Replacing a Missing or Damaged Louver Staple

Missing or damaged louver staples are an easy fix. When repairing your louver staple there are a few steps to follow:

Step 1: Determine the size of your louver staple. To do this, measure the width of the old staple. The width of the louver staple should be measured from staple leg to staple leg. If the old staple is not present, measure the distance between entry holes on your louver to determine the width needed for a replacement staple. Next, measure the length of the old staple from the tip of the staple leg to the crown of the staple. If the old staple is not present, it is best to order a longer staple that can be clipped down to the desired length. The replacement louver staple should protrude as far out as louver staples on other, non-damage, louvers.

Step 2: Insert replacement staple. Move louvers to their fully open position using the tilt rod. Move the tilt rod left and right to determine which direction will grant you the best access to the damaged louver. With a pair of needle-nose pliers, grip the crown of the replacement louver staple. Apply a drop of Superglue (Gel) to the tip of both staple legs. Angle replacement staple and thread one leg through the staple located on the tilt rod. Line staple legs up with existing holes on the louver. Apply even and steady pressure by pushing the replacement staple into the louver to ensure proper installation.

NOTE: If your tilt rod has eyelets in lieu of staples, insert the replacement louver staple into the louver first. Then, gently pry open the eyelet on the tilt rod. Move the louver, with the attached staple, toward the tilt rod and hook the crown of the louver staple onto the open eyelet of the tilt rod. Gently bend tilt rod eyelet back together.

Removing a Damaged Louver

After determining that a louver needs to be replaced, the removal and replacement of a new louver can be carried out with a few simple steps:

Step 1: Remove louver from tilt rod. With a pair of wire snips, cut the louver staple at the center of the staple crown. Separate the staple to allow enough room to disengage the louver from the tilt rod staple.

Step 2: Remove louver from shutter frame. Locate nylon pins on either side of the louver where it connects to the shutter frame. Using a sharp utility knife, cut the pin in half to free the louver from the frame.

Step 3: Remove staples and pins. Grip staple pieces and pins with a pair of vise grips. Pull pieces straight out avoiding any bending or prying—doing so may result in damage to the louver or shutter frame.

Installing a Repaired/Replacement Louver

After repairs have been made to the damaged louver, or a replacement one has arrived, it must be installed. Here are some steps you will need to follow when installing your louver:

Step 1: Insert replacement pins. Locate the pre-drilled holes on either side of the replacement louver. On one side, insert the thin end of the nylon pin. On the opposite end, insert the flat end of the spring-loaded replacement pin.

Step 2: Connect louver to shutter frame. With the louver staple facing the tilt rod, insert the protruding end of the nylon pin into the pre-drilled hole located on the shutter frame. Next, compress the spring-loaded end of the spring-loaded replacement pin protruding from the other end of the louver and connect it to the opposite shutter frame hole. Listen for the spring-loaded replacement pin to click into the pre-drilled shutter hole once it is lined up.

Step 3: Attach the louver to the tilt rod. Move louvers to their fully open position using the tilt rod. Move the tilt rod left and right to determine which direction will grant you the best access to the louver. With a pair of needle-nose pliers, grip the crown of the replacement louver staple. Apply a drop of Superglue (Gel) to the tip of both staple legs. Angle replacement staple and thread one leg through the staple located on the tilt rod. Line staple legs up with existing holes on the louver. Apply even and steady pressure by pushing the replacement staple into the louver to ensure proper installation.