Need creative solution for vertical blinds


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Old 05-19-18, 10:58 AM
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Need creative solution for vertical blinds

My mom has 2 sets of LOUVER DRAPE brand vertical blinds. My understanding from Home Depot is that the company, LOUVER DRAPE, no longer exists. These vertical grapes cover 4 large storm doors ((2 each) in what we call the sun room.

The blinds are in excellent mechanical condition except for the part that receives the wand/stick. This little eyelet has worn through (pictured - attached) and instead of being a closed circle, it has become a hook, which renders it useless. This important part lies in the center of the blinds and it controls the blinds completely with the wand inserted (i.e. a twist will open or close the panels, and then you with the panels open you simply pull blinds across the window it will open (or close) the blinds completely (this one part controls both sides).

Since the company no longer exists my understanding is that a replacement part is not available. I am hoping someone has a creative solution to this as it would seem to be a crime to replace the entire system because of this (not cheap!!!). I tried a small circular clamp with an eyelet to rig it up but it did not really work and lasted about a minute. Here’s to hoping that someone more creative than me can help.

Many Thanks
 
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Old 05-19-18, 11:03 AM
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You could try drilling a new hole in the plastic body above the old hole.
 
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Old 05-20-18, 04:39 AM
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You would have to replace the lead carrier which is available here: https://blindparts.com/product-categ...r-drape-parts/
 
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Old 05-20-18, 04:58 AM
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In the same vain as XS'p suggest, you could find a plastic tube that will slip over the broken piece and then attach a wood dowel on the other end of the tube.
 
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Old 05-20-18, 09:14 AM
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Know anyone that has a 3D printer? They could print up a new part for you.
 
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Old 05-21-18, 02:29 PM
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Many Thanks for your tip. I followed the link and saw the part pictured there, etc. Unfortunately it has been discontinued is no longer orderable there. Thanks for trying
 
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Old 05-21-18, 02:35 PM
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hmmm.. that makes sense, I would need a small bit and it might need to be prepared for metal (lead) under the plastic. I am considering this option (it would be awesome to find a metal tube to insert in that hole for added support and durability as well. Thank you for this idea.
 
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Old 05-21-18, 03:01 PM
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Big Blue Box Store sells rails and blinds separately, so you could pick up a new metal rail. They are pretty easy to replace. Will take more time to load all the blinds into it than put it up. You will need the overall length of the rail and if your actual blinds are 2 1/2" or 3 1/2" wide.
 
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Old 05-21-18, 04:17 PM
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How about cut the end flat, Drill a pilot hole. Thread in a screw eye coated with epoxy so it won't screw out.
 
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Old 05-22-18, 05:30 AM
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Ray2047 has the right idea. The screw eye is important since the wand must be able to swivel when pulling the vanes to the left and right. If it's rigid, it will break.
 
 

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