How to Fix Window Blinds: Common Problems and Solutions

Broken slats, stuck lifts, and frayed cords are common. Many fixes take only a few minutes with basic tools. This guide covers common problems and step-by-step fixes for horizontal and vertical blinds. 

Before You Start: Identify the Problem

Match your symptom to the right section so you don't waste time on the wrong fix.

Tools and Supplies You'll Need

You don't need specialty gear. These cover most repairs in this guide:

• Flathead screwdriver or butter knife – For prying out bottom rail plugs.
• Tweezers and needle-nose pliers – For knots, cords, and small parts.
• Scissors – For cutting worn cord.
• Lighter or match – For sealing cord ends so they don't unravel.
• Replacement slats – From the bottom of the same blind or a matching set.
• Replacement lift cord – Match diameter and type; available at hardware stores or from the manufacturer.
• Replacement carrier stems – For vertical blinds; match size to your track.

Optional: Silicone spray for stiff vertical blind tracks; clear-drying fabric glue for small tears on fabric blinds.

How to Fix Broken or Bent Horizontal Blind Slats

Replacing one or more damaged horizontal slats is straightforward if you follow the cord path. Work on a flat surface if you can.

1. Remove the plastic plugs. At the bottom rail you'll see small plastic stoppers on the left and right (and sometimes the center). Pop them out with a flathead screwdriver or butter knife.

2. Pull out and unknot the lift cords. Use tweezers to grab the knotted ends of each center lift cord from the unplugged holes. Untie the knots. If a knot won't budge, cut the cord just above it and briefly touch the frayed end with a lighter so it doesn't unravel.

3. Remove the center lift cord. From the height of the topmost broken slat, pull the center lift cord up and out on both sides. Note how the cord is threaded so you can restring the same way.

4. Remove the damaged slats. Gently pull the broken or bent slats out of the ladder rungs. Once the lift cord is free, they should slide off easily.

5. Insert replacement slats. Use slats from the bottom of the same blind or from a matching set. Slide them onto the ladder rungs in the same positions, with the route holes lined up.

6. Restring the blinds. Thread each lift cord back down through the route holes in each slat and through the bottom rail holes. Tie a slip knot at the end of each cord. Make sure the cords are even and the bottom rail hangs straight.

7. Snap the plastic plugs back in. Press them firmly into the bottom rail and test the lift.

How to Fix Vertical Blind Problems

Vertical blinds often look broken when they're only tangled or out of alignment. Start with a quick check, then move to parts replacement if needed.

Inspect and Untangle First

Inspect the slats from top to bottom. If they're twisted or overlapping wrong, untangle and align them. If they hang backward or crooked, straighten and re-seat them in the track. Many "broken" vertical blinds are fixed by this step alone.

Replace a Broken Carrier Stem

When one slat won't rotate or stay in place, the carrier stem (the plastic piece that connects the slat to the track) may be cracked or broken. Remove the slat from that stem. Grip the carrier body with needle-nose pliers, then twist and pull the stem down to remove it. Insert a replacement stem of the same size and reattach the slat. A light lubricating spray can help stiff stems; if rotation is still poor, replace the stem.

Re-Hang or Replace a Fallen Slat

If a slat keeps falling and the stem is fine, the slot at the top of the slat may be torn. You can flip the slat and punch a new hole at the other end, or reinforce the broken slot with sturdy tape or a paperclip so it clips back into the headrail. For a lasting fix, order a replacement slat from the manufacturer or use one from a matching set.

Fix Jammed Vertical Blinds

When vertical blinds won't open or rotate, don't force them. Check that slats are aligned in the clips and not tucked behind each other. Apply silicone spray into the headrail to reduce friction, then open and close the blinds fully a few times to spread it. Remove any visible obstructions from the track.

Blinds Won't Raise or Lower: Step-by-Step Fixes

Work through these in order. Most lift issues are solved by the first two steps.

Release the Lift Lock

Many corded blinds have a spring-loaded lock. Pull the cord straight down to release it; avoid angling until the blind starts moving. If the lock feels stuck, lower the blind slightly, then pull straight again. For continuous-loop systems, pull the loop in the "raise" direction while supporting the bottom rail to help the clutch re-engage.

Reset Cordless Blinds That Won't Go Up or Down

Cordless blinds rely on an internal spring. With the blind down, hold the bottom rail at the center, tug down a few inches, and release. Repeat three to five times to re-engage the spring. If that doesn't work, remove the blind from the brackets and try the same reset with the headrail on a flat surface. If your blind is motorized or battery-operated, check for low batteries.

Fix a Bound or Uneven Slat Stack

If one side is higher than the other or the stack feels wedged, close the slats flat, then raise the blind slowly while guiding the low side up with your free hand. Check for twisted ladder tapes or tangled cords and untwist them. Make sure the bottom rail is level when the blind is fully raised.

String Fell Off the Pulley (Blinds Extend but Won't Retract)

If the blind goes down but won't come back up, the lift string may have slipped off the pulley inside the headrail. Remove the blind from the mounting brackets and slide the tilt rod off its hook.

Locate the pulley where the string exits the headrail. Partially pull the shaft out to get access. From below, pull the string to add slack. Use tweezers to guide the string back onto the pulley from the top. Rehang and test.

Slats Won't Rotate (Tilt Problem)

When the wand or tilt control doesn't change the slat angle, the tilt mechanism is usually the cause.

Check the tilt rod. Turn the wand while watching the metal tilt rod inside the headrail. If the rod doesn't move, the tilter gear may be stripped or disengaged.

Reseat the tilter. Slide the headrail partway out of the bracket and press the tilter back into its pocket. Test the wand again.

Replace the tilt gear. If the plastic gear is worn or cracked, order a replacement for your blind model. Remove the headrail cover and swap the gear.

Broken or Frayed Lift Cord

A broken or badly frayed lift cord stops the window blind from raising and lowering smoothly. The fix is to replace the cord: remove the blind, splice the new cord to the old (with a small wrap of tape or a melted/glued join), then use the old cord as a guide to pull the new cord through the headrail and slats. Un-splice at the bottom, tie off, and rehang. Match the new cord's diameter and type to the original.

Other Quick Fixes

Bent (but not broken) slats: Try straightening by hand. For stiff materials, warm the slat gently with a hairdryer, then straighten. If a slat is cracked or snapped, replace it using the horizontal slat steps above.

Torn fabric on fabric blinds or cellular shades: For small tears on the fabric surface, apply clear-drying fabric glue sparingly at the tear edge with a small brush. Use as little glue as possible so it doesn't soak through. This is a spot fix only; we don't cover full shade repair here.

Maintenance to Prevent Future Problems

Regular dusting and occasional wiping reduce grit that can jam mechanisms and wear cords. Inspect cords and ladder tapes periodically for tangles and fraying. For full cleaning and care tips, see cleaning and maintaining guide.

When to Repair vs Replace

Repair makes sense when one or a few slats are damaged, when the lift cord or tilt mechanism is fixable, or when the headrail and most slats are in good shape.

Consider replacing a new window blind when the headrail is bent or damaged, multiple ladder tapes are cut or damaged, slats are sun-brittle or discolored across the set, or the cost of parts and your time outweighs the value of the window blind.

Have in mind how much does a new window blind cost so that you can stretch your dollar further. 

When to Call a Professional

Call a pro when cords are inside sealed cassettes you're not comfortable opening. Same when the window is large or high and working at height isn't safe.