Repair Horizontal Blinds

Learn how to complete common repairs for Hunter Douglas horizontal blinds, including EverWood, Modern Precious Metals and Parkland.

Remove Hidden Bracket

Order Tilters

Install Tilters

Order Valance Clips

Order Return Clips/Extrusions

Install Valance Clips

Order Tape Rolls

Convert Tape Roll and Tape Roll Support to EPIC Components

Replace Decorative Tape Roll

Replace Breakaway Tassel

Attach Clear Safety Donut

Replace Wood Tassel

Replace Cord Connector

Remove Standard Battery Wand

Change Liftmaster Cord Loop

Release UltraGlide Stuck in Raised Position

Use Tape Buttons

If you are in need of a repair that is not listed, including replacement slats, please work through your original dealer. If you do not know who your original dealer was, please contact us for further assistance. We can be reached at (800) 789-0331 Monday-Friday, 9AM-8PM ET. If it is more convenient for you, you can also send us an email.

Remove Hidden Bracket

The hidden bracket was used on horizontals before 2004.

1. Raise the product all the way up.
   

1. Place a flathead screwdriver between the mounting bracket and the headrail.
   

1. Push the screwdriver up and twist 90 degrees. The headrail will snap free of the bracket. Complete this for each bracket installed.
   

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Order Tilters

1. Identify the needed tilter from below.
   

1. If not discontinued, request the part and quantity needed on this form. Fill out the shipping information under “Your Information” and the product information, including the part and quantity needed, under “Product Information.”

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Install Tilters

1. Remove the aluminum headrail end lock from the side of the headrail opposite the tilter.
   
   
   
2. Remove the tilter wand from the metal arm or, if you are replacing a cord tilter, cut off or untie the knots that hold the tassels on the cord.
   
   
   
3. Slide the metal rod out of the tilter. The rod only needs to be slid far enough to clear the tilter. Do not slide the rod past the tape roll.
   
   
   
4. Spread the top of the headrail apart, and release the tilter from the read of the headrail first. The tilter will come out when pulled straight up.
   
   
   
5. Feed the metal arm or, if you are replacing a cord tilter, the strings through the opening in the headrail. Push the tilter body down. It will click into place.
   
   
   
6. Slide the tilt rod back into the tilter. Some tilt rods and tilters may only fit together one way. Make sure that the profile of the tilt rod matches the opening in the tilter.
   
   
   
7. Install the tilter wand or tassels.
   
   
   
   
   
   For wands, attach the wand and then pull the plastic sleeve down to hold the wand in place.
   
   
   
8. Install the metal end lock or end cap.
   
   

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Order Valance Clips

1. Identify the needed valance clip from below. Pictures are not to scale. All measurements are taken from the highest point to the lowest point.
   

1. If not discontinued, request the part and quantity needed on this form. Fill out the shipping information under “Your Information” and the product information, including the part and quantity needed, under “Product Information.”

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Order Return Clips/Extrusions

1. Identify the needed return clip or extrusion from below.
   

1. Request the part and quantity needed on this form. Fill out the shipping information under “Your Information” and the product information, including the part and quantity needed, under “Product Information.”

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Install Valance Clips

1. Attach the valance clips 2” from each end of the headrail.
2. Space additional clips evenly between the two end clips so that the valance clips are no more than 36” apart.
3. Do not place the valance clips where they could interfere with any working parts.
4. If desired, the valance may be positioned ¾” higher by raising the clips one notch up.
   
   
   
5. Some examples of how the valance clips connect the valance to the headrail can be seen here.
   
   The clip in this example is the AWBS Hidden Clip (PCN 7007744000).
   
   
   
   The clip in this example is the Universal Valance Clip (PCN 7007845000).
   
   
   

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Order Tape Rolls

1. Identify the needed tape roll part(s) from below.
   

1. If not discontinued, request the part and quantity needed on this form. Fill out the shipping information under “Your Information” and the product information, including the part and quantity needed, under “Product Information.”
   
   When requesting parts, keep in mind that the EPIC tape roll and support must always be used together.
   
   When changing to a steel tape roll and metal supports, all tape rolls and supports must be switched to steel/metal.
   

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Convert Tape Roll and Tape Roll Support to EPIC Components

1. Pull the cords to stack the blinds tightly under the headrail.
2. Remove the valance.
3. Remove the blind from the brackets.
4. Tap out the thin metal end lock of the headrail with a flathead screwdriver and a hammer or mallet.
   
