Whether we are talking about wooden venetian blinds , Roman or vertical blinds, all blinds have the same basic parts. In this article we are going to focus on fixing and replacing the tape and cords. Of course, we will begin by explaining what exactly tape and cords are when it comes to window blinds. As you might expect, the cord or lift cord is what is used to open and close the blind. It is really nothing more than a nylon cord that is often quite durable. However, the lift cord may need to be replaced if the blinds get stuck and will not budge.
The tape or ladder tape on a horizontal set of blinds keeps the wooden or plastic slats together and prevents them from moving. When the tape is ripped or torn, it may be necessary to replace it or the slats may come free and the blinds may be damaged permanently.
How do you replace the lift cord? If the blinds are relatively new and the mechanism for lifting them is not broken, it is a cinch to replace the lift cord without removing the blinds from the window. In the next few paragraphs we will explain exactly how this is done.Begin by putting the blinds all the way down and by adjusting them horizontally so that all the slats are open. More often than not, the cord will be attached to the bottom rail by staples or adhesive tape. Remove the staples and/or the tape and untie the knot on the opposite lift cord.
Then you can simply unhook the cord from the rod and replace it with the new lift cord. Make sure that you secure the new cord to the bottom rail with adhesive tape or it will come free in short order. You may also have to cut off any excess cord and tie knots in both ends of the new cord.
Next we will briefly explain how to replace the ladder tape. The tape received that name because it resembles a ladder with the slates in place of rungs of course. And while the tape is made of durable material, it can become damaged with frequent use. To replace the tape you must take down the unit and untie and remove both lift cords. Then you will have to take out each slat, one by one. Make certain that you arrange them in the original order. Lastly, you must hook the new tape into the rod or top box and slide each slat into place between the two new tape ladders.
