A spring roller shade uses a hollow tube with a coiled spring inside. The size and material of the tube may vary, but are typically made of aluminum. When you pull down on the roller shade it increases the tension on the spring. When you stop pulling, a ratchet and pin hold the tension on the spring on one end of the roller shade. On the opposite end of the tube there is a free turning pin that mounts into the bracket.
Occasionally the spring will uncoil in shipping and the roller shades will not work properly. A simple adjustment of the spring will remedy the problem. Here are some simple tricks to adjusting your roller shades:
Tighten the spring tension in the shade:
- Pull the shade down approximately halfway.
- Remove the roller shade from the brackets
- Roll up the shade by hand being careful to roll the shade evenly on the tube.
- Replace the roller shade in the brackets.
- Repeat if necessary until the tension is ok.
Loosen the spring tension in the shade:
- Roll up the shade.
- Remove the roller shade from the brackets.
- Unroll the shade approximately halfway by hand.
Adjust a fully uncoiled spring:
- Unroll the shade halfway.
- Use pliers to turn the pin on the spring side of the shade until you feel tension, then back off so the pawl (latch that allows movement in only one direction) hooks onto the ratchet.
- Loosen or tighten spring tension as necessary using the instructions above.
Release a spring that is locked in the coil:
- Use pliers to grip the pin and twist it clockwise to free the pawl. Release it quickly to unwind the coil.
- Loosen or tighten the spring tension as necessary using the instructions above.
The Next Step
While roller shades are usually easy to fix, sometimes they’ve reached their lifespan. If the instructions above don’t solve your problem, it may be time to shop for a new roller shade. Sure, you can buy a simple and basic roller shade, but why not consider a useful and stylish upgrade, an upgrade that is as easy-to-use as a basic model. Many of these roller shade types overlap, so you can pick and choose your favorite features to create a customized, personalized new roller shade.
Light Filtering Rollers > Shop Now
If you want your privacy but you still want natural light, roller shades that filter the light are a great option. You get the best parts of the sunlight in your home without a room becoming too bright or too warm.
Roller Blackout Shades > Shop Now
Blackout roller shades are ideal if you want added privacy or want a better night’s sleep. These are also great for media rooms, as they provide an optimal viewing experience like a movie theater, but without the distraction of other movie-goers.
Roller Cordless Shades > Shop Now
Cordless roller shades are not only safe for children and animals, but they can give a space a clean, modern look. One option within the cordless roller shades category is motorized. This allows you to control your roller shades with a remote, making it easy for everyone in the family to use.
Patterned Rollers > Shop Now
All of the Select Blinds roller shades come in a variety of colors, but if you want a little something extra, you don’t have to settle for solids. You can choose from stripes, florals, or abstract prints. Add a little depth to your roller shades by choosing one with a beautiful pattern.
One of the many great benefits of using roller shades as your window covering of choice is that they’re budget-friendly. You could go with a more classic look or give your windows some pizzazz with fabulous patterns, textures, and colors. The question isn’t whether or not to use roller shades. The answer is clear. The fun part is finding out how many ways you can use them in your home.
