curved shower rod- how strenghten end mounts
edwardh1
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Any way to keep a curved shower rod from sagging a little? There is a lot of load on the end mounts and they are small as in made in China. Almost like I need a metal mounting plate under the end mount.
the end mounts dont twist much, but even 1/8 inch gets magnified in the middle of the shower rod
any experiences?
mounts are too small
Replies
S Curtain
I have the same shower rod - no prblem -- I made sure I hit a 2x4 before I instlled -- is your screwed to a 2x4?
May need to cut DW out install a backer to hold the screws and then re-install the DW
Do you have the recommended blocking behind?
if not, can't suggest much except a better anchor and two mounting points at each bracket
edit: Wrote the above about 4 hrs ago and forgot to post.
At any rate, to be not repetitive.........
if no blocking-mount two placques onto the wall, screw brackets to those. Spreads the mounting surface a little bit. and should be easier to secore anchors over a wider area..
This is probably the best hollow wall anchor you can get for that duty, but it may need a larger rod end to cover it:
http://www.wingits.com/Shower-Rod-Bath-Accessory_c_11.html
For once, it's not the fault of the shoddy Chinese; you're fighting basic physics.
Simply put, there is no way to redirect the loads 90 degrees; in effect, you might as well just have the curtain rod cut in half at the bend.
There are two possible ways to have a solid rod. The first is to have a support in the middle of the run - not a very good solution.
The other is to extend the rod ends into the wall, and anchor them on a support remote from the place where they exit the wall. In effect, you will be cantilevering the rod. Doing this to even one end will make a huge difference in the support of the rod.
Well, I've seen them working in motels several times. It does require a 2-point anchorage (on each end) and relatively good quality hardware, though.
Reply
I did buy one of the more expensive brands. But the vertical spread between the side mound screws is not that much so even thos I thinks its into wood it still twists just a bit (plus needs bigger screws) and maybe needs to be pinned somehow.
The motel ones I've seen have larger brackets than those in your photo.
Plus I notice on looking at it again that it appears that some of the sag is in the swivel joint between rod and bracket.
Precise mounting is critical w/ these shower rods IMO. I see a LOT that sag ... especially in motels. A secure mount w/ no play and a perfect mount (i.e. plumb) is important. You're right, small play can translate to BIG sag. Even 1/16" will make a huge difference. The goal is to eliminate play, but if you can't, you need to have the play result in a level rod across the length.