Blinds, Shades and Shutters - Making a Roller Blind

I want to know if anyone has actually made their own Roller Blind, i.e constructed the actual mechanism by cutting a rod (wooden, aluminium, etc) and adding the pull-chain mechanism themselves. It looks pretty simple to make and I want to attempt to make one myself. I've found the brackets to attach to the inside wall/ceiling of the window, I have the rod, have the pull-chain with the little spaced knobs but want to know whats the best way to constuct the little round mechanism around which the chain moves (the notched plastic little goodie). Seems simple. Anyone done this before? Please advise. Thanks.

never done it. but i've seen kits where you use your own fabric and just attach it to the rod. but i think that was for the spring type shades, not the ones that use a chain.

You must have a aluminun and hollow tube / roller . The bead - chain clutch is the mechanism . This cltch may be installed at either end of tube . There should be (2) links : (1) to fasten the beaded chain this will also be a stopper/limiter either for stopping the roller at up position -or- stopping the shade from hitting the sill . The other link , will be used to serve same ..this can be added on when shade is fully installed . The tricky part is linning up the actual link to end up at the clutch when shade is in upper most position . Set this up before installing into brackets . There should be a saftey latch at the opposite end of clutch . This latch will secure the roller preventing the roller from jumping out . Use this shade with slow moving operation . If you have a shade going up crooked , Let the shade roll out/down to bottom and use a newspaper thick piece of about 2" wide by 1" and tuck it up and inside the shade at the very end . The end where the hem bar (bottom of shade ) is highest . If this does not seem to align , add another spacer (paper) on top (stacking) them .

You will be wasting your time trying to make your own clutch roller. Go to a custom Window Treatment shop and buy a clutch roller cut to your dimensions. It will include the brackets & chain. The rest is up to you.

Thanks for the advice InstallerKD! It sounds a bit too complicated for me though, especially the part about the 2 links. Think I may just have to go out and get a readymade roller blind kit, cut to size, and just attach my own choice of fabric to it! Thanks again.

Yes, thanks johnam. I think this may well be the best solution for now. It just looks so simple to construct oneself (the chain-pulley mechanism not the spring type), I thought I'd give it a shot. Will report back if I do manage to make one myself! Thanks

Hi Annette. Yes, I have seen those kits as well - the chain pulley system only, not the spring type. Think I'll get those for now (while I attempt to construct one from scratch myself). Will report back if I succeed. Thanks

Hi. Is it mayby possible to send me or post a diagram for installing or making your own roller blinds. I only need the whole rope thing.

Hi and welcome to the forum! Not sure what you mean about the rope thing. There is no rope on a roller blind.
If you mean a clutch system, you'll need to buy one from a blinds place or a someone that makes custom window treatments. You'd need some training to make one and you can't buy just one of each component. If you want the spring type, just go to a hardware store and buy a cheap one, have them cut it to size, then remove the vinyl. Installation instructions will come with either system.
Here's a site on how to make the blinds. It's in the UK, but should be fairly easy to follow:
Roller Blinds (http://www.alternative-windows.com/roller-blind.htm)
Now if you're talking about Swedish or Roll Up Blinds, let me know and I'll see if I can find instructions for you.