Restringing RV Shades

I recently repaired two sets of day/night shades in my RV. Over the past year or so these two shades have been slowly wearing out. Once wearing starts, one side can start to droop or not stay up at all. What happens next is that one of the strings inside finally snaps. So what do you do when this happens? The solution is to restring the blinds.

Of course, you could find a window covering store to repair the shades, or you can restring the blinds yourself. As it turns out, this is a pretty low-cost repair should you attempt this yourself. But don't be afraid. I put together this video to show you that this is certainly something you can do yourself. Just be sure to check the string configuration before you disassemble your shades, and just take your time.

Before you start here's what you'll need

1. About 20 yards of 1.2mm or 1.4mm string (you can get it from your craft or fabric store or order online from fixmyblinds.com). The length you'll need will vary depend on the size of your window. So it's better to get more than you need. I got about 25 yards for around $7.
2. A flat head screw driver (to remove the plastic end caps)
3. Scissors (to cut the string)
4. Thin gauge wire or large fabric needle (for feeding the string through the blinds)

The diagram below (from fixmyblinds.com) illustrates the typical 4 string configuration that you'll probably find in your typical day/night shade.

When I took apart the wide upper bunk window shade, however, I discovered that the configuration was a little different from the standard size window I did first. On the wider window, there were two springs (one per side) and the 4 string threading was different. So be sure to inspect the string configuration to make sure you reassemble it correctly.

Standard Window (after)

Bunk Window (after)

So go ahead and give this project a shot. You'll be happy with the result and you're shades will operate just like new.

Good luck!