Tension Rod

A tension rod is usually used to hang a shower curtain or something light between two walls that are close together. They are not really designed for long distance operation. Three or four feet would be the maximum distance they could be stretched and still be sure they would do their job. Some of them have small bases to screw on the walls to help support the extended rod but most of them are set tight against both walls by their own pressure and tension.

These rods are especially useful in bathrooms that have ceramic covered walls. Some of them even have suction cups at the ends so they can hang on to the wall with greater strength. The point of these rods is that they remain in place without assistance and without making holes or nailing anything into the walls. If you intend to hang something heavy on the particular wall it is better for you to use hooks or brackets because the tension rod will not hold too much weight.

Individual showers usually have a three to four foot extension between facing walls. This is the ideal distance for the rod to be stretched over. It will put enough pressure on both walls and at the same time enough of the two separate metallic extendable components will be left inside each other to give the curtain strength and firmness.

Tension rods are easy to set and use. All you have to do is to stretch the rod between the walls, take a measurement and remove it. Add a few millimeters to your measurement so that when you put it back on the wall it will sit tightly. Lock the screwing pieces on the end of the rod so they remain tight and do not allow the rod to slip back. Place the tip on one side in the location where the curtain will be set, gently but firmly move the other side down the wall until both ends are level with each other.

Put a little pressure on the rod; remember that you opened it just a tad more so it would be snug against the walls. Once the rod is securely in place it is time to put the curtain on, if the rings on the curtain are removable, you can open the rings and set the curtain in place. If the rings are not the removable type, you have already verified that your rod is nice and tight against the walls so go ahead and remove it to put the curtain in.

A tension rod does not necessarily have to be used in a shower, it can be used for example to divide a small room or a pantry so the stuff inside cannot be seen from the outside. Small tension rods are also used inside window frames to hang light translucent curtains. All you have to do is to use your imagination and we are sure that you will find many other uses for them.