Cord has broken to draw curtains - a length of cord hangs down on one side that closes the curtains when pulled but the only way to re-open them is to climb a stepladder and do it manually from the top. I can't quite see what I need to do to repair or replace the cord and would like to know if I could get a diagram of how to do this. The draw cord is only on one side of the curtains and used to be in a loop so that pulling on one side or the other would open or close the curtains - but now there is just the unlooped cord hanging down.

Geoff, August 2009

I have done this several times over the years - the easiest way (it may not seem so) is to remove the curtains and take down the rail.

Make the repair on a long table or kitchen worktop - this way you can easily access the back of the rail where the cord fits. Then put it all back again.

New cord may be bought from a hardware or DIY store - a camping shop may be better because they often have more varieties. Take a sample with you to get the diameter correct.

Good luck...

Peccavi, August 2009