Cut the front of the pleat on the … Measurements play a key role here as they help ensure that the window treatment is the perfect fit for the window but sometimes the fit is just not right. With the tin snips or hacksaw, carefully cut the headrail along the mark you made. Trying a Metal Nibbler for Small Cuts Use nibblers for thin, short cuts. But one window was a really odd size and I didn’t want to spend nearly $200 to cover it. Cut through the strings attached to the plug or button, taking note of how the string is configured to … Place the slats on a table saw with the blade at the cut line on the masking tape. Shop our superior-quality window treatments. Press the side of the blade against the edge of … Well, as you can see from the photo below…it worked really well! Use a framing square or leveler to measure the length of your cut. Once you have properly measured, bring your measurements in to the store. First remove the metal end stiffener bracket, and then use a hacksaw or tin snips to do the job. I finally found a size on sale that would fit the window, in a bit of an odd color (gold…but hey, I’ll work with it!). Popular Blinds Features. You can cut on one side of the cords are on the other. I took the quarter inch off one side, because taking 1/8″ off each side seemed just plain crazy. Unroll the roller blind. Use the scissors to cut through all the cords at about 6 inches below the slat you marked as your bottom slat. I removed the caps on the end I planned to cut, used painters tape to secure the shades tightly in place and measured a gazillion times to be sure (using the edge of the tape as my cutting line). If the blinds move around, you will not be able to cut them properly and you will end up destroying your blinds. Generally, this is the slat closest to the bottom of the window if you are planning to fit the blind inside the window frame, but can be lower if that fits your particular needs. When it arrived, it was a quarter inch too wide to be mounted inside the window. Tie the lift cords in a loose knot. DIYelevator music courtesy of Kevin Macleod incompetech.com Our guide will show you how to adjust them to the length you need. Lay the shade on its side on a flat surface and run a tape measure along the top of the headrail from … As you cut the headrail you may want to bend the cut portion out of the way with pliers or a screw driver. Make the cut - Cutting roller blinds at this point should be easy. Then, I carefully ran them through my table saw. Key to successfully shortening the blinds is careful removal and replacement of the plugs on the bottom rail of the blinds. Ensure that the headrail is not in the way of the saw blade by sliding all of the slats over to one side. I figure you’re better off with a blade that’s moving quickly rather than leaving it up to chance with a hand saw. How I cut 36"X 64" blinds that were a little wider than I needed. thick using a ferrous-metal-cutting blade. Cut a ring around the center bar with the utility knife. I didn't have anyone to hold the camera to show the actual cutting but you can get a good idea. I took the quarter inch off one side, because taking 1/8″ off each side seemed just plain crazy. We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Kitchn is a source of inspiration for a happier, healthier life in your kitchen. Remember, when you cut, the saw blade will take away a teeny bit extra, so make sure you’ve got the blade lined up on the outside of your line. Also, make a light mark on the blinds to indicate where you are going to cut. Scroll the tape to the roller blinds' required length and mark at several places using a marker. Remove any components you can from the metal headrail and recycle it as well. Take Out The Bottom Slat: Just slide it out using your finger, after which you will be able to see the … Lay a piece of cardboard flat on a stable surface. Pry out the plugs on the bottom rail using the flat-head screwdriver. Replace the end stiffener back into the headrail. Nibblers can allow a better … I have a table saw, so I thought I’d be the guinea pig and either succeed or fail big. I removed the caps on the end I planned to cut, used painters tape to secure the shades tightly in place and measured a gazillion times to be sure (using the edge of the tape as my cutting line). Cut through the strings attached to the plug or button, taking note of how the string is configured to hold on to the plug. For most of the windows, I made do with mounting them on the outside of the windows (partially to accommodate the cats wanting to sit on the sills). Let down the installed blind to it's full length. Set the plugs aside in a safe place. How do I shorten my metal blind control cords? How to Cut Roller Shades That are Too Wide. Before you push them in, make sure that the tied-off adjustment strings and ladder strings on both sides allow the bottom rail to hang evenly. If the fit is too tight to do by hand, use a rubber or plastic mallet to tap them in. For thicker materials you may want to use a … Secure the plugs to the adjustment strings in the configuration you noted earlier and push the plugs back into their securing holes. So, the task was to find shades that fit. Trim off any excess adjustment cord when everything else is finished. Got a tip, kitchen tour, or other story our readers should see. (Images: Blind Faith Windows and Michelle Chin). Jannen's eclectic education includes engineering and horticulture, and she represents the Rural Economic Action League in regional economic development planning. If you do so you will want to insert a cardboard sheet under the fabric to ensure you don't damage your table. I knew from the moment I bought my home that I’d want top down/bottom up window treatments. Bend the ends of the headrail back out into position with pliers or a screw driver. Securely fasten the blinds onto the cutting area. Make a straight line with a straight ruler following the marked places on the roller blinds' width. There should be one at the bottom of the string ladders on either side of the blinds. Sad, but true. But to think, if I had returned them and custom ordered blinds that fit, it would have cost at least $150 more than what I spent ($50 on sale at JC Penney). Cut Metal with Your Circular Saw. Blinds have come a long way over the years, partly because of the many new features that make them simpler to use, and – in turn – make your life easier. Be inspired by our collection of styles and colors. Billie Jo Jannen is a politics and lifestyle columnist in rural San Diego County and a senior copy editor for Demand Media. In our test, it cut through rebar like a hot knife through butter. One of the biggest fears most people have when they shop for blinds, shades or shutters is the fit. You can cut mild steel up to about 3/8 in. The bottom rail should also be removed this way. You can achieve any desired level of privacy, energy savings or operation control with the vast assortment of options that LEVOLOR has to offer. 