How to Fix Blinds That Won't Go Down

Horizontal blinds provide the convenience of ensuring privacy from neighbours and preventing sunlight from seeping in. These window treatments are available in a variety of colours and materials such as wood, faux wood, aluminium or vinyl. After repeated use, the blinds may not work properly and might not lower. This problem is usually because of a stuck cord lock in the blind's mechanism. It may not be time to throw out the blinds, however, because you might be able to fix them with a basic tool or no tools at all.

Leave the blinds mounted in the window if the slats are stuck and will not lower.

Grab the lift cords in your hand and hold them level with the head rail or long metal bar that holds blinds. Gently pull down on the lift cord. This should release the cord lock. If the blinds still do not lower, proceed with the next step.

Remove the blinds from the window by opening the doors on the side of the brackets. If they are difficult to open, pry the door free with a flat-head screwdriver. Lift the blinds out of the brackets and lay flat on a table.

Peer inside the end of the head rail and find the cord lock mechanism, which will have cords running through it. There will be a pin in the side of the mechanism. Twist the screwdriver so it is perpendicular to the head rail. Firmly press the flat end of the screwdriver into the pin and it should release the cord lock.

Set the blinds back into the brackets and close the doors. Test the blinds by pulling on the lift cord. If they still do not work properly, they may need to be replaced.