To close the louvers on most old window shutters, you typically use the tilt rod.
Closing the louvers of your old window shutters primarily involves manipulating the tilt rod, which is the mechanism connecting and controlling the angle of the slats (louvers).
Using the Tilt Rod
As stated in the reference "Opening and Closing Shutter Louvers", a simple pull up or down on the tilt rod opens and shuts your shutter louvers.
Here's how it generally works:
- Locate the Tilt Rod: This is usually a vertical rod attached to the front center of the shutter louvers.
- Move the Rod: Pulling the rod one way (either up or down, depending on the shutter design and desired outcome) will cause the louvers to pivot and close, often blocking light and providing privacy. Pushing it the other way will open them.
- Adjust as Needed: You can slightly adjust the position of the tilt rod to set the louvers at various angles, controlling the amount of light and view.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the visible tilt rod is common, some shutters have different designs:
- Hidden Tilt Rod: The reference notes that some shutters have a hidden or invisible tilt rod. In these cases, the mechanism controlling the louvers is integrated into the shutter frame or located behind the louvers themselves. To close the louvers on this type, you might directly push or pull on one of the louvers, and the connected mechanism will move the others simultaneously.
| Shutter Type | Mechanism for Closing Louvers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard with Rod | Pull or push the visible tilt rod | Most common type on older shutters |
| Hidden/Invisible Rod | Directly adjust a louver (or similar) | Mechanism built into frame or behind slats |
Understanding the type of tilt mechanism your old shutters have is key to closing the louvers correctly.
