• How to Remove a Vertical Vane or Slate

When you want to remove a vane, slide a thin flat object – a credit card, for example – up the vane on the hook side of the vane holder. Then slide the vane and card down and out of the vane holder (vane should slide out easily). If process seems too difficult, check to make sure that the vane is not sliding back onto the hook.

• The control chain on my vertical blinds is difficult to operate.

For a rotation issue, begin by removing the control end cap. You will see a pulley with a rod in the center. On this rod is a round metal washer with a ragged center (looks like a star). Occasionally this push nut is attached too tightly during production. Just tap the control rod lightly on the opposite end of the headrail and this will loosen the push nut and the controls should operate more smoothly.

For an opening issue, sliding left to right on the end of headrail, opposite chain and cord, you will see a pulley and a smooth nylon cord. Ensure that the nylon cord is a groove of the pulley system. You may need to reset your cord tensioner after performing this repair.

Vane is out of alignment.

When you want to remove a vane, slide a thin flat object (credit card, etc.) up the vane on the hook side of the vane holder. Then slide the vane and card down and out of the vane holder (vane should slide out easily). If process seems too difficult, check to make sure that the vane is not sliding back onto the hook.

• Shortening the cord.

If you look inside the headrail you will find the vane carrier where the cord ends in a knot. Hold that carrier and pull out the excess cord until the cord safety device reaches the desired height.

Next, tie a knot in the cord at that position, but do not cut off the excess at this point. Operate the controls to determine if everything works smoothly and the control cord is the desired length. Lastly, tighten the know and cut the cord 1/2″ below the knot.

• Eliminating gaps between butting blinds.

To create an overlap, mount the headrails with non-control ends touching. Look inside the headrail and you will see several small whitish tubes attached at the ends (these spacer tubes are c-shaped and can be popped off with a screwdriver).

Next, remove one or more of these tubes which will allow that vane to move closer to the edge of the rail, allowing for overlap.