Needed to combine two of your videos switching back and forth to restring my Great Windows Blinds, but it worked! Thank you so much for your close shots and step by step instructions.
I just used this tutorial and the diagram on the website to restring an 3 string Alta top down-bottom up honeycomb shade that is about 15 yrs old. For anyone who needs the info, the Alta is like the old style Hunter Douglas (washers on the bottom rail) except that the middle rail uses triangular pieces that tie on instead of the nice equalizers. I tied them like the washers on the bottom rail and it seems ok. I also didn't realize that of course I would need 6 strings rather than 3. I would've needed 7 more feet than I ordered so I trimmed a little off each and more off the center. Basically, I measured from the holes to the window frame for width (instead of the whole window width for each string) so I saved a little on each end string and and more in the middle. I still had plenty. Thank you so much for this video. I literally watched a step, paused the video, did the step, repeat. I saved a lot of money and the blind is working before company arrives! My husband is slightly stunned 😉
Thank you so much for these incredibly clear instructions! I just fixed a 25 year-old Hunter Douglas shade with a broken string. Now it glides like new.
Same here! Two strings broken and I let the repair go for months, thought it would be too complicated. A local guy said he'd repair it for $75... Fortunately, I bought the correct size string locally and thanks to th these videos I fixed that shade!! Huzzah!!
Well done! This is one of the best how to videos I've ever had the privilege of using. Perfectly scripted, shot, lit, edited and narration and the demonstration was clear, well paced and easy to follow! I've produced over a couple dozen how to videos for consumer products and you guys knocked it out of the park. Thank you for making such a well done resource available.
Our 82" wide by 52" tall shade has 4 lines up and 4 lines down. Using the formula of 2x width plus height made for a lot of extra work (18' cords!) Ended up cutting off several feet but better too long than too short! Thanks for the instruction!
Greg, That is a lot of string to replace for sure! I'm glad you got the repair done. The formula we use for the length of each string is a generous estimate in case there is a mistake made. That why there is trimming to be done at the end.
Thank you so much for posting this. I had to re-string a levelour lace blind. I'm so glad because the one I have has been discontinued. This video helped me from start to finish just perfect!
It doesn't tell you to cut four strings. The diagram clearly shows there are two top-down and two bottom-up strings, but it never tells you that. I only cut two strings and was very confused until I came back to the diagram. It would be helpful to have better information about the length of each string, rather than cutting four all the same length.
Leslie - The top down/button up shades can be tricky to repair for sure. The formula we use for string length is a generous estimate. We feel that it is better to have a longer than necessary string to trim than cut it too short and have to start over.
I have a 70" Wide by 55" long shade. My problem is that I can't get the shade compressed to do the repair. It is extended and the string is broken so I can't pull it to compress the shade. Any tips on how to handle this situation? Can I somehow feed the string through, or how can I compress the shade?
Hi there, that does make it a little more difficult to start off! The only way to compress the shade is to take it down and fold it up carefully by hand. Then, you can put some rubber bands around the fabric stack to hold it together.
Very informative! It looks once you removed the top bracket caps, you would slide the bracket out easily. But my hunterDouglas cordless (94" by 59") topdown/bottomup model top bracket won't slide out. I am afraid to break the shades if I try pull too hard. Do you have any idea what is wrong? Thank you!
Hi James, If your shade is cordless and operates by pushing/pulling on the bottom rail to raise and lower, we recommend hiring a professional repair person to fix it for you. If you start removing parts from the headrail, there's a chance of damaging the shade. If you need a referral for a repair company, please email us at service@fixmyblinds.com with your location.
As I watched you take the top "rail" off I wanted to know if I reverse that can I then have the back of the shade become the front? I like the back color (white) better with the new paint. My question is can the shade be reversed? Thanks
Hi there, thanks for your question. Yes, you can turn the fabric around without a problem. The holes for the string are punch right in the center of the cellular fabric.
Hello, i agree with all the comments, great videos. In regards the top query. Couldn't you just pull out the shade control stops, take the pull handles off, pull the string through, then switch the control stops, left for right, right for left, run the string through and now you can hang the shade with the inner and outer sides reversed. Or am I missing something?
I'm in the process of restringing my Top Down - Bottom Up Cellular Honeycomb Shade (Hunter Douglas). I know I need four strings, however my question is...Are all the strings the same size? 58.5" is the length and 46" is the width. I have the formula to cut the string. Do I have 4 strings at 2x the length + the width? Or do I have 2 strings at 2x the length + 2 strings at 46" which is the width? please, somebody help me.
