Q&A for How to Use a Tension Rod

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How do you tighten tension curtain rods?

Emma Oberlander
Interior Designer
Emma Oberlander is an Interior Designer and the Owner of Otis Street Design in Boston, Massachusetts. She specializes in residential remodels, boutique hospitality design, project management, and budget design. Emma holds a BA in Communication and Media Studies from Northeastern University and an MA in Interior Architecture from The New England School of Art and Design. She has a combined ten years of project management experience in the design, marketing, and non-profit industries, both nationally and internationally.

Emma Oberlander

Interior Designer

Expert Answer

If you have a loose tension rod, you probably have to go up in size. For example, if your space is just 60 in (152.4 cm), it might be worth spending the extra money and upgrading to a 70 in (177.8 cm) rod.

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Question

My new "Inter Design adjustable tension rod " is locked in place and will not twist at all to shorten. How do I unlock this feature? It's 24-42" and I expanded it to put on the shower curtain.

Gabriel

Community Answer

You will need to twist the rod and the fittings on the ends to the opposite direction either clockwise or counterclockwise. You must use two wrenches or pliers to do this when it is locked tight in place. Use one to tightly grip the rod on one side and hold it firmly while you pull the other towards you and twist the adjusting screws. Avoid pushing away from you because you could injure your knuckles if you lose grip or the jammed rod suddenly breaks free or loosens. Note that some tension rods are spring loaded and must be pushed in to compress.

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Question

Can I use blackout curtains?

Community Answer

It depends on the strength/tension of the rod. If the curtains are too heavy, they could slide, with the rod, to the floor.

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Question

Is it ok to install the tension shower curtain rod on the drywall portion for my bath tub?

Community Answer

Yes, but try to place the ends of the rod over a wall stud. Tension rods can dent dryway if there is too much pressure.

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Question

How do I get a curtain with a hem off the rod if the hem is not large enough to go over the ends?

Community Answer

In that case, you will need to pull the rod apart. If you pull on both ends, the rod will come apart in the middle.

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Question

Can I have socks on while changing it?

Community Answer

Yes, you can wear socks, just be careful not to slip if you are on a smooth floor.

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Question

Why does my tension rod keep falling down?

Community Answer

It's possible that you bought a rod that's too short. Tension rods lose tension the longer you make them. Try getting the next size up.

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Question

Does it matter which direction (small/large) the rod faces in a shower?

Community Answer

No, it does not matter. Since oyu will be rotating the thinner end clockwise or counterclockwise, choose an orientation that is easiest for you to manage. For example, if you are left-handed, orient the rod so that the thinner side is on the left.

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Question

How do I put shower liner and shower curtain up?

Community Answer

You should be able to fit both on the same rod. Simply attach the curtain rings to both the curtain and the liner, then slide the rings onto the tension rod. If this is too heavy, you may need to use 2 rods: 1 for the curtain and 1 for the liner.

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