Vertical clothing racks can help you save space in a small bedroom or closet, but it's sometimes difficult to find tension rods long enough to stretch from floor to ceiling. Even if you can find one, many of the tension rods available in stores are too flimsy to hold vertical clothing racks. You can solve this problem by building your own tension rods that are durable enough for vertical clothing racks or other purposes.
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Things You'll Need
Masking Tape
2 Wrenches
Step Stool Or Ladder
Tube Cutter
2 Bolts, 5/8-Inch Wide And 1 1/2 To 2 Inches Long
Paint Or Eraser-Type Cleaners
2 Nuts That Fit The Bolts
3/4-Inch Electrical Conduit Rod, Long Enough To Go From Floor To Ceiling
2 Large Washers
Step 1
Tape the washers to the heads of the bolts. The tape will be removed after the rod is secure, but it keeps the washers from falling down while you're installing the rod. The washers are necessary, because they distribute the pressure evenly.
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Step 2
Cut the rod with the tube cutter. When deciding how long to cut the rod, remember to leave room for the bolts, nuts and washers at both ends of the tension rod.
Step 3
Screw the nuts onto the bolt -- as far as they will go without using tools. This way, you won't over-tighten them, and you can easily adjust the tension with your fingers during the next step. Insert the bolts onto each end of the rod, so they look like end caps.
Step 4
Hold the rod in place where you want it installed. Step up on your step stool or ladder, and unscrew the nut at the end butting up against the ceiling, so it puts just enough pressure against it. Don't put so much pressure against the ceiling that you crack the drywall or plaster.
Step 5
Step off the stool or ladder and make any adjustments necessary to the rod at the floor end. Loosen the bolt, if necessary, to increase tension in the rod.
Step 6
Remove the tape from the washers, and touch up any marks you made on the ceiling or floor during installation -- using paint or eraser-type cleaners.
Tip
Ask a friend to help you as you install the tension rod. Your friend can help you see if it's completely vertical and help hold the ladder.
Warning
Don't use an unsteady ladder or stand on the top three rungs of the ladder.