Thomas, That's a great question. All four of the strings will be the same length. So, that's four individual strings at 2x the length plus the width of the shade. Let me know if you have any additional questions.
are next day blinds made by hunter douglas? My NDB are 70 wide and about 55 long, the 2x length plus the width was waaay too long... it also had top down , bottom up ...GREAT VIDEO!
Hi John, I don't know if Next Day Blinds are made with Hunter Douglas components. It's possible. If you'd like to see if they are, please send me an email at service@fixmyblinds.com with a picture of the locking mechanisms. I can let you know if they are Hunter Douglas or not. - Gretchen
I didn't have the exact brand the show here, but the basics were enough to be able to do it myself. Their STRING GUIDE was WAY OFF. Based on their instructions, I was to need 86 feet but only used half of that. I measured 4 times before I ordered and could have purchased the smallest roll of string, instead ended up with a 300ft roll. Way more than I needed. No worries though, it was way less expensive than replacing the entire blind and having it not match the other 20 year old blinds. Thanks Fix My Blind.
i tried twice to restring my top down bottom up blinds looking and following this video, but both time, my blinds do not stay closed, what am I doing wrong? HELP PLEASE!! I have old style .
Hi Sonal, thanks for reaching out! Perhaps the cord lock mechanism isn't threaded correctly. Would you please send us some pictures of the locking mechanisms? Our email is service@fixmyblinds.com. Also, did you replace all of the strings? Where did you get the replacement string?
Hi there, Are you trying to get the rail off of the fabric? If possible, please share a few pictures to us at service@fixmyblinds.com so we can provide specific instructions. Thanks!
Thank you however, DO NOT USE LESS STRING THAN RECOMMENDED! I just fought with a six string 7 foot long blind for three hours only to find that I didn't have enough string. It all depends on the width to height ratio of the shade. Trust me on that. I figured I could save some string for next time. Idiot. Now I have to start over and order more string. Also, my threading tool did not easily pass through the plastic pieces and it was a mess
This was not quite right for my model. For my model, when pushing the needle hole device through the body of the screen, you had to remove the bottom caps and slide off the metal bottom, and you actualy had to string from the bottom and then up through to the 'middle' rail towards the top. This is because the holes on my bottom rail are not big enough to allow the needle hole device to penetrate through.
Hunter Douglas has the LiteRise Honeycomb blinds with a Transmission and two Motors. To replace, cost is about $52. That's expensive to replace all three items just because the string broke. Why so? That's not fair for consumers. Why can't the Transmission be repaired?
Hi Oka, We are an independent company that sells blind repair parts for a variety of brands. We are not associated with Hunter Douglas. I'm sorry to hear that your LiteRise shade is not working properly. It is frustrating that all of the motors and transmission have to be replaced whenever the blind is restrung, however that is how those parts were designed by Hunter Douglas. There is no way to fix a transmission or a motor once it has been used and the springs are "sprung." I encourage you to reach out to Hunter Douglas directly about this issue. Here's a link to their contact information: help.hunterdouglas.com/s/parts-and-repairs.
You do not need to replace the motor only the transmission. Or if you only one cord has broken you do not need to replace the transmission or motor but replace the cord.
String cutting instructions are terrible. Please redo this video or add an amendment to the description. Also 2xL + W was 60 inches too long for my total of 174. Otherwise, helpful, thanks!
Needed to combine two of your videos switching back and forth to restring my Great Windows Blinds, but it worked! Thank you so much for your close shots and step by step instructions.
I just used this tutorial and the diagram on the website to restring an 3 string Alta top down-bottom up honeycomb shade that is about 15 yrs old. For anyone who needs the info, the Alta is like the old style Hunter Douglas (washers on the bottom rail) except that the middle rail uses triangular pieces that tie on instead of the nice equalizers. I tied them like the washers on the bottom rail and it seems ok. I also didn't realize that of course I would need 6 strings rather than 3. I would've needed 7 more feet than I ordered so I trimmed a little off each and more off the center. Basically, I measured from the holes to the window frame for width (instead of the whole window width for each string) so I saved a little on each end string and and more in the middle. I still had plenty. Thank you so much for this video. I literally watched a step, paused the video, did the step, repeat. I saved a lot of money and the blind is working before company arrives! My husband is slightly stunned 😉
Thank you so much for these incredibly clear instructions! I just fixed a 25 year-old Hunter Douglas shade with a broken string. Now it glides like new.
Same here! Two strings broken and I let the repair go for months, thought it would be too complicated. A local guy said he'd repair it for $75... Fortunately, I bought the correct size string locally and thanks to th these videos I fixed that shade!! Huzzah!!
