Window blinds are really useful for controlling how much light comes into a room, giving you privacy, and making the room look nice. Sometimes, though, the blinds can get stuck and you can’t move them up or down. It can be annoying, but usually, it’s not too hard to fix the problem if you know what’s causing it. But don’t worry, because you can learn how to fix stuck blinds.
This guide will help you fix common problems with blinds. You will learn how to pull down blinds that are stuck, cords that are tangled, gears that are not aligned, how to close blinds with string, and how to pull down blinds without strings. We will tell you step-by-step solutions to these issues.
Common Reasons Why Blinds Get Stuck
If your blinds are often stuck, it’s mostly because of these issues:
- Improper handling: Be careful when you move the window blinds up or down too fast.
- Misaligned parts: Sometimes, parts like the stick or string can get out of place.
- Debris and dirt: Too much dust can get blinds stuck at top and then stop inside parts from working.
- Shipment issues: Blinds don’t work properly if their parts have shifted during delivery.
- Wear and tear: Using something too much can make it break or not work well.
Now that you know the reasons blinds get stuck, let’s talk about how to pull down blinds that are stuck.
1. Blinds Won’t Lower or Raise Properly
When you try to open or close the blinds by pulling the cord, they might get stuck in the up or down position. And then you wonder why won’t my blinds go down. This usually happens when the cord is trapped in the lock mechanism.
Solution: Freeing the Cord from the Lock Mechanism
To open the blinds, pull the cord gently until you hear a small click. If the blinds won’t open, you may need to use a screwdriver to release the lock manually. Always open and close the blinds slowly to avoid getting the cord stuck.
2. Blinds Won’t Tilt
If your blinds won’t tilt, it’s often because the rod that controls the angle of the slats has become disconnected from the mechanism that makes the slats move.
Solution: Reconnecting the Tilt Rod
Remove the cover from the top and find the long, thin rod that runs horizontally through the headrail. Connect the tilt rod to the gears that move the slats. If it’s not connected, gently slide it back into place. Be careful when using the tilt function of the blinds to avoid dislodging the tilt rod.
3. Blinds Stuck Due to Closed Slats
When the slats are closed, do not raise or lower the blinds. Closed slats create extra friction, which can make it difficult for the blinds to move smoothly.
Solution: Properly Opening Slats
Open horizontal slats before you open or close the blinds. Pull the blinds’ cord slowly towards the middle of the blinds at a 45-degree angle to unlock them. You’ll hear a click. Let go of the cord slowly, and the blinds should start moving.
4. Blinds Stuck After Being Raised or Lowered Too Quickly
When you move the window blinds vigorously up and down, the strings, because of quick movement, become tangled. As a result, the mechanism of its movement gets affected and that’s why you ask why won’t my blinds go down.
Solution: Freeing Jammed Cords
Open the top part of your blinds to see if its strings are twisted or stuck inside. If they are, then use a screwdriver or long-nose pliers to set the strings free. Then put the top blind part back together, and it’ll work fine.
5. Vertical Blinds Won’t Draw Across the Window
If you don’t have slats fully opened, the vertical blinds will not move smoothly and freely and it will affect the drawing mechanism and it will become jammed.
Solution: Realigning Vertical Blinds
Open the long pieces before you try to close the blinds. If the pieces aren’t moving, check if they are all in a line and not on top of each other the wrong way. Open the top part to see if the inside parts and pieces are broken or not lined up. In that case, you might need to fix or change the inside parts to solve the issue.
6. Blinds Won’t Lower After Shipment
Blinds can malfunction because of Pawl binding in which the pawl, a small part that connects with the lift cord, gets stuck. It usually happens after blinds have been shifted.
Solution: Releasing the Pawl
Remove the long metal part from the holders to get inside. You’ll see a small piece called the pawl, which moves along a track. Use a flat screwdriver to press the pawl down. Put the blinds back in place and the string to lift the blind will work smoothly
7. Cordless Blinds Won’t Lower
Cordless blinds can get misaligned if you raise them too quickly or with too much force because of their internal mechanisms.
Solution: Lowering Cordless Blinds
Pull the bottom of the blinds down and slowly lift the bottom part to make the strings inside go up smoothly. Slats should be even when lifting the blinds. For blinds with no strings, lift them slowly so the inside parts can move up properly otherwise the inside parts will get stuck.
8. Dirty or Jammed Internal Components
Not cleaning the inside top part of your window blinds allows the dust to get stuck there. Then, it becomes hard to get rid of.
Solution: Cleaning the Headrail
Remove the blinds to clean the inside parts with a soft brush or compressed air to get rid of dust and dirt from the gears, rods, and other moving parts. Spray silicone and lubricants on the inside parts so they can move smoothly.
Conclusion
Now you know how to pull down blinds that are stuck. Blinds that won’t open or close properly can be annoying, but they can often be fixed easily if you learn how to fix stuck blinds. Follow the methods we’ve explained and you’re good to go. If the string is stuck, the stick is not in the right place, or the blinds are dirty, you can usually solve the problem. And if you’ve tried everything and your blinds are still stuck, you can call a professional to fix the issue.
