Keep Your Tension Shower Curtain Rod From Falling Down With This Tiny Hack

Expensive built-in showers usually come with glass screens, but if you're fitting a shower into an alcove, over a bath, or adding one to a guest accommodation, a shower curtain will often do the job just fine. There are a number of different shower curtain materials you can try, and the easiest way to hold it up is with a tension shower rod.

Affordable and easy to install, the adjustable length of a tension rod eliminates the need for precise measurements. An internal spring and a threaded adjuster work together to push the rod's ends firmly against the wall to hold it in place. Unfortunately, that threaded section can work loose, and when it does, both the rod and shower curtain will end up on the floor. But thanks to The Grit and Polish, we learned how a single tiny screw in the right place can solve the problem.

All you need for this small home improvement hack is a cordless drill (top of the list of must-have power tools for homeowners), a small drill bit, and a screw. A couple of inches of masking tape or painter's tape will come in handy too.

First of all, you need to put the shower rod in the correct position as you won't be able to move it once you're finished. You'll want a screw that is around half the thickness of the curtain rod or less, and a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw's thread.

Identify where the threaded section of the tension rod is. To stop it working loose, you'll drill a hole about half way along, where the two rods meet, and then carefully drive in the screw. Once it's in, the threaded section won't be able to come undone. If you wrap a little tape around the rod in the correct place, you can mark where you want to drill with a pencil. The tape will also help prevent the drill bit from slipping. It's a good idea to work from inside the shower so the screw won't be seen from the bathroom. Only apply gentle pressure when you're drilling so you don't accidentally dislodge the rod or suddenly drill right through. Remove the tape when you're done, and insert the screw. Job done.

There are some chores that aren't worth your time. A few minutes doing this one means you won't be frustrated by having to keep putting the shower rod and curtain back up again and again. You've undoubtedly got much better things to do with your day.