How to Fix Common Problems With Vertical Blinds (The Easy Way)

By: Natalie Elmhurst

Updated: 7/12/2022

Step-by-step instructions on how to fix your broken vertical blinds.

Did you know you can fix your broken vertical blinds? That’s right — we’re talking about getting back to having vertical blinds that actually function properly. (Aka, ditching that feeling that you’re battling with your blinds every time you open or shut them.)

Because, while sometimes vertical blinds get a bad rap, you’ve always loved your vertical blinds. They’re convenient and simple, and they make the perfect window coverings for your patio doors. But over time, your vertical blinds may not function the way you want them to.

But guess what? Fixing common problems with vertical blinds often has a SIMPLE solution.

Whether it’s uneven blinds, one vane not twisting or turning properly, or a broken slat, you may be able to save yourself the annoyance and workarounds you’ve been dealing with from your broken vertical blinds.

Understand the parts of your vertical blinds

To make the most of all these juicy insights, you’re going to need a little bit of preparation so you can understand the instructions. You'll need to comprehend what parts make up a vertical blind so you can easily identify which parts need adjusting.

Let’s get started.

Brackets: These are what your vertical blinds are mounted on; basically, it’s the metal pieces attaching the top of the blind (or the top rail portion) to the wall.

Top Rail: This is the top portion that sits above the slats on your blinds. The vanes or slats of your vertical blinds hang from underneath the top rail.

Vanes/Slat: These terms can be used interchangeably, and refer to the hanging portion of your vertical blinds. (In other words, the “blind” part of your vertical blinds.)

Tilt Chain/Tilt Chord/Tilt Wand: Your vertical blinds will come with a mechanism to manipulate the tilt or slant of the vertical blinds, allowing you to block or allow light in. Most vertical blinds are controlled with either a chain, chord, or wand.

Carrier: The small mechanism that moves your slats along the track in the top rail.

Stem: The even smaller piece that comes down from the carrier and hooks into the top of your slats.

Now that you know the names of these components, you can use this list as a guide to help you identify the pieces referred to below.

Can you replace slats on broken vertical blinds?

Sometimes, there’s no denying it — you’ve got to get a replacement slat. This could be because the top of your slat has ripped and can no longer stay in the carrier as it slides, or it got caught in your patio door and cracked. Perhaps one slat warped, causing the entire set to look mismatched and unkempt.

The good news is you can often replace single (or even multiple) slats from wherever you purchased your original vertical blinds. If you can’t, they may be able to point you in the right direction to replace your vertical blinds while matching the set you already have.

At Stoneside, all of our vertical blinds are custom-built from high-quality materials. Our high-quality standards ensure you won’t need to replace slats on a regular basis. Instead, you’ll enjoy your window treatments to the fullest for years to come.

Are your vertical blinds uneven or out of alignment? Here’s how to fix it.

If your vertical blinds are uneven, it probably means that the slat isn’t quite in the right position. But it’s not actually your slat that’s the problem — it’s your stem. In the carrier, your stem can get twisted out of proper rotation, giving your slats an uneven (and unattractive) appearance.

First, remove the slat or vane from the stem. Stems usually have a little hook that keeps your vane in place (and attached). You can pull the hook open, but it’s much easier to slide something between the stem hook and slat so your slat can easily slide out. Usually, this is done with a credit card, driver’s license, or similarly shaped item.

Once your slat is removed from your window treatment, make sure to lay it flat. This will keep it from getting damaged or bent from being folded or draped over furniture.

Next, use the tilt chain, cord, or wand to rotate your blinds all the way in one direction, and then the other, going as far as possible in both directions. You might feel like you’re twisting too far, but going just past the normal twist will allow your stem to realign.

After you’ve done this a few times, you should be able to see that the stem is in alignment with its siblings. You can now put your slat back into place by sliding it into the stem hook.

See? That wasn’t too bad, right? Easily fixed!

This issue is similar to the previous one. Even though it may seem like the slat is the mechanism with the problem, your stem is probably the culprit.

To fix this issue, take the vane out of the stem hook like in the previous section. Once that’s done, you should be able to remove the stem by simply pulling or popping it out of the carrier. Make sure all the other vanes are even, and then align your stem with the other stems. For example, if they’re all in the “open” or vertical position, replace the stem in that same vertical position.

Next, use the tilt chain, cord, or wand, to twist the vanes all the way open and all the way closed. Make sure you twist until you hear clicking, to go as far open and as far closed as possible. This should give the stem the chance to get properly in alignment with the other vanes.

You can now put your vane back into the stem hook. You should now have fully functioning vertical blinds again!

Get quality replacement vertical blinds

Even though many issues with vertical blinds can easily be fixed at home, you can’t always do a DIY fix. Sometimes there are issues within the top rail, or you need parts that don’t come piecemeal.

If that’s the case, it’s time for an update. Make sure that quality is a priority so you can avoid future issues with your vertical blinds.

With Stoneside, you don’t just get an update — you get an upgrade. With our custom vertical blinds, you’ll be sure to get treatments that not only fit your windows like a glove but will continue working long after those mass-manufactured options start falling apart.