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. If the pull cords still hang low when you’re finished, install a cleat to store them higher, out of kids’ reach.
1. 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.
2. 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 to make sure you have enough length to insert the strings into the holes on the bottom rail. Allow the excess slats to drop away.
3. Slide the bottom rail back between the ladder cords. String the pull cords through the bottom rail and knot the ends. Make sure that the pull cords are even and that the bottom rail hangs straight. You may have to adjust the position of the knot to achieve the desired length to your blinds. Do not try to adjust the length with the pull cord. Tuck loose ends into the holes and replace the plugs.