Disclaimer:
Hardware should always be installed by a competent professional with a good understanding of interior wall types and mounting fasteners. Please do not attempt to install any hardware unless you know how to safely operate the necessary tools, and have a good understanding of what you are doing. The following instructions are basic guidelines for qualified installers, and should be read through completely before starting your job.
Basic tools include:
Safety glasses, ladder, laser level, measuring tape, pencil, battery powered screw gun or drill/driver with 4″ to 6″ screw holder extension tip (do not overlook the importance of this item, it is required installation equipment), hammer, 3/8 drill bit.
How to install / hang a double return rod:
- To avoid marking up the wall, tape some paper up on the wall where the curtain rod mounts will go, You can pull these protective paper sheets out just before you tighten down the mount screws.
- If you want to utilize the ends of the rod to stack the drapes, it is usually best to locate the mounts close to the ends of the drapery rod; for example, if your drapery rod is 120″ long, you might center your mounts at 119″.
- Hold one double curtain rod mount up and make sure it is high enough so that the curtains will cover the top of the window. Higher than the top of the window by a few inches may look better, and block out more light. Using a pencil, mark the location of the bottom screw hole on the paper and set the curtain rod mount down. Pre-drill a hole into the wall just deep enough to make it easy to drive the screw straight into the wall.
- Holding the curtain rod mount in one hand at a slight angle so you can easily drive the screw in without interference from the arm of the mount, drive the bottom screw into the wall. Level the curtain rod mount as it begins to snug up against the wall, then drive in the top screw. If your screws do not tighten securely, you may not have hit a stud or adequate backing. When installing wrought iron curtain rods or any other hardware to your wall, you will need wall anchors (see below).
- Put the finials on one of the curtain rods and place one end of the rod in the mount you just installed. Lay the (magnetic) level on top of the curtain rod while holding the curtain rod and the other double curtain rod mount together and raise them up so that the curtain rod is level. When the rod is level, repeat step 3 and 4.
- Remove one finial, slide the rings onto the curtain rod, drop the curtain rod into the mounting brackets, repeat for the other curtain rod (sheer rod), then hook your curtains into the ring eyelets. Stand back, pat yourself on the back, and admire the quality and beauty of your wrought iron curtain rods made especially for you by Paso Robles Ironworks.
How to install an extra long double return rod:
If you are installing an extra long double curtain rod with a center connector and center mount, mark the center of the window, and install exactly as above, one side at a time. This means, temporarily install both finials on one of the curtain rod sections, and mount that first half as if it were a separate curtain rod. Use the main rod for this rather than the sheer rod, when the main rod and all the mounts are up, you can install the sheer rod. Then using the same half section with finials installed, proceed to step 3 and install the third mount. Now you are ready to put the entire curtain rod together and with a helper set the rod into place.
Note: Whenever you join a rod at a corner, angle, or any straight section, it is very important to insert screws into both sides of the connector so the rod can’t slide apart and fall out. Some rods will be predrilled. Use the self drilling screws provided and screw them through the rod and into the connector with your drill or screw gun so the rod can not be pulled apart. We don’t pre’drill the connector sleeves as lining the holes up upon installation would be very difficult. The self drilling screws will easily penetrate the connector sleeve using slow speed or your drill driver, and some pressure, this is done best on the floor over a dropcloth or cardboard.
How to join curtain rods together using internal connector:
Slide the connector halfway into one side of the curtain rod (you might need to tap it in with a wooden block). Drive a self drilling set screw through the pilot hole and into the connector to lock it in place. Repeat for the other half of the curtain rod to lock the rod together as one piece. We don’t pre’drill the connector sleeves as lining the holes up upon installation would be very difficult. The self drilling screws will easily penetrate the connector sleeve using slow speed or your drill driver, and some pressure, this is done best on the floor over a dropcloth or cardboard.
How to install wrought iron finials:
Slide the finial into the end of the rod (you might need to tap it in with a wooden block). Drive self drilling set screw through the pilot hole and into the finial.
Tips: Plan ahead so any set screws you install can be turned to the backside of the rod where they will not show. Don’t worry if the rod does not have pilot holes everywhere you need them, the self drilling screws will go through the rod and connector, or finial.
The following are basic directions provided with most winged anchors:
- Determine the thickness of your drywall (usually 1/2″ or 5/8″). You can remove a switch plate to measure the edge of your drywall or use a bent wire in one of the holes you have created for the mounting brackets. We recommend Toggler brand or comparable “nylon winged anchors” because they will work with the decorative screws we provide, and will not fall into the wall like moly bolts if you should take out the screws to repaint the wall. They are available at most hardware stores.
- Drill the screw hole out to 3/8″, fold the anchor wings in and tap the anchor into the hole with a hammer until it is flush with the wall surface. Insert the provided tool into the anchor and push until the wings “pop” out behind the back surface of the drywall.
- If no tool has been provided with the anchors, a 6d nail may do the trick, try it on an anchor before you put it in the wall. Reinstall your wrought iron mounting brackets. Do not over tighten the screws. If you over tighten the screws, you may be able to get slightly larger screws (#10 or 12) to work without replacing the anchors.