Can You Motorise a 38mm Roller Blind Tube?

Yes — a suitable 38mm roller blind tube can be motorised, but '38mm' by itself is not enough information. The tube needs the right internal profile, enough wall strength and a motor/adaptor combination that has actually been confirmed to fit. This is especially important because many inexpensive blinds also use small-diameter tubes that were designed only for manual chain operation.

What 38mm tube are we talking about?

The 38mm Standard profile used on many locally manufactured blinds measures about 38.1mm outside diameter and has a relatively robust wall and recognisable internal structure. It is different from simply finding any round tube that happens to measure close to 38mm.

Why some 38mm tubes work and others do not

A motor places rotational load into the tube through the drive. Thin-wall tubes can twist or deflect, while a smooth internal surface may give the crown and drive nothing reliable to locate against. That can lead to poor fit, slipping or inconsistent limits. Tube construction therefore matters as much as nominal diameter.

Typical blind size for a 38mm system

A strong 38mm tube is normally best suited to smaller blinds. As a broad guide, many are used around 1.8–2.1 metres wide depending on fabric weight and drop. If the blind is wide, heavy or already shows noticeable sag, moving to a stiffer tube can be more important than simply fitting a higher-torque motor.

Which motors fit a 38mm tube?

Do not shop by motor diameter alone. The motor needs the correct crown and drive for the specific 38mm internal profile. Our 38mm compatible motors page is the safest place to see the current confirmed options.

What about 32mm, 34mm or thin retail tubes?

Do not assume that a smaller tube is simply another version of the same system. Very small 25–28mm tubes, thin-wall retail tubes and 32–34mm tubes with no defined internal profile often need replacing before motorisation. The fabric can frequently be retained and transferred to a motor-ready tube.

How to check your 38mm tube before ordering

1. Take the blind down and remove the idler end.

2. Measure the bare aluminium tube outside diameter.

3. Photograph the internal profile straight-on.

4. Check the tube for sag, damage or unusually thin walls.

5. Match it to a confirmed profile before selecting the motor.

If you are not certain which 38mm-style tube you have, use the Identify Your Tube page first. It is much easier to confirm the profile before buying than to correct a motor and adaptor mismatch afterwards.

If your tube turns out to be unsuitable, the next step is not necessarily a new blind. A replacement motor-ready tube can let you keep the existing fabric and still complete the retrofit.