Are your mini blinds too long for the window opening? You’ll need to remove extra slats at the bottom to make them a right fit. Here are some practical tips and quick DIY steps to remove mini blind slats easily and safely.
When you choose an inside mount for your new 1-inch-slat window treatments, you’ll need to ensure precise custom cut according to the width and height of the window frame.
You should also consider depth requirements before ordering a mini blind, which is usually 1 ½” for an inside mount and 2 ⅜” for flush mount.
For a perfect, sleeker, more functional fit, always ask your product manufacturer or retailer to ship the product with an exact width and breath.
When it comes to height, you don’t have to worry much. If the manufactured length is longer, you can easily shorten it by removing extra slats with a few simple tools.
What are Mini Blinds?
Also referred to as aluminum blinds, mini-slat blinds, ‘minis’, or horizontal shades, mini blinds are one of the most stylish, affordable, child-safe, and easy to care for window coverings. Their slats measure 1” in width.
They come with different colors, sizes, and functional models, from light filtering to total blackout.
What are Slats?
Also known as vanes, slats are easy to clean horizontal pieces of natural (wood) or synthetic (faux wood) materials, which you can tilt, raise, or lower when operating your blinds. Slat sizes range from 1” (mini) to 3 or 4 inches.
Reasons to Remove Mini Blind Slats
- Shortening the length of the blinds
- Repairing damaged/broken slat(s)
- Replacing slats
- Upgrading blinds to match new room decor
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- A pair of scissors
- A screwdriver
- New slats (if needed)
- String or pull cords (if they get broken during the process)
- Step ladder (if windows are high)
- Safety helmet (to protect your eyes, face, and head from harm)
- Hand gloves (to prevent hand injuries)
10 Easier DIY Steps to Remove Mini Blind Slats
Step 1: Remove Safety Clips or Devices
If you have installed safety clips or other safety devices to make your blinds kid-safe, unscrew and remove them.
Step 2: Fully Lower the Blinds
- Fully lower your mini window blinds by releasing the lift cords.
- If there are no cords, push down on the bottom rail with your hand (cordless), or press the ‘down’ button on your wireless remote (motorized).
If they are longer than the height of your window, the bottom bar will hang past the windowsill.
Step 3: Detach Plugs from the Bottom Rail
- Locate small, round plastic plugs on the bottom side of the bottom rail (or bar). Depending on the width of your mini blind, they might be 2 to 4.
- Open these plugs from the underside of the rail using your hand.
Step 4: Undo the Knot on Lift Cord
- Lift the mini blind slats with one hand, while holding the plug in the other.
- Expose the knotted end of the lift cord.
- Undo the knot if you are going to reinstall the damaged slats after repairing them.
- If you need to shorten the blinds, you should cut the lift cord directly above the knot using a pair of scissors.
- Pull the plug off the unknotted or cut end of the cord and set it aside.
- You can repeat the same process for the remaining plugs.
Step 5: Remove Bottom Rail
- Pull the bottom rail or bar from the string ladder and take it down.
- Put it aside for reuse when reassembling the parts of the mini blind.
Step 6: Remove Control Cord/Chain System
- Pull the control chain or lift cord out of each mini blind slat one by one until you reach the final slat at the bottom of the blinds.
- Then gently pull the slat at the bottom from the string ladder. Remove as many slats as you need.
Step 7: Reinstall Bottom Rail and Lift Cord/Chain
After you have shorted the blind to the required length, now start reattaching the parts that were removed, especially the bottom rail and cords.
Thread the rail back through the string ladder just below the bottom slat.
Make sure the rail does not rest on the same rung as the bottom slat, but instead on the string ladder rung below the bottom slat.
Next locate holes in the top of the bottom rail and insert lift cords or chains through them.
Pull the cords/chains through the rail and let them hang underneath the rail.
Step 8: Thread Cords/Chains
- Thread cords through plugs.
- Tie an overhand knot at the bottom end of each cord.
- Try raising the blinds by pulling cords till the plastic plugs touch the bottom side of the bottom bar.
Step 9: Cut the String Rungs and Replace Plugs
- Cut through the string ladder about 3” below the rail.
- Cut the string rungs from the ladder.
- Take two ends of each string ladder and tie a square knot to hold them together.
- Locate plug openings on the underside of the rail and stuff the knot in them.
Note: To keep from damage the plugs, use a rubber mallet or hammer when replacing them.
Step 10: Reattach Safety Devices
If you removed any safety clips or devices, just reattach them to your mini blind’s control cords or chain system.
Note: The step-by-step process – detailed above – for the removal of mini blind slats is for corded window treatments. Things will be easier with cordless window covers as many steps will be skipped.
FAQs
Can I remove slats from blinds?
Yes, you can conveniently and safely remove slats from blinds. Here are some quick tips:
- Remove plugs on the underside of the bottom rail.
- Release string ladders and knotted lift cords.
- Undo the knot in the lift cord and pull it enough to release the slats.
- Remove the bottom rail and the slats that need shortening, repair, or replacement.
How do you remove mini blinds from brackets?
Step 1: Gather tools: a drill, a drill bit, and a screwdriver.
Step 2: Locate mounting brackets between the cassette and the window frame.
Step 3: Open the bracket latches using a screwdriver.
Step 4: Remove the blinds by pulling them out of the brackets.
Step 5: Attach the drill bit in the drill check.
Step 6: Unscrew the brackets using the drill and remove them from the wall.
All done!
How do you remove wood slat blinds?
- Lift your wood slat blinds all the way up.
- Unhook and remove the valance – a decorative covering at the top.
- Take a flat head screwdriver and lift the bracket latches (at both ends) up.
- Carefully slide out and pull the wood slat blinds down.
Note: To rehang the blinds, slide it into the mounting brackets, close the latches, and reattach the valance.
How do you remove vertical blind slats?
Try these quick steps:
Step 1: Slide a flat cord between the hook side of the vertical slat (or vane) carrier.
Step 2: Push up on the slat and then pull it down. The slat shall pull out easily.
Step 3: If a hook is holding the slats, just lift the slat up and pull it towards the opening of the hole.
Step 4: Follow the same procedure to remove as many slats as you want.
Note: To install a repaired (or replacement) slat back into the window, push it up into the clip and then pull down to make sure it is firmly seated. Open and close the slats to test the repair. Make adjustments, if needed.
Still Unsure?
Do the instructions mentioned above don’t help? Maybe it’s time to buy new, more affordable blinds. Or you can seek help from our DIY experts to safely remove mini blind slats? Contact our customer care professionals for more practical tips and solutions. Use 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 now.