Repairs Guidance for Duette® and Applause® Honeycomb Shades with UltraGlide®

Summary:  
Learn how to remove, adjust, and reassemble components for Duette® and Applause® shades with UltraGlide® operating systems. This article guides you through installing parts like tassels and pull cord assemblies, adjusting the bottom rail, and addressing key support tasks. Instructions vary by generation.

Applies To:  
Duette®, Applause®, UltraGlide®

Preparation

1. Remove or Uninstall Shade

Pull Cord Assembly

2. Remove Pull Cord Assembly for Standard Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019
3. Remove Pull Cord Assembly on Dual Control Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019
4. Remove Pull Cord Assembly on Standard Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019
5. Assemble New Pull Cord Assembly for Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019
6. Attach Gear Assist for Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019
7. Replace the Connector or Gear Assist for Shades Manufactured Before May 2009
8. Install New Single-Side Control Pull Cord Assembly for Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019
9. Install New Dual Control Pull Cord Assembly for Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019
10. Install New Single-Side Control Pull Cord Assembly for Shades Manufactured Before May 2009

Wand and Adjustments

11. Attach or Adjust Wand for Shades Manufactured After July 2016
12. Use EasyAdjust Key for Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019 

Tassels and Connectors

13. Attach Designer Tassel for Shades Manufactured After July 2016
14 Install or Adjust Tassel Cord for Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019
15. Transfer the Tassel Assembly to a New Tassel for Shades Manufactured Before May 2009

Support

16. Repair Service Eligibility
17. Need More Help?

Remove or Uninstall Shade

1. If hold-down brackets are used, ensure the bottom rail is disconnected from them.
2. Move the shade so that it is about 4” from the top.
3. While holding the front of the headrail for support, use a flat blase screwdriver wrapped in a soft cloth to push the blade against the bottom tab of the mounting bracket. Be careful not to scratch the finish on the back of the headrail.
   
   
    
4. After releasing the back edge, roll the back of the headrail downward and out from the bracket.
   
   

Remove Pull Cord Assembly for Standard Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019

You may need to replace the pull cord assembly on your window shade if the cord is fraying, difficult to pull, or no longer raises and lowers the shade smoothly. It’s also a good idea to replace it if the cord feels loose or tight, or if you’re upgrading your shade for safety or functionality.
 

1. Disconnect the tassel cord at the cord connector from the control end of the shade. You may need to use a small screwdriver to separate the two parts of the cord connector.

2. Use a plastic hammer or rubber mallet and a screwdriver to loosen the end cap carefully. It may be easier to remove if you alternate back and forth, rather than trying to do one corner at a time.

   Note: If you are repairing internal components on a standard shade (top-down or bottom-up), the end cap on the control end of the shade is the only one that needs to be removed.

         

3. While holding the fabric stack and bottom rail, slide the headrail out to expose the pull cord assembly.

   

4. Disconnect the pull cord assembly from the fabric stack by holding the fabric stack in place and lifting the end of the pull cord assembly.

   

5. Detach the pull cord assembly from the V-shaft.

   WITH GEAR ASSIST	WITHOUT GEAR ASSIST
   a. Hold the V-shaft in place, and pull the pull cord assembly and gear assist away from the V-shaft b. Separate the gear assist from the pull cord assembly by pulling it straight back from the pull cord assembly.  c. Save the gear assist for reuse.	Hold the V-Shaft in place, and pull the pull cord assembly away from it.

Remove Pull Cord Assembly on Dual Control Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019

During this process, do not allow the V-shaft to slide out of the headrail. Prevent this by raising the end of the shade containing the pull cord assembly you are attempting to replace. 
 

1. Remove the end cap from the other end of the shade (the end containing the pull cord assembly that does not need to be replaced).
2. On the end, with the pull cord assembly that does not need to be replaced, pull the underside of the valance away from the headrail.
   
   
    
3. Holding the valance out of the way of the adapter, push the pull cord assembly that does not need to be replaced and the fabric stack into the headrail. The notch in the headrail is longer than the notch in the valance.
   
   
    
4. On the pull cord assembly you wish to replace, bend the fabric stiffener in the first cell down to release the pin from the fabric stack. It is recommended to release the brake on the pull cord assembly to lessen the chances of the shaft being pulled out. 
   
   
    
5. Slide the pull cord assembly straight out of the headrail. Twisting it to either side may pull the V-shaft out as well. 
   
   
    
6. If this product has a gear assist, separate the gear assist from the pull cord assembly by pulling it straight back from the pull cord assembly. Save the gear assist for reuse. 
   
    

Remove Pull Cord Assembly on Standard Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019

1. Use a plastic hammer or rubber mallet and a screwdriver to loosen the end cap carefully. It may be easier to remove if you alternate back and forth, rather than trying to do one corner at a time.

