In theory, this is a pretty simple project: all you have to do is install two or three brackets, pop the top rail into the brackets, and remove any extra slats. Easy-peasy, right?
Well...almost. Provided you remember one very critical step that is *not* in the installation instructions. Before you do anything else, THROW AWAY THE INCLUDED SCREWS!
They're absolute garbage. If you try to use them, you will almost certainly strip at least one screw head while installing the brackets. Usually with a half-inch or so to go. (Yes, even if you pre-drill the holes like you're supposed to.) Save yourself the time and aggravation of struggling to remove the damn thing. When you buy your blinds, spend another buck or two and buy some decent screws. Even the ones in the assorted-sizes kits are vastly superior to the ones that come with the blinds. (In most cases, 8 1-1/4" #6 screws are all you need.)
The rest of the process is pretty straightforward. Removing the extra slats and retying all the knots is fiddly and tedious, but not hard. I generally cut the lift cords as long as possible and just stuff the excess into the bottom rail--much better to have them too long, than too short! When you tie them off, make sure the pull cords are adjusted the way you want. (When I installed our kitchen blind, I thought I'd somehow screwed up and cut the lift cords too short--until I realized the pull knobs were dragging on the counter.)
Tools Required: Cordless drill/driver, Flat-head screwdriver, Needlenose pliers, Scissors, Measuring tape, Pencil
Hardware Required: Replacement screws
Project Time: About an hour
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
PITA Rating: Low-Moderate
