Custom Mark 1 Metal Blinds

Measuring For Inside Mount Metal Blinds

Find Width

Measure exact distance to the nearest 1/8" between inside surfaces of window frame at the top, middle, and bottom, and use the narrowest width. Do not make any width deductions. For custom blinds, the factory will automatically make appropriate deductions; for Stock blinds, a 1/2" deduction will be taken on the entire blind.

Find Height

Measure exact distance to the nearest 1/8" from inside surface at top of window to sill at the left, middle and right and use the longest height. If you prefer blind not to touch sill, deduct 1/4". If there is no sill, measure height to the point where the shade reaches.

Measuring For Outside Mount Metal Blinds

Find Width:

Measure exact distance to the nearest 1/8" between the outermost points where the blind is to be placed. For optimal light control, this measurement should extend 3/4" beyond the window opening on each side (or 1 1/2" for the entire width).

Find Height

Measure exact distance to the nearest 1/8" from where top of the blind will be located to the top of sill. If there is no sill or if blind is to overlap window frame, measure to the point the shade reaches.

Measuring for 2-on-1 and 3-on-1 Headrail

Measure overall width of the area to be covered.

Measure width of the area each blind is to cover. Measure and specify the left shade first, continuing to the right. Factory will allow a minimum of 1/2" between blinds for operating clearance.

The total width of all blinds must equal the total headrail width. If ordering a valance wider than the blind, a diagram is required.

To measure height, use standard inside or outside measuring procedures.

Metal Blinds with Box-Style Brackets

Before you begin your installation:

Read all installation instructions!

• Make sure that you have all tools and hardware needed for installation.
• Check the installation surface (wall, ceiling, or window frame) to ensure that you have suitable fasteners and tools for the material.
• Double check the headrail and blinds for proper width and length. If you are installing several sets of blinds, be sure to match them with the appropriate window.
• Check the parts list shipped with the product to confirm that you have the correct number of brackets.

Tools You May Need (not included):

• Tape Measure
• Level
• Pencil
• 3/8" Wrench
• Flat-blade or Philips Head Screwdriver
• 1/4" Nutdriver
• Drill with Bits
• Drywall Anchors
• Scissors or Utility Knife
• Safety glasses
• Ladder

Step 1

Mounting Brackets

There are different types of brackets used with box bracket installations. Bracket appearance may vary depending on size.

Preparing box brackets for installation:

• Open the front of the bracket by pressing on the bottom of the bracket to release the locking tab while lifting the front gate.

Step 2

Optional extension brackets

If your blinds include optional extension brackets, temporarily assemble them to the mounting brackets at this time. You will need to use the extension brackets to determine mounting hole locations in Steps 3 and 4.

Refer to the included instructions for your style of extension brackets.

Step 3A

Mark the bracket locations - outside mount installation

• Position the box brackets at each end of the headrail.
• When using a single center support bracket, center it between the box brackets. For more than one center support bracket, space the support brackets evenly, not more than 30" apart. Making sure the brackets will not interfere with the cord mechanism or any other internal parts.
• Mark the bracket mounting hole locations, making sure they are square and equally spaced. For outside-mount installations, use a spirit level to check for levelness.

Step 4A

Install the brackets - outside mount installation

Example: Installation in drywall using drywall anchors and included screws. Use two screws per bracket.

Step 3B

Mark the bracket locations - inside mount installation

• Position the box brackets at each end of the headrail. Depending on the installation location, box brackets can be attached using the top, back, or the side holes.
• When using a single center support bracket, center it between the box brackets. For more than one center support bracket, space the support brackets evenly, not more than 30" apart. Making sure the brackets will not interfere with the cord mechanism or any other internal parts.
• Mark the location of the desired bracket mounting holes, making sure they are square and equally spaced.

Step 4B

Install the brackets - inside mount installation

Example: Installation in a wood window frame using the included screws. Use two screws per bracket. Depending on the installation location, box brackets can be attached using the top, back, or the side holes.

Step 5

Attach Valance

• Attach the valance clips on the front of the headrail, one at each end. Space any remaining clips evenly.
• Hook the valance into the clips

Step 6

Attaching the headrail to the mounting brackets

• Align the headrail, tilt mechanism facing out, with the center support brackets and box brackets.
• Being careful not to trap the top slat in the brackets, slide the headrail straight back until it is snug in the center support brackets.
• If the headrail can slide from side to side in the box brackets, use a flat-head screwdriver to bend out the tabs on the ends of the headrail until it is snug.

• Lower the front of each box bracket and press until the locking tab clicks into place.

• For blinds using center support brackets with locking tabs, make sure the tab on the bracket is hooked under the lip on the headrail, then press the locking tab until it clicks into place.

Step 7

Attach the tilt wand

• Remove the protective rubber cap from the tilt mechanism on the headrail.
• Slide the wand sleeve onto the tilter stem and fit the flat end of the S-hook into the tilter stem.
• Hook the end of the tilt wand onto the S-hook and pull down the sleeve on the tilt mechanism.
• Rotate the tilt wand in each direction to ensure proper operation.

