Summary:
Learn how to uninstall, repair, and reinstall Silhouette® and Nantucket™ shades with the UltraGlide® operating system. This article covers bracket-specific removal instructions, part replacements, and component adjustments.
Applies To:
Silhouette®, Nantucket™, UltraGlide®
Preparation
1. Identify Bracket Type
2. Uninstall Shade
Repair
3. Replace Bottom Rail End Caps
4. Replace Headrail Limit Assemblies
5. Adjust Limit Assemblies
6. Install New Clutch Assembly
7. Attach or Adjust Designer Tassel
Support
8. Repair Service Eligibility
9. Need More Help?
Identify Bracket Style
Silhouette® and Nantucket™ shadings with Ultraglide™ have used four types of installation brackets over time. Brackets 1–3 are discontinued. Bracket 4 (part number KIT9125) fits all headrails, regardless of manufacture date, and can be ordered at parts.hunterdouglas.com.
Uninstall Shade
If you need to uninstall your shade, you’ll need to safely remove it from the headrail. Follow the appropriate method based on your bracket type. Handle the headrail and fabric carefully to avoid causing damage.
Bracket 1 (pre-1998)
- Unroll the shade at least halfway.
- Locate the release tab between the fabric roll.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver behind the locking tab and twist to disengage.
- Pull the headrail forward and remove it carefully.
Bracket 2 (1998 – August 2009)
- Fully raise the shade.
- Locate the locking tab and insert a flat object (credit card or similar).
- Lift up to release the tab and remove the shade forward from the brackets.
Bracket 3 (Sept 2009- March 2018)
Bracket 4 (April 2018 – Present)
- Fully raise the shading.
- Move the bracket lever to the left to release the headrail. Use your finger or a flathead screwdriver.
- If the lever is inaccessible, lower the shade slightly. Use a small screwdriver to push the bottom-side release tab.
- Pull the headrail toward you to remove it.
Tip: Always support the fabric while removing the shading to avoid damage.
Replace Bottom Rail End Caps
Bottom rail end caps serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose. They protect the ends of the bottom rail, help maintain shade alignment, and in some cases allow for the use of hold-down brackets. If an end cap is missing, cracked, or loose, it can affect how your shade looks and operates.
You may need to replace a bottom rail end cap if:
- An end cap has fallen off or is visibly damaged
- The bottom rail feels uneven or misaligned
- You're installing hold-down brackets, which require specific holes in the end caps
- The shade is rattling or shifting when in the lowered position
- The cap is discolored or worn, and you’d like a cosmetic refresh
Replacing damaged or missing end caps helps your shade sit evenly, protects it from wear, and supports secure installation with hold-down brackets if needed.
Note: Replacement bottom rail end caps are not universal. To ensure the correct version and color, we recommend ordering through your original dealer.
- Place the shade flat on a clean surface.
- Unroll part of the fabric to access the bottom rail.
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Use a flathead screwdriver and rubber mallet to gently tap off the old end cap.
- Insert the new end cap into the rail.
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Use the mallet to tap each side evenly to avoid cracking or uneven seating.
Replace Headrail Limit Assemblies
Headrail limit assemblies act like stoppers inside your shade’s headrail. They help control how far the shade rolls up or down and keep internal parts aligned during operation. If these assemblies become damaged or misaligned, your shade may not function correctly or could roll unevenly.
You may need to replace the limit assemblies if:
- The shade rolls up too far or doesn't stop where it should
- The fabric bunches, leans, or misaligns inside the headrail
- You notice loose or detached components during a repair
- You’ve recently replaced other headrail parts (like the end caps) and the limits no longer fit securely
- The shade won’t roll up smoothly, or gets stuck partway
Replacing the limit assemblies helps restore proper alignment and operation, ensuring the shade rolls and stops as designed. Headrail limit assemblies vary by product and size. To ensure compatibility, please contact your original dealer to place a parts order.
- Remove the shading from the mounting brackets and place it on a clean, flat surface.
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Insert a flathead screwdriver between the old top limit assembly and the headrail.
Tip: Matching the correct version ensures proper operation and prevents misalignment during reassembly. - Rotate the screwdriver to release and remove the assembly.
- Attach the new top limit assemblies by pushing them straight back into the headrail until they snap in place.
- For shades under 36", position assemblies at the center with approximately 1/8" space between them.
- For shades under 36", position assemblies at the center with approximately 1/8" space between them.
Adjust Limit Assemblies
- Roll the fabric almost entirely into the headrail.
- Press the first top limit assembly down until it nearly touches the fabric roll.
- The flange will click into one of four available positions.
- Repeat the same position on the second top limit assembly.
Install New Clutch Assembly
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After uninstalling the shade and limit assembly, align the clutch fins with the rotator rail channel.
- Tap the clutch gently into the rail using a mallet.
- Ensure the clutch sits flush with the rail.
- Align the tab on the clutch end cap with the headrail and gently tap only on the tab to install.
- Caution: Tapping elsewhere may damage the end cap.
Attach or Adjust Designer Tassel
Used on models manufactured after April 2009.
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.
Insert the tassel cord through the hole in the top of the tassel cover (opaque piece).
Tie a knot at your desired cord length, then pull the knot inside the cover.
Trim the cord if needed.
Place the tassel body around the cover.
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
Grip both pieces of the tassel and gently separate them.
Slide the cover off and untie the knot.
Repeat the steps above to retie and reinstall at a new length.
Repair Service Eligibility
Only a limited number of in-home repairs are supported for Silhouette® and Nantucket™ shadings with Ultraglide™. These include removing the shade, replacing the headrail limit assemblies, and replacing end caps or bottom rail components. All other issues may require professional assistance.
Important Notes:
Silhouette® and Nantucket™ Ultraglide® with cord and standard headrail (manufactured between 2003 and April 2014) are no longer eligible for repair service. Internal parts are unavailable, and repair conversion services are not offered for these models.
Silhouette® UG (2014) and Nantucket UG (2015) cord clutches have been discontinued and are out of stock. Shades sent to plant repair centers or Authorized Service Centers (ASCs) in the US and Canada for clutch replacement must be converted to the UG Wand clutch.
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.