   
   
5. Pull the tilt rod all the way out, and set it aside.
   
   
   
6. To remove the bead type roll, turn the tape roll upside down to see the crimped grommet. With the needlenose pliers, pull the cord out of the narrow end of the slot as shown. Repeat process for all tape supports.
   
   
   
   To remove the slot type tape roll, pull the cord with the grommet out of the channel as shown. Repeat process for all tape rolls.
   
   
   
7. The breakaway tassel that holds the internal cord will need to be taken apart in order to rethread the lift cord through the new tape support. Separate both halves of the cord connector, and take out the knots. Save these parts for later.
   
   
8. Pull the lift cord out down through the old tape support. Take a flathead screwdriver, and remove the old support. Repeat this process for all tape supports.
   
   
   
9. Angle the new EPIC Tape Roll Support toward the rear of the headrail. The small tab should fit under the lip of the headrail.
   
   
   
10. Snap the tab of the tape roll support underneath the lip of the headrail. Repeat this process for all tape roll supports.
    
    
    
11. Add the lift cord through the new support. For each support, route the lift cord using the following diagram. When you are finished with the lift cords, reattach the breakaway cord connectors.
    
    
    
12. Add the new EPIC tape roll. Use the needlenose pliers and pull cord with the crimped grommet into the narrow channel to secure the cord. Repeat for all tape supports. Push the tape roll down into the support.
    
    
    
13. Reinsert the V-shaped rod through the tape rolls. Make sure to align the V-notch in the rod to the V-notch in the tape spool.
    
    
    
14. Push the metal end cap back on, and reinstall the shade.
    
    

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Replace Decorative Tape Roll

Due to a difference in internal components, a decorative tape roll cannot be added after a shade has been made with standard tape rolls.

To replace a decorative tape roll on the 2” low profile headrail, follow the below instructions.

Tools Needed: Flat Head Screwdriver/Hammer/Needle Nose Pliers

1. Pull the cords to stack the blinds tightly under the headrail.
2. Remove the blind from the brackets.
   

1. Tap out the thin metal end-lock of the headrail with a screwdriver and hammer.
   
   
   
2. Pull the tilt rod all the way out, and set it aside.
   
   
   
3. Pull the tape roll up, and pinch the end of the metal retainer together, using pliers or your fingers, to release the metal retainer. Pull the metal retainer through the tape to remove it from the support.
   

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2. The breakaway tassel that holds the internal cord will need to be taken apart in order to re-thread the lift cord through the tape support. Separate both halves of the cord connector, and save them for re-installation.
   
   
   
3. Pull the lift cord through the cordlock, and pull down through the tape roll support. The tape roll support can be taken off with a flathead screwdriver or by flexing the headrail and twisting the support out.
   

1. Angle the new EPIC tape roll support towards the rear of the headrail. The small tab should fit under the lip of the headrail.
   

1. Snap the tab of the tape roll support underneath the lip of the headrail. Repeat this process for all tape roll supports.
   
   
   
2. Add the lift cord through the support. For each support, route the lift cord using the below diagram. When you are finished with the lift cords, reattach the breakaway cord connectors.
   

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2. Add the new tape roll. Squeeze the tape roll pin together and insert it at the end of the tape roll. Feed each decorative tape through the route hole. Repeat this step for the other side and for all other tapes on the blind. Squeeze the pin together, and insert it into the opposite side.
   

1. Re-insert the metal rod through the tape rolls. Make sure to align the V-notch in the rod to the V-notch in the tape spool as shown.
   

1. Put the metal end cap back on, and re-install the shade.
   
   

Replace Breakaway Tassel

During this process, do not remove the clear safety donuts from the top of the lift cords, as they help reduce access to inner cords that can pose a risk of accidental strangulation.

1. Cut the lift cords right above the old tassel. Cut the cords at an angle to make it easier to thread new tassels and grommets onto the cord.
   
   
   
2. Thread one wood tassel on each lift cord. One tassel should be used for each individual lift cord. Do not use a single tassel for both cords, as the resulting loop can pose a risk for accidental strangulation.
3. Thread one lift cord grommet on each lift cord.
   
   
   
4. Tie the lift cord into a double knot underneath the grommet and tassel.
   
   

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Attach Clear Safety Donut

1. With the blind in the fully lowered position, attach the safety donut to the lift cord 1" to 2" below the bottom of the headrail.
   