Step 8

Attach optional hold-down brackets (on some styles)

Type 1 - One-Piece Hold-Down Brackets

• With the hold-down brackets attached to the bottom rail, lower the blinds to the hold-down bracket mounting surface and mark the bracket locations.
• Attach the hold-down brackets at the bottom of the window with the included screws, as shown for your installation type.
• To attach the bottom rail, gently pull the brackets out slightly and insert the pins into the holes on the bottom rail of the blinds.

Type 2 - Two-Piece Hold-Down Brackets

• Clip the rounded end of the hold-down pins into the hole at each end of the bottom rail. The other end will hook into the hold-down brackets.
  NOTE: Some styles may have the hold-down pins built into the bottom rail.
• With the hold-down brackets attached to the bottom rail, lower the blinds to the hold-down bracket mounting surface and mark the location of the bracket.
• Attach the hold-down brackets at the bottom of the window with the included screws, as shown for your installation type.
• Attach the bottom rail hold-down pins to the bracket.

Metal Blinds with Hidden Brackets

Before you begin your installation:

Read all installation instructions!

• Make sure that you have all tools and hardware needed for installation.
• Check the installation surface (wall, ceiling, or window frame) to ensure that you have suitable fasteners and tools for the material.
• Double check the headrail and blinds for proper width and length. If you are installing several sets of blinds, be sure to match them with the appropriate window.
• Check the parts list shipped with the product to confirm that you have the correct number of brackets.

Tools You May Need (not included):

• Tape Measure
• Level
• Pencil
• Flat-blade or Philips Head Screwdriver
• 1/4" Nutdriver
• Drill with Bits
• Drywall Anchors
• Safety glasses
• Ladder

Step 1

Mounting Brackets

There are different types of mounting brackets, depending on the headrail size and style. However, all types shown below work in a similar manner.

Style 1

Style 2

Style 3 (Inside Mount Only)

Step 2

Optional extension brackets

If your blinds include optional extension brackets, temporarily assemble them to the mounting brackets at this time. You will need to use the extension brackets to determine mounting hole locations in Steps 3 and 4.

Refer to the included instructions for your style of extension brackets.

Step 3

Mark the bracket locations— inside-mount installation

• Position one bracket as close as possible to each end of the headrail, making sure the brackets will not interfere with the cord mechanism or other internal headrail parts.
• When using a single center support bracket, center it between the ends. For more than one center support bracket, space the support brackets evenly, not more than 30” apart. Make sure the brackets will not interfere with the cord mechanism or any other internal parts.
• Using the included template as a guide, mark the bracket mounting hole locations, making sure they are square and equally spaced. For outside mount installations, use a spirit level to check for levelness.

Step 4

Optional Bracket Shims for Inside Mount

To properly engage the headrail on inside mount installations, some bracket styles require up to 1/4″ between the headrail locking tabs and the mounting surface. If needed, use the included shims to ensure the necessary spacing.

• Separate the shims.
• Align the shim(s) and mark with the mounting holes used for marking bracket locations in Step 3.
• Drill through-holes at the marked locations

Step 5A

Install the brackets— outside-mount installation

If mounting into drywall or plaster, use 3/16" drill bit and insert wall anchors before inserting screws. Use two screws per bracket

Step 5B

Install the brackets— inside-mount installation

Example: Installation in a wood window frame using the included screws. Use two screws per bracket.

Step 6

Attaching the head rail to the mounting brackets

Style 1

• Fit the front lip of the headrail over the hook on the front of the bracket.
• Roll the back of the headrail up until the back clips of the bracket lock into place with a "click." Be careful not to clip the top slat when attaching the headrail to the mounting brackets.

Style 2

• Hold the back of the headrail against inner top of the bracket.
• Pressing back on the headrail, roll the back of the headrail up until the back clips of the bracket lock into place with a "click."

Style 3

• Fit the front lip of the headrail over the spring-loaded ledge on the front of the bracket.
• Pressing back on the headrail, roll the back of the headrail up until the back lip of the headrail catches on the back lip of the bracket.

Step 7

Attach the tilt wand

• Remove the protective rubber cap from the tilt mechanism on the headrail.
• For models with a tilter loop (A)
  • Clip the end of the wand onto the tilter loop.
• For models with a tilter stem (B)
  • Hook the end of the wand through the hole in the tilter stem
• Rotate the tilt wand in each direction to ensure proper operation.

Step 8

Attach optional hold-down brackets (on some styles)

Type 1 - One-Piece Hold-Down Brackets

• With the hold-down brackets attached to the bottom rail, lower the blinds to the hold-down bracket mounting surface and mark the bracket locations.
• Attach the hold-down brackets at the bottom of the window with the included screws, as shown for your installation type.
• To attach the bottom rail, gently pull the brackets out slightly and insert the pins into the holes on the bottom rail of the blinds.

Type 2 - Two-Piece Hold-Down Brackets

• Press the rounded end of the hold-down pins into the hole at each end of the bottom rail. The other end will hook into the hold-down brackets.
  NOTE: Some styles may have the hold-down pins built into the bottom rail.
• With the hold-down brackets attached to the bottom rail, lower the blinds to the hold-down bracket mounting surface and mark the location of the bracket.
• Attach the hold-down brackets at the bottom of the window with the included screws, as shown for your installation type.
• Attach the bottom rail hold-down pins to the bracket.