Restringing for the Fourth Time

[Taftcoach]

I have one pleated blind that breaks. I'm getting really fast at restringing, but I'd like this to be my last. I've looked for any sharp edges and that doesn't seem to be the problem. I'm about to take it down but was thinking someone might have a suggestion for finding the reason for the frequent breaks that requires it to still be installed.

I'm also considering swapping out for a different window treatment.

 

[norty1]

Have you tried a different string? Maybe waxed twine?

 

[Taftcoach]

I haven't. That's a good idea.

 

[JFlightRisk]

We had a small brass colored metal grommet that was crimped in wrong, on our first shade to fray the cord. One small shade over our bed that was used a lot. The cord kits come with plastic ones, and that slowed the breakage frequency.
Also there's a fine line between too tight and too loose on the tensioning.

 

[Midnightmoon]

That reminds me. I have one to restring that I have put off all winter.

 

[LuckyDuck]

I used the United brand restringing kit to replace several of mine a few years ago. But I also bought this cord just in case as it was a bit heavier and “slippery.” I haven’t needed it yet, but it looks like it would hold up well. Might be worth a try… https://www.amazon.com/Mandala-Craf...pcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A1VNYUKXZ3RLF0

 

[JFlightRisk]

That's the brand we get too. I've used most of the first kit and have another one for a backup. Sooner or later another shade will need repair down the road. Small trailer with only five windows. Four have pleated shades, one has mini blinds.

 

[LuckyDuck]

You’re right about the tension. Of our six windows, three frayed and broke. I had always kept the tension tight as I thought that was necessary to hold them up. After replacing them. I tighten them just enough to keep the blinds up against gravity. They’re down when traveling so heavy tension isn’t necessary. So far, so good.

 

[Taftcoach]

Well I took a closer look at I begrudgingly grabbed my screwdriver to remove the blind. The plastic anchor thingy at the bottom had come loose. So much faster repair.

The earlier comments reminded me. Initially when I removed this one the installer didn't even try to get the screw into the grommet, just pulled the shade down and blasted two screws through a couple pleates and the plastic frame. That caused the initial fraying.

 

[JFlightRisk]

I can see how that would catch the cord. Maybe a short piece of small hose, or even a straw in the channel around the threads would keep them from touching.

I often have to tweak an anchor here and there on ours.

 

[norty1]

… and the larger the window, the more places to wear. As stated, just tight enough to overcome gravity. I also use metal sewing machine spindles to anchor them at the bottom when the plastic one start breaking.

 

[Howard69]

is there a trick to removing the valance?

 

[LuckyDuck]

is there a trick to removing the valance?

Long screwdriver, three hands and plenty of cuss words! Seriously,having someone hold it in place on the brackets while you try to screw/unscrew helps.

 

[Jim Davis-JAY]

I've actually replaced several of mine rather than restring.
The replacements came with snap in brackets so no screws through the blind body.
My educated guess is that the factory workers just short cut the installation by throwing the brackets away and shooting two screws

 

[Taftcoach]

is there a trick to removing the valance?

Just to be clear there are two things that could be called valance. On mine, Jayco installed a fabric covered wood valance with sides to hide the blinds and the strings. That does not need to be removed to swap out the blinds. The header for the blinds is held in by two wood screws that go up into the fabric covered valance. Those are removed to work on the blinds.

Next time I'm taking them out and replacing them with roller black out blinds. I'm wondering how that go bad lol

 

[norty1]

Look up Lambrequin. That is what the sides are called.

 

[Travln2]

Have you tried a different string? Maybe waxed twine?

I bought this and did several blinds about 2 years ago- they are all still fine.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N12CX73/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[Kristian-JAY]

Waxed

Like someone else said on here, the waxed string should hold up much better. Basically it's self lubricating and should hold up better.

 

[Retired mountain folk]

I have one pleated blind that breaks. I'm getting really fast at restringing, but I'd like this to be my last. I've looked for any sharp edges and that doesn't seem to be the problem. I'm about to take it down but was thinking someone might have a suggestion for finding the reason for the frequent breaks that requires it to still be installed.

I'm also considering swapping out for a different window treatment.

Ours kept breaking to then restringing a few times over. Found out it was catching on the little round tensioner. I replaced the tensioner and it’s been good for about four years now.

 

[klirg]

I have one pleated blind that breaks. I'm getting really fast at restringing, but I'd like this to be my last. I've looked for any sharp edges and that doesn't seem to be the problem. I'm about to take it down but was thinking someone might have a suggestion for finding the reason for the frequent breaks that requires it to still be installed.

I'm also considering swapping out for a different window treatment.

I applied a bit of crazy glue on the pleat.