RV Day / Night Shade String Tensioner

thingiverse

I had to order string tensioners to replace a couple of broken ones in my RV. IMO string tensioners [cost way too much](https://www.walmart.com/ip/RV-Designer-A313-Pleated-Shade-Hold-Down-Set-of-2/129387204?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=6819&adid=22222222227045581996&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=95469677090&wl4=pla-218038466450&wl5=9030835&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=115782069&wl11=online&wl12=129387204&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAiA_ZTfBRBjEiwAN6YG4d3ziQ1BX8eg-aPWS1sHiAQJJQf2o7yM7k7vcvtpnjBzjocBTCi1kxoCYnoQAvD_BwE) for the tiny amount of plastic they contain and the shipping charges are ridiculous. So, I created my own. This tensioner is the same as the ones I bought except I left the chamfer off the top piece due to the shallow angle that would require supports when printing. If you would prefer a chamfered version that looks like the OEM version let me know. It's an easy modification. The tensioner in image #1 was printed in clear PLA. To use this tensioner remove only the center screw and swap out the old tensioner with your new one. It installs on top of the old tensioner's wall mount. The grooved parts face each other and the flat sides face outwards. Route the two strings so one string is on the left side of the center shaft and the other string is on the right side. Pull the two strings until you have proper tension and then tighten the screw. Having a helper makes the job much easier. The bottom and the top pieces are a bit too snug, just like the OEM versions. This version matches the dimensions of the OEM version. Print both STL files and test for fit. If you prefer a looser fit print the bottom piece in the X and Y axis at 102% to 105%. Scale as needed. They are tiny pieces so it only takes a few minutes to print them. Recently (July 2018), I had to restring one of our Day / Night shades. A 4-string model. IMO, this style of tensioner makes it much easier to retension a Day / Night shade. Compared to the style with the two holes in a rotating drum this style is far more durable. The two-hole style are prone to breaking where the string goes through the hole. To tension the shade, pull both strings with equal tension, tighten the screw a bit and check if it needs further adjusting. I have found that after a week or two the strings will stretch and need re-tightening. If you are restringing your shades you may also need my [RV Day / Night Shade String Guide Grommet](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3189644). **-VegasGuy** *Check out my [designs page](http://www.thingiverse.com/VegasGuy/designs/) to see other useful things I have made for my RV.*