Installing Your New Blinds

Before you begin installing your blinds, you'll need to have the correct tools.

Before you begin installing your blinds, you'll need the following tools: Drill and Drill Bits, Level, Steel Tape Measure, 1/4" wrench or nut driver, flat head screwdriver, Philips head screwdriver, scissors, and pencil.

If you have several blinds to install, to save time, consider using two drills. By fitting one drill with a drill bit and the other with a screwdriver bit, you will not constantly be switching drill bits.

After gathering the tools listed above, we suggest that you remove any window treatments so that they won't be in your way and remove any blinds that you will be replacing.

Your next step is to hold your new blinds up to the window, making sure that you have the correct blind for the window, and to ensure that they fit correctly for either inside or outside mounting. You also want to verify the manufacturer's instructions
to ensure that all of the mounting hardware has been included. You should have mounting brackets, screws, and faceplates. Several companies will include valances or hold-down brackets. If you have special order extra long blinds, ensure that the center support bracket has been included. If you are missing any hardware, contact the vender or manufacture.

The screws that will be included with your hardware are wood screws. If you are mounting your blinds on another type of surface, such as metal, you will need to purchase special screws, fasteners, or anchors. For metal surfaces, pre drill your
holes and use special metal screws. For brick, concrete, stone, and tile, we suggest that you use a carbide drill and you'll also need to purchase the appropriate plugs, anchors, and/or screws. If you are installing your blinds in wallboard, or plasterboard, you will need to pre drill your holes large enough for the suitable anchors, or plugs. Then follow the installation guidelines for the fasteners.

Tips for mounting blinds inside the Window Frame:

Mount the brackets in their correct place on the jambs. Ensure that they are placed to accommodate the headrail.
Use a level to ensure that the headrail is level; you may have to use shims if necessary.

Tips for mounting blinds on the outside of the Window Frame:

You want to hold the blind at the desired height and centered on the window opening. Lightly pencil-mark the window frame or wall at each end of the blind horizontally
across the bottom of the headrail and vertically at each end of the headrail.
Using a level, correctly position the installation brackets. Refer to the instructions included with your blinds.

Tips for installing Optional Extension Brackets:

Optional extension brackets are used when there is a need for the blinds to clear an obstruction, like a window crank. Extension brackets should be installed first, by using your same positioning marks.

You want to mount the extension brackets sideways to prevent them from bending. Use two diagonally placed screws to secure them in place.
Using nuts and bolts, attach the hinged-cover brackets to the extension brackets.

All manufactures and brands of blinds have slightly different brackets. For proper installation, refer to your manufacturer's instructions.

Support Brackets:
Blinds that are wider than 60 inches, should have support brackets included. For proper installation, refer to your manufacturer's instructions to learn how to install them.

Inserting the Headrail correctly:
Once you have all the necessary brackets properly installed, you can now install the blind headrail.

If you have hinged-cover end brackets, open this.
Verify that all cords and tape ladders operate freely, if any are tangled, untangle these.
If you will be using a valance, snap the clips onto the headrail.
Insert the headrail into the support brackets and end brackets, using a rolling motion, then push the headrail in place.
If you are using end brackets, make sure that the headrail is centered, and fitted snuggly into the brackets. If the headrail does not fit snuggly, then remove the headrail and using a screwdriver expand the end taps.
If using hinged covers, close them, making sure that the locking tabs securely snap in place.

The next steps are for blinds that use an attached tilter, or a cord tilter:

Blinds usually are supplied with one of two types of wand tilters, a metal hook inside a plastic sleeve or two plastic prongs.

If your tilters are the plastic prongs, snap them into the small hole at the end of the protruding metal shaft located on the headrail. If the tilter you have is the metal hook, then remove the plastic sleeve from the wand, and slip it over the protruding metal shaft. Next, you want to insert the hook through the hole in the metal shaft until the wand sets in the bend of the hook, and finally, slide the plastic sleeve down on the edge of the wand. You want to test your tilter by rotating the wand, opening, and closing your slats in both directions approximately 6-8 rotations.

How to install Hold down Brackets:

Some horizontal blinds come with hold down brackets to hold the bottom rail in place. However, when using hold down brackets, the blind must remain lowered in the stationary position.
After the blinds have been installed properly, lower your blinds to the desired position. Next, pushed the pin of each hold down bracket into the center of the bottom rail.
Mark where the brackets are to be mounted, through the holes on the hold down brackets.
You want to drill pilot holes, then secure the brackets with screws.

How to Operate your Blind

When the cords hang vertically downward, an automatic locking device will engage.
Make sure that your slats are in the horizontal position, before rising and lowering your blinds.
When raising and lowering your blinds, pull the cords toward the middle and down slightly to release the locking mechanism.
Once you have your blinds at the desired height, reengage the locking device by returning the cord to the vertical position.

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