   
   
2. Pull the lift cord through the donut hole.
   
   
   
3. Spread the cord loop apart.
   
   
   
4. Pull the donut and lift cord through the loop opening.
   
   
   
5. Allow the cord to wrap around the donut, creating a slip knot.
   
   
   
6. Tighten the cord until the donut is secure against the lift cord.
   
   
   
7. Repeat these steps for each lift cord.

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Replace Wood Tassel

1. Untie the knot at the end of the pull cord.
2. Remove the tassel from the pull cord.
3. Trim the end of the cord at an angle for easy rethreading.
4. Thread the new tassel on the pull cord.
5. Tie a single knot at the end of the cord.
   
   
   
6. Do not use a single tassel for more than one cord, as the resulting loop can pose a risk of accidental strangulation.

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Replace Cord Connector

1. Pull the cord connector apart.
   
   
   
2. Untie all the cord knots and remove any washers, if present.
3. Trim the ends of the cord at al angle for easy rethreading.
4. Thread two of the cords through the top of each half of the cord connector. Tie them off with a double knot.
   
   
   
5. Your blind may have one or two additional cords. If so, thread a washer on each cord and tie off with a double knot.
   
   
   
6. Thread the pull cord through the hole in the bottom of the cord connector, and tie it off with a single knot. Trim all cords to 1/8" of the knots.
   
   
   
7. Position the bottom ends of the cord connector together and snap closed. Ensure all cords hang an equal distance (within 3") from the headrail to help reduce access to inner cords, which can pose a risk of accidental strangulation.
   
   
   
8. Spread the tops of the cord connector apart to insert the other cord(s) in the notch(es) on each side. Snap closed.
   
   

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Remove Standard Battery Wand

Not every Hunter Douglas motorized product will use a battery wand. Products can also be hard-wired or use a DC Power Supply (18V or 16-Shade). A standard battery wand will be mounted behind the shade.

1. Raise the fabric up, if possible.
2. Reach behind the fabric. Be careful not to cause any damage to the fabric.
3. Feel around for the battery wand. It will typically be on the same side as the motor.
   
   
   
4. Once located, pull down on the battery wand. It will come out of the bracket.
5. Unplug the cable assembly from the battery wand, NOT from the window treatment.
6. When you are ready to put the battery wand back, plug in the cable assembly first, and then slide the battery wand into the battery wand bracket until it is secured.

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Change Liftmaster Cord Loop

When changing the Liftmaster cord loop, do not disassemble the clutch assembly.

1. After completely removing the old cord from the clutch assembly, place a section of the new cord into the clutch.
2. Firmly pull the cord clockwise against a tooth edge until the pulley moves, trapping the cord in the clutch pulley.
   
   
   
3. Be sure the cord tensioner is facing in the proper direction, with the hole to the back.
   
   
   
4. Rotate the pulley clockwise until the cord is inserted completely around the cord pulley. You can use a pencil eraser or similar tool to assist in rotating the pulley.
   
   
   
5. Insert the roller (wheel) onto the pin of the clutch assembly on the same side that the cord inserts and exits. Be sure the roller is fully inserted.
   
   
   
6. Place the small tab of the clutch cover over the matching feature on the bottom of the clutch assembly.
   
   
   
7. While exerting upward pressure at the hinge formed when placing the cover over the tab, carefully push the top of the cover into place at the top of the clutch assembly.
   
   
   
8. Insert the two spears all the way into the slots of the clutch.
   
   

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Release UltraGlide Stuck in Raised Position

In isolated cases, the UltraGlide mechanism can get stuck between lifting and lowering. This can happen if the wand is pulled at an angle to lower the blind when the retracting cord has not been fully retracted. To fix this, follow the below instructions.

1. Use the pull wand to pull the cord straight down as though you were raising the blind. It only needs to move about ¼" to reset the mechanism. This can be done even if the blind is raised almost all the way up.
2. Make sure the cord is fully retracted, so that the small silver bead on the retracting cord is fully enclosed in the black mechanism exiting the headrail. The small silver bead must not be visible.
3. Gently pull at a 45-degree angle towards the center of the blind to lower as normal.

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Use Tape Buttons

A tape button is a small circular or round insert on the bottom of the bottom rail on a horizontal wood, faux wood or aluminum blind. A Tape Button will keep the internal strings in place within the bottom bar and is important in ensuring that the internal strings stay where they are supposed to for the shade to work properly.

There are two types of tape buttons: circular and square. Circular tape buttons are used exclusively for wood and faux wood blinds. Square tape buttons are used exclusively for aluminum blinds. The color of the tape buttons will be directly related to the slat color of the blind.