How to install a return rod / French rod

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 return rod, or French rod:

  1. These are easy, let’s go. 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.
  2. Assemble the rod, slide on the rings, and both mounting brackets, and make sure they are straight before installing the self drilling screws to secure them to the rod. 
  3. With an assistant at one end, hold the rod up and put one screw into one mount and secure it to the wall without tightening it. 
  4. Level the rod and install the rest of the screws starting with one at each end. If your screws do not tighten securely, you may not have hit a stud or adequate backing and you will need wall anchors (see below).
  5. 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 return rod:

If you are installing an extra long return rod with a center connector and center mount, install the center mount first, then proceed to the directions above and follow them. When you level the rod, (step 4) level each side separately to the center mount and put one screw in each side first, then go back and put in the rest of the screws and tighten.

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 remove a return rod from the wall:

Remove the self drilling screws holding the rod onto the mounting brackets. Do not remove the mounting bracket from the wall. slide the rod away from the brackets using a gentle up and down rocking motion. 

How to reinstall a return rod:

Slide the rod onto the brackets using a gentle up and down rocking motion, then reinstall the self drilling screws to secure the rod onto the mounting brackets and tighten everything including the wall mounting screws.

The following are basic directions provided with most winged anchors:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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