Roller Shades

How to Install Roller Shades

To install a roller shade, you will need to have the following tools:

  • Pencil
  • Tape measure
  • Awl or ice-pick
  • Hammer

Once you have your tools in-hand, follow these simple steps:

  1. Position the metal support brackets on the two window stops at opposite sides of the window.
  2. Mark the brad hole positions on the stops with a pencil.
    Note: Allow enough room between the top of the window jamb and the shade for the roller to easily turn, keeping in mind that it will be larger when all rolled up. Hold the shade up where you plan to install it. When you find the correct position for the first bracket position, make a pencil mark for the location of the brad hole. Measure the distance from the top and sides of the window frame and then use that measurement to locate the bracket on the opposite side.
  3. Secure the shade brackets to the window stops with small brads.
  4. With a carpenter's awl or an ice pick and hammer, make starting holes in the stops. Hold the shade bracket in position with a tack hammer to drive in the brads.
  5. Slide the ends of the shade into the slots in the brackets.
    Note: Make sure that the shade is fully wound up when you install it, or it may not retract properly. If you pull the shade down and it doesn't fully roll up by itself, pull the shade down a foot or so and take it off the bracket. Rewind the shade on the shade roller and then reinstall it in the bracket.
  6. To remove the shade, just push upward on the slotted end of the shade to free it from its bracket and then pull the round support from the hole in the opposite bracket.

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