Have you noticed that your roller blinds make a clicking noise when you roll them up and down? This is a very common problem. We’ve investigated this issue, and we have the answers for you.
When roller blinds make clicking sounds, there is something inside the mechanism that is causing them to click. The problem can be fixed by cleaning and lubricating the roller blind clutch mechanism.
A clicking sound is common in most roller blinds, but it may become a problem if the sound keeps getting louder and louder. Keep reading to learn what you can do about it.
What Is A Roller Blind?
Roller blinds are a type of window treatment in many styles and colors. The most distinct feature of a roller blind is its fabric that is suspended from the track above the window that rolls up and down. It functions as a window covering, but it can also be used as a decorative accent for the room.
Roller shades can serve many purposes, depending on what you use them for. They can also be a great energy saver during winter because they can effectively prevent heat from leaving. However, roller blinds are mostly used for privacy and light control.
There are two types of roller blinds. One type is manually operated. The other type is motorized. Manual ones are easier to operate and require less maintenance. On the other hand, motorized ones are more convenient to operate but require more maintenance.
A typical roller shade is comprised of three major parts: the roller tube, which is an aluminum tube where the fabric is held in place, a cord that is attached to the clutch that controls the up and down movement of the tube, and the shade itself, which is the fabric that covers the window.
How Do Roller Blinds Work?
A roller blind is a type of window shade that has a bead chain attached to a pulley mechanism (clutch). The chain goes around the pulley, which turns the roller tube (shaft) that has the fabric rolled around it. The fabric goes around the shaft whenever it is being lowered or raised.
How To Lubricate Roller Blinds
You can lubricate the bead chain and roll it up and down to lubricate the clutch mechanism. This way, you won't have to open the clutch mechanism and do the lubrication from the inside.
If you still hear the clicking noise, pull the plastic housing that houses the clutch mechanism apart. Clean and lubricate the metal spring. You also need to be careful about putting things back together, so keep track of which way the parts go.
How To Disassemble The Clutch Mechanism Of A Roller Blind
Roller blinds come with a clutch mechanism that lets you control how much light is let into the room, and they can be tricky to disassemble. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Remove The Roller Blind From The Window
Disengage the roller blind from its brackets by pulling it to the side until it comes off.
2. Pull The Plastic Housing Out
The plastic housing is where the clutch mechanism is encased. Remove the bead chain as well.
3. Dismantle The Clutch Mechanism
You can easily disassemble the parts of the clutch mechanism, as there are no screws or fasteners that hold them together. They just fit together by the grooves and indentations, which is part of their shape and design.
Check out this roller blind clutch repair kit on Amazon
4. Locate The Metal Piece
The metal piece is the innermost part of a three-piece part that you will find after disassembling the clutch mechanism. Clean this metal piece with a soft brush and denatured alcohol, and ensure it's free from dirt and grime.
5. Apply Silicone Lubricant
Lube the metal part and the other plastic parts with silicone lubricant before you put them back together. Follow the steps in reverse order to reassemble the roller blind.
You can watch the video below for a clear demonstration of the entire process of disassembling a roller blind clutch mechanism.
Roller blinds vary, and yours may be different from the ones shown in the video, but they follow the same principle of how a roller blind clutch mechanism works. You should be able to sort out how the parts fit together.
What Is A Silicone Spray Lubricant?
Since roller blinds are installed in windows where dust and light are likely in abundance, there is a higher possibility of the roller blind's clutch mechanism easily accumulating grime when using an oil-based lubricant. An example of an oil-based lubricant is the traditional WD40 formula.
A silicone lubricant addresses this problem and is the ideal lubricant for a roller blind. This is because silicone lubricants are non-greasy and have excellent lubricity.
Silicone lubricant is a silicon-based chemical compound that can form a protective film on the surface of a material, thereby protecting against corrosion and other mechanical wear. The silicone is applied to surfaces like rubber, plastic, metal, and glass.
When you apply silicone to your roller blind's clutch mechanism, it forms a thin coating on the metal spring. This reduces friction and wear, and it also protects the surface from contaminants.
Silicone is also commonly used for household appliances, including ovens, washers, and refrigerators. It's a great lubricant for these items.
Check out this silicone lubricant on Amazon
Roller Blind Not Going Up - What Could Be Wrong?
Roller blinds are equipped with a clutch mechanism that allows you to raise them or lower them down. However, if the mechanism fails to work, you will not be able to raise the blind.
There are three basic parts of the mechanism: the metal spring that helps the blind rise up, the pulley that is attached to the roller, and the cord that connects the two.
These three parts are all important in ensuring that the blind rises. If one of these parts is broken and not working, it is imperative to replace the whole mechanism.
If there are no visible signs of any part of the mechanism being broken, then you can check the connection between the pulley and the cord. It might be that the cord is just loose and just needs tightening.
What Is The Most Common Reason Why Roller Blinds Get Stuck?
This is one of those frustrating things you don't want to deal with. In most cases, the problem is solved easily. The most likely cause of the problem is that the cord has become tangled. This can happen if you have kids playing with the cord, which causes the cord to twist and form knots.
If you don't see any knots, you can always give the cord a quick tug to free it from its trap. It could be that the cord is jammed in the clutch mechanism. If it still doesn't work, your last resort is to open the clutch mechanism and see if there's something broken inside. You may need a roller blind repair kit to get this fixed.
What Is The Best Way To Clean A Metal Bead Cord?
Roller blind bead cords are an essential component of a roller blind. They can either be made of metal or plastic.
If you happen to have a roller blind bead cord that is made of metal, then you should avoid cleaning it with water for obvious reasons. Instead, you might want to soak it in vinegar with a little baking powder to make it squeaky clean.
Do Motorized Roller Blinds Come With Manual Operation Option?
Yes, all of the different types of motorized blinds that you can find in the market come with manual control options.
It just makes sense to have manual control options because you may feel like stretching your arms to reach out for the cord to raise the blind in the morning. It can also happen that you might inadvertently place the remote control and struggle to remember where you placed it.
What Causes Molds And Mildew On Roller Blind?
Mostly, you will find mold on your blinds when it rains. Mold and mildew grow on anything damp. If your house is warm and humid, you may find mold on your blinds.
Another reason is that your blinds and curtains absorb the moisture that is the effect of condensation from the window itself. Window glasses are usually cold early in the morning and tend to "sweat" when the sunlight warms them up.
You can take steps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on your blinds. First, you should clean the blinds regularly. This will help remove any mold that might have formed. A mild bleach solution sprayed on the fabric will help prevent mold from developing.
Secondly, you can hang the blinds to dry. If the weather is sunny, you should hang them outside for maximum drying effect.
In Closing
Anyone experiences this kind of clicking noise with the roller blinds at times. But you tend to ignore the problem because you don't think it will get worse. However, it can always get worse if you don't fix it.
Any clicking noise is a telltale sign of two surfaces rubbing against each other with increased friction. This could potentially cause a serious hardware issue if left unaddressed. So, it is better to take action as soon as possible.
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