How to Restring a Split Draw Vertical Blind Headrail

Introduction

If your split draw vertical blind is not operating properly because the drawcord is frayed or broken, the blind will need to be restrung. This guide walks you through step by step on how to remove and replace the drawcord on a split draw vertical blind headrail.

A Note on Safety

Kids can strangle in blind cords. To make your blinds safer for kids, keep cords out of reach and secure cord and bead chain loops. To learn more, please visit our child safety guide.

Tools Needed

Scissors

Phillips Screwdriver

Needle Nose Pliers

Tape Measure

Lighter

Parts Needed

Step 1 – Remove the vanes from the blind.

Step 2 – Determine the length of string needed.

  • Measure the length and width of the blind.
  • Use the following formula to determine the amount of string needed:
    [(2 x Width) +(2 x Length of String Drop)] + 5 feet
  • Adjustments for the exact string length will be made later.

Step 3 – Cut the length of string needed.

Step 4 – Remove the headrail from the window, and lay it on a flat surface.

Step 5 – Remove any weights or tensioners from the cord or chain.

Step 6 – Examine the headrail.

  • Note the two center carriers that pull towards the middle are separated by a guide and spacers.
  • On most split draw headrails, one of the carriers will be tied off, and one will be held in place by metal crimps.

If the string on your blind is still intact follow steps 7 through 12. If the sting has completely come out of your blind, go to step 13.

Step 7 – Cut the metal crimps off of both sides of the carrier.

  • Note the two center carriers that pull towards the middle are separated by a guide and spacers.
  • On most split draw headrails, one of the carriers will be tied off, and one will be held in place by metal crimps.

Step 8 – Remove any plastic washers that may have fallen into the headrail.

Step 9 – Fuse the ends of the old string and the new lift string using a lighter.

  • Once both of the ends have slightly melted, roll the strings together with your fingers to weld them together.
  • You may want to wet your fingers before rolling the string, as the melted string will be hot.

Step 10 – Pull the string through to where it is knotted off at the center carrier.

Step 11 – Cut off the old string.

Step 12 – Tie a double knot at the end of the new string so the string is attached to the carrier.

  • Be sure to reuse any plastic washers as needed.

Go to step 26 to finish the repair.

Step 13 – Thread a plastic washer onto the end of the new string.

Step 14 – Thread the new string through the center carrier that was held in place with metal crimps.

Step 15 – Thread another plastic washer onto the new string so that there are washers on both sides of the carrier.

Step 16 – Thread another plastic washer onto the new string so that there are washers on both sides of the carrier.

Step 17 – Push the carriers on the other side of the center guide to the end of the headrail.

Step 18 – Thread the folded end of the Wire Restring Tool through the stacked carriers.

Step 19 – Thread the string through the eye of the tool, and pull the string through the stacked carriers.

Step 20 – Thread the wire restring tool through the control end.

Step 21 – Thread the string through the eye of the tool, and pull the string through the control end.

Repeat steps 18-21 for the other side of the control end and the other side of the carriers.

  • Be sure to reuse any plastic washers as needed.

Step 22 – Tie the string off after the center carrier.

  • A plastic washer can be used to secure the knot. Be sure to reuse any plastic washers as needed.

Step 23 – Pull all the remaining string through until the carriers on that side slide all the way to the middle stop.

Step 24 – Manually pull the carriers on the other side to the middle.

Step 25 – Crimp the other center carrier in place using metal crimps.

  • Make sure there are plastic washers in between the crimps and carrier.

Step 26 – Test your repair.

  • Make sure the carriers on both sides stack fully on both sides.

Step 27 – Remount the headrail.

Step 28 – Pull one end of the string from the center carrier that is tied off to shorten the control length to the preferred point.

  • Cut the string at the desired point, and re-tie a knot at that spot.

Step 29 – Reattach any weights or tensioners. It's important to use a tension device to keep the loop tied down and away from kids.

  • Cut the string at the desired point, and re-tie a knot at that spot.

Split Draw Diagrams

String Path Diagram: Centered

  • This diagram shows open and closed positions in a split draw vertical blind headrail with a center tilt rod.

String Path Diagram: Off-Set

  • This diagram shows open and closed positions in a split draw vertical blind headrail with an off-set tilt rod.