   Note: If you are attempting to replace internal components, you will only need to take the end cap on the pull cord side off

   

2. After removing the pull cord side end cap, hold the cord against the bottom rail and slide out the pull cord assembly, fabric stack, and bottom rail far enough to expose the entire pull cord assembly. 

   

3. Lift the tab on the pull cord assembly up from the fabric stack.

   If replacing the pull cord assembly, do not throw away the pull cord assembly you are removing. Parts from it will be used later in the repair.

   

Assemble New Pull Cord Assembly for Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019

1. If this product uses an adapter, follow the instructions below to attach it. A ⅜” pleat size product will not use an adapter

STANDARD	1 1/4" ARCHITELLA SHADE
a. Snap the adapter onto the pull cord assembly. Note: A left control PCA is shown. A right control would be mirrored.	a. Cut the pin off the pull cord assembly. b. Snap the adapter onto the pull cord assembly

2. Install the brake activator. It snaps onto the switch protruding from the bottom center of the pull cord assembly.

3. When applicable, pull the cord around the adapter and into the groove in the adapter.

4. Pull the cord through the slot in the brake activator.

Attach Gear Assist for Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019

1. Line up the groove in the V-shaft of the gear assist with the key in the output shaft of the NEW pull cord    assembly.

2.  Snap the gear assist onto the pull cord assembly.

Replace the Connector or Gear Assist for Shades Manufactured Before May 2009

Replacing a connector or gear assist will make the repair of a new pull cord assembly much more difficult. It is not recommended to attempt this repair unless absolutely necessary. If replacing the connector or gear assist, note that both require a new shaft retaining clip.

1. Release the shaft by using needle nose pliers to pull the shaft retainer clip toward the connector or gear assist. It may be useful to use a flathead screwdriver to push the shaft out of the connector or gear assist as you squeeze the needle nose pliers.

2. Insert the shaft retaining clip in the slot in the connector or gear assist, with the flanges facing toward the pull cord assembly.

3. Insert the shaft through the shaft retaining clip, all the way into the connector or gear assist. The end of the shaft should be seated securely, butted up against the walls of the connector or gear assist.

4. Attach the connector or gear assist to the Pull Cord Assembly. 

To attach a connector or gear assist to a new pull cord assembly, follow the instructions under the applicable part. Each product will have either a connector or a gear assist. No product will ever use both.

Install New Single-Side Control Pull Cord Assembly for Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019 

Right side control is shown. A left control would be a mirror image of these figures.

1. Line up the groove in the V-shaft with the key in the output shaft of the pull cord assembly.

2. Pull on the pull cord connector to rotate the output shaft of the pull cord assembly or gear assist, as required

3.  Slide the pull cord assembly into place on the V-shaft.

4. Put the pin on the pull cord assembly or adapter into the hole in the fabric stack.

5. Slide the headrail back over the pull cord assembly. 

6. Place the end cap(s) on the end(s) of the headrail. 

7. Use a plastic or rubber mallet to tap the end cap(s) and fully seat them.

Install New Dual Control Pull Cord Assembly for Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019 

Right side control is shown. A left control would be a mirror image of these figures.

1. Look into the headrail and note the position of the groove in the V-shaft.

2. To align the position of the pull cord assembly output shaft, pull on the pull cord connector to rotate the output shaft of the pull cord assembly or the gear assist. The position of the key in the output shaft must match the position of the groove of the V-shaft.

3. Press down on the fabric stiffener and first cell as shown, and slide the replacement pull cord assembly into place.

4. Push up on the filler strip to snap it back onto the pin of the pull cord assembly.                                

5. Slide the headrail back into place.

6. Place the end cap(s) on the end(s) of the headrail. 

7. Use a plastic or rubber mallet to tap the end cap(s) and fully seat them.

Install New Single-Side Control Pull Cord Assembly for Shades Manufactured Before May 2009

1. Insert the tab on the new pull cord assembly in the fabric hole 2” from the end of the fabric stack. (If your product does not have a hole in the fabric, use a pair of scissors to cut the tab off instead.)

   

2. Slide the pull cord assembly into the headrail. The pull cord assembly, fabric stack and bottom rail will all slide in together, but be careful not to snag, nick or cut the fabric or tape ribbon hanging down from the pull cord assembly.

   

3. Tap the end cap securely in place.

   

4. Turn the headrail over and check the fabric to ensure nothing is caught. The end cap should fit snugly, and will not crush or bend the fabric.

Attach or Adjust Wand for Shades Manufactured After July 2016

Lift the soft bumper from the stop ball.

Twist the wand until you hear two clicks.

If the wand loosens, tighten again until secure.

