Drywall consists of gypsum plaster placed between layers of paper and shaped into a panel. Builders place these panels against two vertical two-by-fours (called studs), spaced 16 inches apart. When hanging curtain rods, it is best to put the nail into these studs, otherwise it will be very easy for heavy rods to fall down, leaving holes in the wall. However, if there are no studs close to the area where you wish to mount the curtain rod, you can use an anchor fastener designed for hollow walls. These include the E-Z anchor, the molly bolt and the toggle bolt. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Place the curtain rod against the window to determine the best position for it. Let the ends of the rod extend past the window casing by about 3 to 6 feet.
2. Make a mark at each end of the rod for the brackets, then take the curtain rods off the wall.
3. Place the brackets against the wall at the marks and use a pencil to mark the spot on the brackets where the screws should be.
4. Use an E-Z anchor. "An E-Z anchor is a bolt with fold-down side pieces that resemble wings. When the anchor is installed into the wall, the side pieces expand, holding it in place", according to Melanie Charlton Fascitelli (See References). Use an awl the size of the anchor point to make a hole in the wall. Use a screwdriver or drill to screw it into the wall, until the head is flat against the surface. Place the bracket against the anchor, insert the screw and tighten it with a screwdriver.
5. Use a toggle bolt. "For greater resistance in walls made of heavier duty drywall, you can use toggle bolts," according to Ms. Fascitelli. Make a hole just big enough for the bolt. Push a screw through the hole in the bracket and through the hole in the toggle bolt. Slip the bolt into the hole. Pull the bracket towards you to keep the wings of the bolt from moving and then tighten the screw.
6. Use a molly bolt. A molly bolt is a machine screw with a plastic sleeve. Drill a hole that is the same diameter as the sleeve. Use a hammer to tap the sleeve into the hole until it is flush against the wall. Place the bracket against the bolt and then tighten the screw in the sleeve.
7. Place the curtain rod on the brackets.
Tags: molly bolt, toggle bolt, against wall, bracket against, curtain rods, into hole
