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Number 110 | August 2, 2002
© 2002 Designer Blinds

Swivel On This...

They've been around for years, but aren't used as often as they should be.  Swivel Brackets can be specified for inside mount shades only at no extra charge for standard honeycomb shades in Duette® Originals, Applause® and Brilliance™ Pleated Shades.  Swivel brackets offer some distinct advantages over standard brackets.  Probably the most noticeable advantage is they fit the shade much more easily into shallow depth windows.  

Half-Inch Mounting Depth For Most Pleat Sizes
Swivel brackets require only a  half-inch of mounting depth --for shades in 3/8" pleat, 3/4" pleat, double honeycomb, and triple honeycomb .  The brackets are slightly different for each purpose, but they all allow shades to be installed in half the depth that is required of standard brackets.

Allows Access To Screens
They also fit more closely to the window frame at the top and at the back.  The drop on the back of the swivel bracket is also shorter, so it usually can be used for casement windows with screens without requiring the bracket to be removed in order to remove the screens for cleaning.  For top-down/bottom-up shades, there is no tab at the bottom of the bracket that can block the closure of the moving middle rail.  Some installers that use swivel brackets report that they take a little less time to install because there is no screw to tighten as found on the standard installation brackets.

Installing Swivel Brackets
Using swivel brackets is easy, but they are a little different than using standard brackets.  Whether installing swivel mounts for 1/2", 3/8" or 3/4" pleat shades, double or triple honeycomb, pleated shades, the procedures are the pretty much the same.  

Start out at the window by checking the level of the mounting surface before installing mounting brackets. If the surface is not level, you may need to use some flat washers as shims.  Mark the bracket locations for the two end brackets and any intermediate support brackets.  

Position the bracket with the screw hole over your mark.  Install the bracket using a single screw. The standard #6 hex head screw can be used, but a pan head screw is will minimize the chance of contact with the headrail.  Be sure not to install your screw into the pivot attachment (circled in red).

When installing a 3/4" pleat bracket (above), either of the two mounting holes can be used. If you have an inch or more of mounting depth, though, use the front hole for a more secure installation.  Check the alignment of the front edges of the bracket before installing the headrail.

With the bracket in the open position as shown above, hold the headrail into place against the back stop and flat against the bracket. Swivel the front of the bracket into position.  The headrail holds tightly against the bracket and the light gap between the rail and the window frame is significantly reduced.  The brackets are discrete and easily accessed if the shade needs to be removed from the window.