How to Trim the Extend-A-Shower Shower Curtain Rod

Updated 05/29/2015 | Published 05/26/2015

Question:

Can this rod be cut down to fit in a space 50inch wide? I have a small size shower area that could benefit with this type of rod and am having difficulty finding anything that would accommodate this space. Thanks!

asked by: Lana K

Expert Reply:

The Stromberg Carlson Extend-A-Shower Shower Curtain Rod, # EXT-3542S, can be trimmed to fit your 50 inch wide space. The trimming instructions are as follows:

Tools Needed:
Tape measure
Philips screwdriver
Pipe cutter or hack saw
Electric drill
3/16 inch drill bit
Tape

First, assemble the center rod to both the right and left arms and remove one of the fittings from the center rod while it's still attached to either the right or left arm.

Next, lay the tape measure out on a flat surface to represent the width of the shower. Lay out the Extend-A-Shower on both ends of the tape measure, placing the right and left tubes at a 45 degree angle to the shower opening (see diagram A). The center rod will intersect the detached arm at the location that needs to be trimmed (see diagram B). Tape the area to be trimmed to protect the finish, then mark and trim the rod.

After that, use either a tube cutter or fine tooth hack saw to trim down the shower rod. Be sure to re-drill the hole at the end you cut on the same plane as the other side, so there is no twist in the mounting bracket.

Finally, when installing the shower rod, make sure the screw heads are down. There is no dimple in the piece that was just trimmed, so the screw head will interfere with the shower rings if they are located at the top of the shower rod.