Replacing a Rusted or Damaged Shower Rod

It is often the small details in a house, which make it welcoming to both those who live in it and to guests. Recently, I walked into our guest bathroom and realized that the shower curtain rod was rusted to the point that it was unsightly and probably the cause of some rust stains I found on a bath towel after friends had recently spent the night. One guest had placed their towel on the towel bar, but the other had tossed his towel up over the rod itself. To be truthful, I recalled telling myself some time ago that the shower rod in that bathroom was going to need to be replaced, and then had promptly forgotten about it.

Shower rods can and do become rusty and unsightly, sometime quicker than you might imagine especially if top quality materials were not used in the first place. Replacing a rod is quite simple, and at the most will require you to replace the end caps, which is also quite simple and straightforward.

Remove then Measure

Take out your tape rule and a screwdriver (a Philips headed screwdriver will fit most hardware, but a regular flat screwdriver might be needed). If you are replacing a rod, unscrew the end caps holding the rod in place if necessary, or else slide the rod out of the end caps holding it in place. This is sometimes as easy as lifting up on the rod as the rod just sits in a U shaped cap.

Do inspect the end caps at this time, whether or not you need to remove them to remove the rod itself, as they might also need replacing at the same time. If so, to keep things simple, look for new caps that have the same screw set up as the current ones. Chances are the new ones might look different, especially if your current ones are older, but as long as the screw set up is the same, they will work.

Once the rusted rod is out, measure both the length and diameter. Purchase the same length rod, and if using the same end caps, be sure to purchase the same diameter of rod so that it fits properly. If going with new end caps, purchase the diameter needed. If you cannot find a rod the same length, purchase a longer one and either have it cut to size or cut it yourself. Many stores, such as Home Depot or Lowes, offer cutting of such materials free, or have tables with saws and measuring equipment out on the floors for customers to cut their own.

If you will need to cut the rod on your own, be sure to pick up a couple of small clamps that will hold the rod in place for you on a workbench or saw table. Clamp down, and cut with a handsaw. Whether the rod is plastic or thin metal, it should cut relatively easily. Be sure to wear eye protection when cutting, either in the store or at home. Replace the new rod in the same manner you removed the old one, or as the directions for the new end caps instruct.