4. 4. Use a table saw to cut the blinds but use only a fine-tooth blade that is used for cutting finished wood. Cut the lift cords and ladder cords to free each slat. Put your blinds in your chop saw (miter saw), make sure you get it lined up exactly where you want it. Our associates can cut your in-store bought blinds to the exact size needed, for free. This can vary with manufacturer and is important to know when you reinstall the plug. Can You Buy a Replacement Rod for Vertical Blinds? The process for shortening too-long blinds is the same for metal, vinyl and wood blinds. How to Replace the Pull Cord on a Poulan Pro 131, Levoler: Levolor Aluminum and Vinyl Blind Shortening Instructions. If you feel your control cords are too long, you can follow these steps to shorten. Use the bottom rails as well. All control cords are normally 1/2 the length of the blind when manufactured. Cut an equal amount on both sides. Remove the paper clip from the pleat on which you will be cutting. I don’t want folks being able to look in my windows, nor do I want to necessarily look at my neighbor’s roof. I figured at that small amount, it didn’t really matter. Cut the blinds carefully. Using a straight edge, mark the masking tape with a pencil so you know where you need to make your cuts. Cutting down the slats 4. This is the new bottom slat of your blinds. If your blind is made using PVC or a similar material then you may be able to cut the fabric using a craft knife. Use a fine-tooth blade meant for finished wood. Subtract the length of your window frame from the length of your roller blinds to determine how far into the blinds you need to … The adjusting cord goes through all the slats via small holes in each. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. A quick video showing the method for cutting. Pull the adjusting cord out of the bottom rail and all the slats below your chosen bottom slat. Her writing and editing career spans 23 years, and she specializes in border and environmental affairs. … Use a carbide blade if there is any metal on the binds. I started to think, “can I trim these like I would with regular wooden or plastic blinds?” I only found one message board that described using a miter saw (more of a chop saw) to cut these blinds, but most folks failed and tore the fabric either using the miter saw or a handheld saw. Many scrap metal yards and recycling centers won’t accept full blinds, only the aluminum, steel or vinyl parts. Saw Off The Headrail: Start cutting the headrail at the point that you made the marking. Make sure the blind material … Use the pencil or tape to mark the slat closest to the length you want. Measure from the end the amount needed to cut off. Retract the shade and wrap both ends tightly … How to Shorten. A metal file can be used to cut off any rough edges. To cut down mini-blinds, you'll need to mark several measurements for where you will cut at. Measure your shades to the needed width (the width of the window minus one-half inch on each side) and mark where they will need to be cut. Pry off the plugs in the underside of the bottom rail or metal bar … And there you have it, a comprehensive step by step guide on how to shorten blinds and cut them to size, if you have mastered the arts of cutting blinds to size, you’re a better person than I am. It's easy to make your Trim+Go blinds and shades shorter to fit your windows. So, for nearly two years, it has worn a temporary paper shade. If there is any metal on the blinds, use a carbide blade. Fully lower the blind, and then push the control cords through the tassel to expose the knot. Venetian blinds -- also called horizontal blinds -- are constructed to be relatively easy for homeowners to tailor to the sizes they need for their particular windows. Use a ruler to ensure that the line is … Then, I carefully ran them through my table saw. Move tassel up the cords to the desired end position, and then tie a new knot below the tassel. Levolor is a leader in custom blinds, shutters, and shades. Pull the remainder of the unwanted slats horizontally from of the "rungs" of the supporting ladder string. If the measurements from your window differ from top to bottom, mark the respective measurements. How to Cut Metal Blinds That Are Too Long ; A reuse-and-recycle attitude may prevent a homeowner from throwing vertical blinds out if the rod needs replacing. Hot metal chips will fly everywhere. How you design your LEVOLOR Custom Cellular shades directly effects the décor and comfort of your home. Cutting your blind fabric. Depending on the brand you bought, these may be either a smoothly rounded plug or a buttonlike disk. Measure twice, cut once! These seemingly insignificant parts secure the bottom of the cord that allows you to open, close and adjust the blinds. It may not be an obvious choice, but fitted with the right blade, a circular saw is a great metal-cutting tool. The slats below your cut drop away. Be careful, though! To prevent the blinds from chipping when they are being cut you use masking tape at the cut lines. Thread the adjustment string through the plug holes in either side of the bottom rail. Avoid pulling it out of the slats you want to keep, as you will have to take time to thread it back through again if it's pulled out. 10) Enjoy your blinds, call your partner in to show off your handy work and declare yourself the master of blinds. Also, MAKE SURE all your blinds strings are away from the saw. Slide the bottom rail into the rung of each ladder string just below your new bottom rail. Twist the excess ladder strings and stuff them into their respective plug holes while holding the adjustment cord to one side.