A tension rod is a type of adjustable rod made with springs on the inside and generally a plastic or metal circular bar on the outside. It is used both as a curtain rod and as a shower curtain rod. This type of rod does not require any hardware to install, is generally adjustable within a small margin, depending on the size of the bar, and does not cause any damage to the wall or window frame when it is installed. A tension rod is easy for almost anyone to install and use, without needing to have any building or installation know-how.
Generally, a tension rod features a long bar in the middle with two flat rubber ends. The rubber ends are designed to be non-slip, to prevent the bar from sliding off the wall or window. These rods typically have a weight limit, and are not designed to hold heavy weights; however, for shower curtains, window curtains, or drapes, they work quite well and are usually fairly inexpensive. These rods may be purchased at most home improvement stores, and more sizes can generally be ordered online.
To install a tension rod, simply place it between two walls and expand the rod until it fits between the two surfaces. The sides of the rod may need to be twisted in opposite directions in order to tighten it; once it is tight, it should not move at all. To loosen the rod to remove it, simply twist the ends of the rod in the other direction. The springs will then loosen, and the rod will slightly decrease in length, allowing it to be removed without causing any damage to the wall. These rods are superb choices for older homes and buildings, where door frames or windows may be uneven in size.
Tension rods are often used by people who are renting apartments and cannot screw a shower curtain rod or curtain mounting hardware into the wall. They may be purchased in many different sizes depending on one's needs. Some people also use them to create room dividers or to hang curtains between door frames if a physical door does not exist. It is important never to hang on the tension rod, or add any additional weight to it more than a fabric curtain, because it could bend or potentially pull off the wall, which might cause damage to the paint or sheetrock.