How to Fix Cordless Blinds Mechanism: A Step-by-Step Guide
Over time, the mechanism that allows cordless blinds to smoothly rise and fall can begin to malfunction. Dust buildup, worn gears, broken springs, and low batteries are just some of the issues that can prevent your cordless shades from operating properly.
Don't worry - with some basic troubleshooting and repairs, you can often get your cordless blinds moving again.
Assessing the Issue
Before attempting to repair your cordless blinds, it's important to pinpoint exactly where the mechanism is failing. Here are some key things to check:
- Do the blinds fail to move at all when you press the remote or manual controls?
- Do they move unevenly, getting stuck halfway or failing to fully raise/lower?
- Do they move slower than they used to?
- Are there any grinding or squeaking sounds coming from the mechanism when operating?
The answers to these questions will help you diagnose the problem. Now, let's explore some of the most common cordless blinds mechanism repairs.
Check the Internal Gears
Cordless blinds contain a system of small plastic or metal gears within the roller tube that work together to raise and lower the blinds. Over many years of use, these gears can become stripped, cracked or worn down due to friction.
Damaged gears prevent the mechanism from moving smoothly. You may notice grinding sounds, sticking, or failure to operate coming from a gear-related issue.
Inspecting the Gears
To inspect the gears, you'll need to fully remove the blind from the window brackets. Make sure to have someone help support the weight so the blinds don't crash down and bend or break entirely.
With the blinds removed, lay the roller tube flat and access each end cap. You should see the geared assembly inside. Examine the gears closely for any signs of damage or excessive wear using a flashlight.
Cleaning and Lubricating the Gears
If the gears are intact but dirty, try using pressurized air or a soft brush to dislodge dust and debris. Wipe them gently with a clean, dry cloth as well. You can also apply a small amount of lubricant, like sewing machine oil or bearing grease, to the gears.
Rotate them slowly by hand to work in the lubricant. This helps reduce friction and quiet noisy operation. Reinstall and test the cordless blinds.
Replacing Damaged Gears
For cracked, badly worn or non-functioning gears, replacement is needed. You'll want to contact the blind manufacturer and order a compatible gear repair kit.
Installing new gears requires disassembling the old unit, removing the damaged gears, placing new ones, and reassembling precisely. This intricate repair is best performed by a professional to avoid further mechanism damage.
Clean the Mechanism
Dirt, dust, pet hair, crumbs and other debris can collect inside the blind's mechanism over many months or years of use. This buildup can clog and jam the internal gears and moving parts, preventing smooth operation.
Wipe Down Accessible Areas
For light cleaning, use a small, soft dry cloth to gently wipe away any visible dirt and dust around the mechanism's exterior. Take care not to push debris further inside.
You can also use a vacuum crevice tool to suction away loose debris around the mechanism without having to take the blinds down.
Deep Clean the Mechanism
For a deeper clean, fully detach the cordless blinds so you can access the entire mechanism assembly. Use pressurized air to clear away dust and dirt inside the roller.
Next, use cotton swabs dampened slightly with rubbing alcohol to gently wipe down gears, motors and moving components within the mechanism housing to dissolve built-up grime.
Let all parts dry fully before reinstalling. Lubricate gears if needed as well. Proper cleaning can get your cordless blind mechanism running like new again.
Adjust the Tension
Many cordless blinds have spring-loaded tension assemblies inside the roller tube. This tension helps lift the blinds up and provides resistance when lowering them.
Over time, this spring system can weaken. Or incorrectly set tension can also cause problems. Luckily adjusting the tension is an easy fix.
Accessing the Tension Unit
Remove the cordless blind from the mounting brackets again. Make sure not to release the tension and drop the blinds.
Next, carefully slide out the pin, clip or retention screw on one side of the roller, allowing you to slide that side out a few inches while keeping the opposite side in place.
This exposes the end of the spring tensioner inside. You'll see a flat spindle sticking out that you can grip with locking pliers or an adjustable wrench.
Tightening & Loosening Tension
To increase tension, grip the tensioner spindle with pliers and carefully rotate it clockwise within the housing. Rotate counter-clockwise to reduce tension.
Adjust slightly at a time, testing in between until desired operation is reached. Reinsert pin/clip and test with blinds rehung. Proper tension prevents uneven movement or sagging issues.
Replace the Spring
If adjusting tension doesn't help, the spring itself might be too worn out or damaged to function, making replacement necessary.
Removing the Old Spring
Fully detach the cordless blinds again. Remove clips/pins from both ends and slide the roller tube out of the brackets.
Access the end caps and use needle nose pliers and a flathead screwdriver to detach the end caps, exposing the spring inside.
Note which direction it is wound. Grip one end with pliers and carefully unwind the spring to fully remove it.
Installing a New Replacement
Springs are specific to blind size, so contact the manufacturer for proper replacement type.
With the old spring out, wind the new spring counterclockwise into the roller tube, securing one end. Wind the spring to desired tautness and secure the other end.
Replace end caps, clips and test operation before rehanging the blinds. This should have them moving smoothly again.
Check Batteries (If Battery-Powered)
Cordless blinds that run on battery power can malfunction when batteries get low or die out.
Signs of Battery Issues
Warning signs of battery problems include:
- Remote failing to operate blinds
- Only partial blind movement
- Significantly slower operation
- Blinds not holding position (slowly sagging down)
Power issues will impair the mechanism despite no mechanical problems.
Replacing Batteries
Replace batteries in battery-powered wand or external remotes when noticing any signs of low power. For blinds with batteries integrated internally, battery replacement involves:
- Detaching blinds
- Removing battery cover on the mechanism or headrail endcap
- Taking out old batteries
- Installing new alkaline or lithium batteries
- Reattaching cover and blinds
This quickly restores full operation without manual intervention needed.
When to Call a Professional
While many fixes are DIY-friendly, it's best leaving complex mechanism repairs to the experts. Seek professional help for issues like:
- Replacing broken or worn gears
- Correcting incorrectly installed components
- Fixing damaged circuit boards or motors
- Re-threading lift cords
- Any electrical issues
Blind techs have specialized tools, parts and knowledge to accurately troubleshoot and repairproblematic mechanisms without risk of further damage.
Calling a professional right away also helps if your cordless blinds are still under warranty. DIY repairs can void warranties. Checking warranty coverage is advised first before attempting mechanism fixes.
Preventing Future Problems
With some periodic maintenance, you can prevent many cordless blind issues from cropping up:
- Clean mechanisms: Wipe down accessible areas every few months using a small vacuum crevice tool and soft brush to remove dust, dirt and debris.
- Check batteries: Replace low batteries in remote controls and battery-powered blinds promptly when noticing any operational issues.
- Inspect often: Look over blinds every 6-12 months for signs of wear or potential problems before they worsen.
- Adjust tension: Re-tension springs if blinds seem sluggish or saggy to maintain even performance.
Catching minor issues early and performing basic maintenance makes repairing more complex problems less likely down the road.
Diagnosing and fixing problematic cordless blind mechanisms doesn't have to be difficult. With some simple troubleshooting and DIY home repairs, you can often get them moving smoothly again.
Assess the specific symptoms first to pinpoint the problem. Cleaning dirty gears, adjusting spring tension, replacing worn parts and inspecting batteries will resolve many common issues.
For more complex repairs involving electronics or intricate components, enlist a professional to ensure proper diagnosis and service.
Your shades should provide many years of reliable functioning with proper maintenance and attention.