Horizontal blinds that are too long look bad, but also create a serious safety hazard for young children. Fortunately, shortening them is easy—all you need are scissors and a screwdriver.
By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine:December / January 2002
Pry the plugs out of the bottom rail with a flathead screwdriver. Set the plugs aside for reuse later. If the pull cords are threaded through the plugs, cut them off close to the plug. If the pull cords are knotted inside the bottom rail, cut them above the rail to free it. Slide the rail out from the ladder cords and set it aside.
Extract the pull cord from the center of the ladder cords, hold it away and cut both ladder cords about 2 in. longer than the final length. Allow the excess slats to drop away.
Slide the bottom rail back between the ladder cords. String the pull cords through the bottom rail and knot the ends. Tuck any loose cord ends into the holes before replacing the plugs.
Horizontal blind slats that hang below the windowsill are not only unsightly but also a strangulation hazard for young children. Most dangerous are the pull cords. Shortening the blinds to the proper height will raise the pull cords and make your home a safer place.
The bottom rail runs through the ladder cords, and the pull cords are knotted below the rail on each end. Photo 1 shows how to disassemble the cords from the bottom rail. The pull cords hang between the ladder cords and lift the blinds up when you pull them. Pull them out and cut off the excess blind slats as shown in Photo 2, then reassemble the bottom rail (Photo 3). If the pull cords still hang low when you're finished, install a cleat to store them higher, out of kids' reach.
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
You'll also need scissors.
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.
