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BlogTools Make All The Difference When Installing Window Coverings
Professionals appear to have an easy time with anything they do. One of the reasons is that they use the proper tool for the job. Even though installing blinds and shades is an easy job, the proper tool makes it even easier.
Most professional window covering installers use “hex head” screws. 1/4” Hex head screws will be furnished with your blinds. Even though they can also be driven with a screwdriver, using a hex head nut driver will work much better.
If you’re mounting into wood trim, especially hardwood like oak, drill a small hole first so you don’t split the wood. If your installation requires a different length screw than those provided by the manufacturer, purchase #6 by the proper length hex head screws at the local hardware store.
Here’s a recommended simple, but effective tool list:
¼ inch Hex head manual nut 
driver. Looks like a screwdriver, but has a different end. The handle is red, standard for the ¼ inch size.
Battery powered drill/driver with ¼ inch Hex head drive nut driver. You don’t need an expensive one, this isn’t demanding work. You don’t need the powered drill if you 
don’t mind using the manual driver on a number of shades. We wouldn’t be without one of these around the house.
Small drill bits for pre-drilling into hardwood (if you’re mounting on wood, otherwise skip).
Other tips and tools:
You will most likely be either mounting into the wood trim, or outside mounting into the wallboard, likely hitting the header above the window. In the event you have only wallboard with no solid wood behind it, you’ll no doubt be using a plastic anchor. These will not be furnished with your blinds and shades, you’ll need to get them at the local hardware store. We’ve ran tests, and the ones pictured here work best.
TIP: Don’t punch a hole for the anchor in the wall board with an ice pick. You’ll break the backing of the wall board and lose the mounting strength. Drill the appropriate sized hole for the anchor. Good anchors with proper pre-drilled holes have tremendous strength.
Tags: blinds, shades, window coverings, window treatments
