Not sure what they are properly called, but the metal pole that we use to raise and lower our blinds broke off. It's a fairly standard swiss type pole that you turn round and round to get the blinds up and down. It also has two kinks by the handle to make it more efficient/easier.

Bottom line, the metal obviously couldn't handle my sheer strength. Thankfully it was only the spare room rather than the patio doors etc.

Anyway, I went to Bau Hobby to no avail. Anyone got any suggestions where to get one??

I think I would ask the 'Caretaker' if you have one. Maybe he knows. I don't think I've ever seen them for sale anywhere. (I've not broken one yet either but tomorrow is another day!) There's a large Ironmonger's Store in Thalwil which might have them.

Storen Kurbel is what you are looking for I think.

Good call on the hauswart & will check out the Thalwil store. I can't help but think it should have lasted more than the 4 months we have been here, but that is another story. I dont think I am that aggressive (or strong) - first one i've broken!

Just an update, couldn't find it in the store in Thalwil, but my search for the term brought up a Kurbelgriff. Second picture from the bottom.

http://www.stores-storen.ch/rolllade...bedienung.html

Fairly sure I am more than half way there. Light at the end of the, um, Kurbelgriff if you like...

http://www.rollladenkaufhaus.de/inde...=c94_Grau.html

Joy of joys...!!! And not the CHF 100s I was expectiing