How to Fix the Loose Nails on Curtain Rods

Repair the drywall around the nail to fix a loose nail.

Curtain rods are easy to install, but a common problem with installation in drywall is that the nails often come loose. Sometimes the nails come loose because of improper installation. It's best to use a wall anchor with your hardware. Sometimes nails come loose over time when the drywall erodes around the nail. Whether or not a wall anchor was used during installation, you can fix the wall around your curtain rod nails to keep them securely fastened within the drywall beneath your curtain rod brackets.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Spackle - lightweight
• Fine grain sandpaper
• Putty knife
• Paint
• Paint brush - small, craft size

Instructions

1. Remove the curtains and the curtain rod. Remove the curtain rod brackets by removing the nails that are securing the curtain rod brackets. Use the claw-end of the hammer and slide the nail between the claw, then lifting the hammer and claw at an angle toward you to pull the nail gently from the wall.

2. 

   Use a putty knife to smooth the spackle surface.

   Put a pea-sized dab of lightweight spackle on your fingertip and push the spackle firmly into the nail hole. Continue to push the spackle into the hole until the hole is filled. Spackle is available pre-mixed in a paste-like consistency at home improvement stores and discount stores. Some grocery stores carry small pots of spackle in the home improvement/automotive aisles.

3. Use the flat end or edge of a putty knife to scrape the excess spackle from the wall so there is a flat surface and no globs of spackle left behind. Allow the spackle to dry for about one hour.

4. 

   Use a fine grain sandpaper to sand the repaired wall.

   Use a fine grain sandpaper to rub back and forth over the dried spackle, sanding the repaired nail hole smooth.

5. Touch up the paint over the nail hole repair by using a craft size paint brush and paint that matches or closely matches the color of your wall. Allow the paint to dry.

6. 

   Reinstall your curtain brackets with new nails.

   Reinstall your curtain rod brackets with new nails. Whenever possible, it is a good idea to use a wall anchor in drywall when hanging nails or screws. Wall anchors provide a secure installation by gripping the drywall rather than a smooth nail inserted into the drywall alone.

Tips & Warnings

• For large nail holes around loose nails, it is a good idea to reinstall your curtain rod brackets slightly higher, lower, or over to a side to avoid hanging the nails in the same position where the filled, repaired drywall will always be weaker.

References

• House Painting Info: Drywall Repair, Patching Nail Holes

Resources

• Natural Handyman: Installing Wall Anchors