How to String Curtain Rods

Curtain rods that allow you to open and close the draperies operate many years without problems. Because of the friction caused by the operating mechanism on traverse rods, the cording sometimes frays or even breaks, making it impossible to open or close the curtains. You can restring rods rather than replace them. Although it may be difficult to find the exact same cording, you can string curtain rods and get more use out of your window treatments.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Cording
• Paper clip

Instructions

1. Measure your curtain rod to know how much cording you need to purchase. Measure the width of the curtain rod. Add the height from the top of the curtain rod to the floor. Double that total, and add 6 inches to it.

2. Snip off a small section of the old cord so you can match its diameter when you go to the curtain supply store. Another possible source of cording is a store that sells sewing notions.

3. Remove the curtain rod from its hangers. Set it on the floor or a work surface so you are looking at the back side of the rod.

4. Feed the cord behind the back pulley on the left side of the curtain rod. Use an opened paper clip to snag the end of the cord. Work the cord underneath all the curtain slides on the left side of the traverse rod. Continue pulling it to the left side of the master carrier position. Bring the cord underneath the opening underneath the master carrier, and pull it out through the left hole. Tie a double-knot at the end of the cord. Pull the cord back through the hole until the knot catches.

5. Run the other end of the cord between the two pulleys on the left side of the rod. Keep running the cord underneath the slides. Go underneath the master carrier. Use the paper clip as needed to help you guide the cording. Bring the end of the cord under the second carrier and out through the opening on the left side of this carrier. Take up any slack in the cord.

6. Push the cord through the hole on the right side of the second carrier and underneath the carrier. Bring the cord out on the right side of the second carrier. Run the cording underneath the second set of slides.

7. Slide the cording between the two pulleys on the right side of the curtain rod. Pull the end of the cord down and around the bottom pulley, and then push it up and out the top of the curtain rod. From there, insert the cording back into the curtain rod on top of the top pulley.

8. Go under all the slides on the right side of the curtain rod again with the cording. Pass the cording underneath the second carrier. Bring the end of the cording under the master carrier and up through the hole on the right side. Tie a double-knot, and pull the excess cording back to secure the knot in position.

9. Hang the rod back on its hangers. Pull the cord to check that the carriers are operating smoothly.

Tips & Warnings

• If the end of the cording frays, snip off the frayed threads.

• The metal edges of a curtain rod are sharp. Handle with care.

References

• Linda's Curtain Studio: How to Re-String a Split Draw Conventional Traverse Curtain