Use EasyAdjust Key for Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019 

Over time, the bottom rail of your shade may become slightly uneven due to use or installation. The EasyAdjust™ key lets you fine-tune each side of the rail to ensure your shade hangs level and looks its best. To use the EasyAdjust™ key follow the steps below.

1. Lift the bottom rail and locate the adjustment pockets on the underside.
2. Insert a 7/64" Allen wrench (EasyAdjust™ key) into a pocket.
   • The key is fully inserted when the ring on the key presses firmly against the pocket opening.
   • Note: The key must be fully seated to avoid stripping the mechanism.
3. If there are more than two pockets, adjust the outer pockets first. Then adjust the inner pockets as needed to maintain even tension.
4. Slightly lift the bottom rail before turning the key.
5. Turn clockwise to raise that side of the rail, or counterclockwise to lower it.
   • One-quarter turn equals approximately 1/4 inch of movement.
6. Raise and lower the shade after each adjustment to check for level alignment.
   • Note: Do not pull down on the rail while turning the key.

Additional Notes

• For Top-Down/Bottom-Up shades, the adjustment pockets are located on the top side of the middle rail.
• For Duolite® shades, the middle rail pockets are found at the ends of the middle rail, inside the top cell of the lower fabric panel.

Need to order an EasyAdjust™ key? Use part number #KIT2763 to place an order at parts.hunterdouglas.com.

Attach Designer Tassel for Shades Manufactured After July 2016

Use these steps if your tassel has come apart or the cord length needs adjustment. This style includes a two-piece design with a separate cover and outer body that snap together.

1. Insert the tassel cord through the hole in the top of the tassel cover (opaque piece).

2. Tie a knot at your desired cord length, then pull the knot inside the cover.

3. Trim the cord if needed.

4. Place the tassel body around the cover.

5. Squeeze the sides of the tassel cover together while sliding it into the tassel body until it clicks.

Tip: After reassembling, ensure the tassel is secure and the pieces don’t separate easily.

To Adjust Tassel Length

1. Grip both pieces of the tassel and gently separate them.

2. Slide the cover off and untie the knot.

3. Repeat the steps above to retie and reinstall at a new length.

Install or Adjust Tassel Cord for Shades Manufactured May 2009- May 2019

1. Hook one side of the lower cord connector to the upper cord connector. 

2. Rotate the lower cord connector until it snaps into place.

   

    

3. Hold the cord connector and twirl the tassel cord to pull any stray cord fibers out of the junction of the cord connector halves. Stray fibers in the junction may cause the connector to come apart.

Transfer the Tassel Assembly to a New Tassel for Shades Manufactured Before May 2009

1. Hold the tassel cord while pulling on the tassel cord to pull out the equalizer housing.

2. Unwrap the lift tape around the base of the equalizer housing from the old pull cord assembly.
3. Pull up on the old lift tape to remove the equalizer from the housing.
4. While holidng the equalizer, use a flathead screwdriver to release the wedge.
5. Unwrap the old lift tape from the equalizer and tassel cover. You can now discard the old pull cord assembly.
6. Slide the tassel cover, hole-end first, onto the lift tape of the new pull cord assembly.
7. Loop the tape one around the equalizer.

8. Insert the wedge with the rib side toward the tape and the inside of the equalizer.
9. Push the wedge up until flush to lock the tape look in place.   

10. Place the equalizer into the equalizer housing.

    

11. Reattach the tassel cord by sliding the knot into the bottom of the equalizer housing.

    

12. Wrap any excess lift tape around the base of the equalizer housing. Do not wrap more than three times.

    

13. Slide the tassel cover firmly over the equalizer housing.

    

14. Cut any excess lift tape so that it is flush with the bottom of the equalizer housing.

Repair Service Eligibility

Repair options depend on when your shade was made and which version of UltraGlide® it uses.

• 2004 – May 2009 (Bell Tassel) The UltraGlide® mechanism used during this time is no longer available. Repairs are not offered for these shades.

• May 2009 – April 2012 (Oval Tassel) Some UltraGlide® mechanisms from this period have been discontinued depending on pleat size. Repairs are only available if we still have the necessary parts in stock.

• April 2012 – July 2016 (Oval Tassel) The same rules apply as above. Repairs may be possible, but only if the specific parts remain in inventory.

• After July 2016 (Wand Upgrade) Repair service is fully supported. Parts are still available, and repairs can be completed.

Important: If your shade cannot be repaired, we recommend contacting your original dealer for replacement options. We no longer replace entire shades with UltraGlide® using a cord. If a full replacement shade is needed, it will need to be ordered with the UltraGlide® with Wand system.

Need More Help?

If you have additional questions, we recommend reaching out to your original dealer or installer for support.

If you’re not sure who installed your window treatments, you can use our Dealer Locator to find a local expert or chat with an agent at help.hunterdouglas.com for further assistance.

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