Blinds, Shades and Shutters - vertical blinds, broken clips, purchase vinyl

I have several broken plastic clips on my Levelor blinds, I have a few extra clips but can't figure out how to get the broken ones off, I've pulled, twisted, everything, they hold firm. A dealer said they can't be replaced, the entire unit has to be replaced, considering what these things cost, (hard vinyl with a fabric insert) hope he's wrong. Also thinking of getting rid of the fabric and replacing with plain flexible vinyl, no staining when condensation is on windows, when window cleaner spray hits them, and lovely pet fur wipes off. Anyone know where or if I can purchase vinyl by the yard, roll whatever. Looking for soft flexible product I can cut to size & hang myself. (saw verticals like this in a model manufactured home, sales rep said they "come with the house"). Thanks December

The dealer is correct. The track must be removed and the "guts" slid out and then the stem & carrier can be replaced. I don't know of any flexible vinyl material that is made to replace the fabric inserts. You may have to replace all the vanes with vinyl ones.

Johnan, thanks that's kind of what I was afraid of, the things are over 6' long what the dealer was trying to sell me on was replacing the entire blind, said it couldn't be fixed. As far as the flexible vinyl is concerned, I didn't mean I wanted to insert it in place of the fabric, I want to replace the vanes entirely with just a plain flexible vinyl and if I could locate the product I feel fairly certain I could cut and hang myself, finding seems to be the problem. December

The vinyl vanes used for vertical blinds come in 16' lengths and are cut & hole punched on a machine. You could buy them at Home Depot is the length and color is OK for you or you can get them in various styles cut to your size at any dealer. If you go through a dealer the cost of the vanes & repairing the track might not make sense and you'll be better off with a completly new vertical.

Rule #1 with Vertical blinds ..... make sure vane are open when opening and closing . Always draw slow slow slow .. go easy when tilting open and close ..whatbyoy are breaking are called 'carriers' Installers know how to replace ..It is a repair ticket . Replacing the track is common place . If you are breaking the vanes ....they are always replaceable ..usualy $15.00 each plus shipping and Installer service call fee . Be careful ..when operating any window treatments . Any good treatment shall last 10-15 years when kept properly . All installer really should instruct customer .

You can flip the fabric inserts & get double the use out of them. You can also get rolls of fabric that you can cut to length yourself. I can order it from my local blinds manufacturer (price ranges from $0.95-$2.95/yd) but so far I've been unsuccesful finding an on-line source so if anyone knows of one, please post!!