is to determine which size bead chain you need. We also provide free samples of chain so you can determine the size and select the best color and material for your shade.

This may also just be as simple as purchasing a bead chain connector to join the two ends back together.

My shade doesn’t raise up smoothly and/or catches when I pull on the chain.

This can occur because your bead chain is wearing out. Sometimes one or more of the beads have broken off of your chain. The chain could also be rusty. First, inspect the chain for wear.

If your chain is in good condition, the clutch mechanism is failing and requires replacement.

My shade is stuck; nothing happens when I pull the chain.

Oftentimes, this indicates that the clutch mechanism has failed and needs to be replaced. When the clutch is replaced, be sure that it fits into the tube tightly, and the splines on the clutch match up with the folds and bends inside the roller tube.

In rare circumstances, the shade could be mounted too tightly. The brackets can be so tight that they do not allow the shade to turn.

Spring Tension and Cordless Lifting Problems:

My spring operated roller shade won’t go up all the way or won’t go up at all.

In this case, there’s not enough tension on the internal spring, and it needs to be increased. With the shade mounted in the window, pull it down halfway and then remove it from the brackets. Roll up the shade by hand. Be careful to roll it up evenly. Remount the shade and test the tension. Repeat these steps until the correct tension is achieved.

If there is still no tension on the roller shade after you try the above steps, the internal spring-loaded mechanism is broken. It’s time to replace the shade.

My spring operated roller shade goes up too quickly and has too much spring tension.

You need to release some of the tension in the spring. Remove the rolled up shade from the brackets. Unroll it several turns by hand. Remount in the brackets, and test the tension. Repeat these steps until the correct level of tension is achieved.

Tensioner Problems

My control chain is blowing around and won’t stay down.

All chain loops should be tied down to the wall, floor or window frame using a tension device. If your shade is missing a tension device or yours has become broken, it’s easy to install a new one.

My chain gets hung up going through the tension device.

Some tension devices are made for chain connectors to pass through, and some are not. If your chain is getting stuck or snagged where the chain connector is located, changing the tensioner for a larger one that accommodates connectors will help. We specify if a connector is accommodated in every tension device on its product page under “Additional Information.”

Installation and Mounting Problems

Can I mount my roller shade inside or outside the window?

Most brackets can be mounted either inside or outside the window. We specify the mounting type each roller shade bracket accommodates on its product page under “Additional Information.”

The shade mounted on my door bangs against the door when the door is opened or closed.

Installing hold down brackets will secure the bottom of the shade to the door. You may also need to replace broken or missing bottom rail end caps that have been damaged or lost from the shade hitting the door.

I had a new window installed and now my shade is too wide for my window frame.

You will need to have your shade cut to the proper width. Most local blind repair shops can cut blinds and shades, but we recommend checking with them before taking your window covering to them. If you are the original owner, you can try contacting the company you purchased the shades from. Also, consider mounting your shade outside the window.
 

The shade is hanging crooked.

This can be an issue with brackets that are not level in the window. For optimum operation, roller shades must be installed completely level. Using a leveling device is always a good idea. If your shade is rolling up unevenly on the side, causing the bottom to be crooked, please see the above troubleshooter item about telescoping.

My brackets are missing or bent.

Roller shade brackets must be matched up by the type of hooks, prongs, and pins that protrude from each side of the top of the shade. Mounting brackets fit onto/into those items.

My shade keeps falling out of the window.

This can be an issue with bent or partially broken brackets. Inspect the brackets for signs of wear. The brackets may need to be moved closer together so that the shade will fit in between them tighter. Also, inspect the both ends of the shade to ensure that all of the hooks, prongs and/or pins that fit into the brackets are intact and not broken.

My shade is hitting the trim, window handle, or some other obstacle.

You may need to remount your shade further away from the surface that is being hit or rubbed. In some cases, you will need to install plastic bracket spacers or extension brackets to provide additional clearance. If your shade is hitting a window crank, you may need to replace the window crank with a smaller T-handle window crank.

Shade Material Problems

Several things can go wrong with the shade material. It can tear or 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 material.

Need Replacement Roller Shades

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If your roller 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 roller shades.

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