Well done! This is one of the best how to videos I've ever had the privilege of using. Perfectly scripted, shot, lit, edited and narration and the demonstration was clear, well paced and easy to follow! I've produced over a couple dozen how to videos for consumer products and you guys knocked it out of the park. Thank you for making such a well done resource available.
Excellent tutorial: very clear and helped me restring an aging but otherwise functional blind with a broken string.
Our 82" wide by 52" tall shade has 4 lines up and 4 lines down. Using the formula of 2x width plus height made for a lot of extra work (18' cords!) Ended up cutting off several feet but better too long than too short!
Thanks for the instruction!
Greg, That is a lot of string to replace for sure! I'm glad you got the repair done. The formula we use for the length of each string is a generous estimate in case there is a mistake made. That why there is trimming to be done at the end.
Wow! One of the best how-to videos EVER. Deeply grateful.
Thank you so much for posting this. I had to re-string a levelour lace blind. I'm so glad because the one I have has been discontinued. This video helped me from start to finish just perfect!
Wow…i was the last person to comment and here I am again. I just sent you an email with the new issue! Thanks
Top notch instructions. I restrung a 19+ year old blind perfectly, using your video.
I would like to restring a cordless blind. Can you help me.
Simple, brief, organized and clear. Thank you very much!
It doesn't tell you to cut four strings. The diagram clearly shows there are two top-down and two bottom-up strings, but it never tells you that. I only cut two strings and was very confused until I came back to the diagram. It would be helpful to have better information about the length of each string, rather than cutting four all the same length.
Leslie - The top down/button up shades can be tricky to repair for sure. The formula we use for string length is a generous estimate. We feel that it is better to have a longer than necessary string to trim than cut it too short and have to start over.
I did the same thing! Im glad you said something.
so are all strings 2x length + the width?
Yes, they are.
if you leave the loop on the end (where the two strings go into the connector) you don't have to cut them at all. This makes it easy.
So helpful! Thank you!
Thank you so much this was a huge help!
So glad I found this video, thank you so much!
turned a long, drawn-out job into an easy one. Thanks!
I wish you would have explained in the beginning that the "old-style" instructions don't start until 7 minutes into the video.
This was invaluable to me! Thank you!
My blind has 3 vertical string. How do I fix it? Do you have videos for it? Thanks
If you own a cat as a pet make sure to put them in another room before you start your re-string project.
The cat was the CAUSE of this re-string project!
I have a 70" Wide by 55" long shade. My problem is that I can't get the shade compressed to do the repair. It is extended and the string is broken so I can't pull it to compress the shade. Any tips on how to handle this situation? Can I somehow feed the string through, or how can I compress the shade?
Hi there, that does make it a little more difficult to start off! The only way to compress the shade is to take it down and fold it up carefully by hand. Then, you can put some rubber bands around the fabric stack to hold it together.
Very informative! It looks once you removed the top bracket caps, you would slide the bracket out easily. But my hunterDouglas cordless (94" by 59") topdown/bottomup model top bracket won't slide out. I am afraid to break the shades if I try pull too hard. Do you have any idea what is wrong? Thank you!
Hi James, If your shade is cordless and operates by pushing/pulling on the bottom rail to raise and lower, we recommend hiring a professional repair person to fix it for you. If you start removing parts from the headrail, there's a chance of damaging the shade. If you need a referral for a repair company, please email us at service@fixmyblinds.com with your location.
As I watched you take the top "rail" off I wanted to know if I reverse that can I then have the back of the shade become the front? I like the back color (white) better with the new paint. My question is can the shade be reversed? Thanks
Hi there, thanks for your question. Yes, you can turn the fabric around without a problem. The holes for the string are punch right in the center of the cellular fabric.
@@fixmyblinds That’s great news thank you for your help! How do I go about turning the fabric around? Do I need to disassemble the entire unit? Thanks
Yes, you'll have to take the entire blind apart. Then, turn the fabric around how you want it and reassemble.
Hello, i agree with all the comments, great videos. In regards the top query. Couldn't you just pull out the shade control stops, take the pull handles off, pull the string through, then switch the control stops, left for right, right for left, run the string through and now you can hang the shade with the inner and outer sides reversed. Or am I missing something?
I'm in the process of restringing my Top Down - Bottom Up Cellular Honeycomb Shade (Hunter Douglas). I know I need four strings, however my question is...Are all the strings the same size? 58.5" is the length and 46" is the width. I have the formula to cut the string.
Do I have 4 strings at 2x the length + the width? Or do I have 2 strings at 2x the length + 2 strings at 46" which is the width? please, somebody help me.
