Looking for a new blind for the kitchen, nothing flashy just an aluminium venetian type jobby. Problem is I need 105 cm to replace the old one, and now they seem to only be available in 30 cm increments, i.e. 90, 120, etc.
I see Argos has a 'blind cutter' - anyone know if these just do the slats, or can you cut the top and bottom main bits as well (top bit obviously contains the tilt and lift mechanism).
In message , Simon C. writes
I get my blinds from Ikea. They sell a slat cutter and I chop the ends of the top and bottom bits with tin cutters. Works a treat.
In message , Jan Wysocki writes
I used a hacksaw for the first 3 or 4, but it was really hard, and distorted the extrusions. The tin cutters cause some distortion, but it is fairly easy to bend them back into shape.
I've done about 25 blinds, and it works OK for me
I'd guess that the Argos cutter like the IKEA one (which is surprisingly good) just cuts the slats. The cutter makes rounded ends to the slats, avoiding bloody encounters:)
I cut the top and bottom with a hacksaw. I'd expect tin cutters (I presume you mean tin snips) to sriously distort the extrusions. You could use a bandsaw or a jigsaw on the top extrusion.
I have a lot of IKEA blinds - the colour range is limited, but they work well for a good price.
my b and q now does a blind cut service, or buy from an online made to measure place like:
mrcheerful
When I did it I just used a pair of scissors to cut the slats down (using the first offcut as a template for marking the rest and cutting on the waste side of this line, to ensure the same time) and then rounded off the corners with a nail clipper. To be honest, the slat cutter sounds an awful lot easier!
It'll just be for cutting the slats - packing the top and bottom bars with something to prevent distortion and then cutting with a hacksaw & cleaning up with a file sorts them out.
The one thing to ensure before you start is that there;s sufficient clear space between the mechanism and the ends to enable you to cut the top and bottom down, but with 7.5cm being cut off each end then you should be OK.
We have 3 very large windows in our front room. We cannot find any blinds from a conventional source that will fit.
We contacted a local blinds supply company.
Manufactured to size and fitted the options were:
natual wood - £580.
metal - £260
The metal blinds come with a special "wood" artificial covering. You can't actually tell they are metal and not wood until you touch them.
Graham
at that price make your own, theyre very simple. Wood slats, cord, glue, masking tape, and some closed hooks for up top.
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required