Thomas, That's a great question. All four of the strings will be the same length. So, that's four individual strings at 2x the length plus the width of the shade. Let me know if you have any additional questions.
are next day blinds made by hunter douglas? My NDB are 70 wide and about 55 long, the 2x length plus the width was waaay too long... it also had top down , bottom up ...GREAT VIDEO!
Hi John, I don't know if Next Day Blinds are made with Hunter Douglas components. It's possible. If you'd like to see if they are, please send me an email at service@fixmyblinds.com with a picture of the locking mechanisms. I can let you know if they are Hunter Douglas or not. - Gretchen
Thank you! So the bottom ups are secured with a knot into a washer and the top down are secured with the triangular two piece things?
That's correct. The triangular piece is called an Equalizer.
FixMyBlinds ; your expertise is very much appreciated. Thank you
I didn't have the exact brand the show here, but the basics were enough to be able to do it myself. Their STRING GUIDE was WAY OFF. Based on their instructions, I was to need 86 feet but only used half of that. I measured 4 times before I ordered and could have purchased the smallest roll of string, instead ended up with a 300ft roll. Way more than I needed. No worries though, it was way less expensive than replacing the entire blind and having it not match the other 20 year old blinds. Thanks Fix My Blind.
i tried twice to restring my top down bottom up blinds looking and following this video, but both time, my blinds do not stay closed, what am I doing wrong? HELP PLEASE!! I have old style .
Hi Sonal, thanks for reaching out! Perhaps the cord lock mechanism isn't threaded correctly. Would you please send us some pictures of the locking mechanisms? Our email is service@fixmyblinds.com.
Also, did you replace all of the strings? Where did you get the replacement string?
top part of top rail will not budge? Any ideas?
Hi there, Are you trying to get the rail off of the fabric? If possible, please share a few pictures to us at service@fixmyblinds.com so we can provide specific instructions. Thanks!
@@fixmyblinds send photos thru my phone, was having trouble with the computer. Fabric is not attached to the rail, it slides freely
Thank you however, DO NOT USE LESS STRING THAN RECOMMENDED! I just fought with a six string 7 foot long blind for three hours only to find that I didn't have enough string. It all depends on the width to height ratio of the shade. Trust me on that. I figured I could save some string for next time. Idiot. Now I have to start over and order more string. Also, my threading tool did not easily pass through the plastic pieces and it was a mess
This was not quite right for my model. For my model, when pushing the needle hole device through the body of the screen, you had to remove the bottom caps and slide off the metal bottom, and you actualy had to string from the bottom and then up through to the 'middle' rail towards the top. This is because the holes on my bottom rail are not big enough to allow the needle hole device to penetrate through.
All shades are a little bit different. Sounds like you found a great way to work with what you had and complete the repair!
Like a boss!
Is it possible to convert a 'Bottom Up' shade into a 'Top Down' shade?
Hi Bethany, No there, no way to do that. It's best to purchase a new shade that operate show you'd like it to.
So you need to cut 4 strings to do this. Right?
Hi there - That's the minimum number of strings for a top down bottom up shade. There will be two on each side.
why does your list not include the string? And it would be nice if you mention what size string is normally used.
Jennifer W Here is a link to the cord that is used specifically in this repair.
www.fixmyblinds.com/0-9mm-Blind-Shade-String-s/47.htm
Hunter Douglas has the LiteRise Honeycomb blinds with a Transmission and two Motors. To replace, cost is about $52. That's expensive to replace all three items just because the string broke. Why so? That's not fair for consumers. Why can't the Transmission be repaired?
Hi Oka, We are an independent company that sells blind repair parts for a variety of brands. We are not associated with Hunter Douglas.
I'm sorry to hear that your LiteRise shade is not working properly. It is frustrating that all of the motors and transmission have to be replaced whenever the blind is restrung, however that is how those parts were designed by Hunter Douglas. There is no way to fix a transmission or a motor once it has been used and the springs are "sprung."
I encourage you to reach out to Hunter Douglas directly about this issue. Here's a link to their contact information: help.hunterdouglas.com/s/parts-and-repairs.
You do not need to replace the motor only the transmission. Or if you only one cord has broken you do not need to replace the transmission or motor but replace the cord.
@ptownkz:
Very useful, thx!
UI’m you can come tomorrow and use out III yet I
slowest way to do this possible
String cutting instructions are terrible. Please redo this video or add an amendment to the description. Also 2xL + W was 60 inches too long for my total of 174. Otherwise, helpful, thanks!
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