How to secure a ceiling curtain track?

Mikelaw

Hi Bunnings team,

I have a curtain track that is currently secured to a plasterboard ceiling with one screw. It seems not strong enough to hold the curtain. There is a second fixing hole in the track, which I would like to use to make the track more secure.

I have attached a photo showing the existing fixing and the additional hole.

Could you please advise what type and size of screw/fixing I should use for the second hole?

MitchellMc

Hi @Mikelaw,

From your photo, I suspect that second hole is actually part of how the track connects to its mounting bracket rather than an additional fixing point for the ceiling.

Unfortunately, there isn't really a suitable plasterboard fixing where you simply pass a screw through the bracket and screw it directly into the plasterboard. Standard screws don't hold reliably in plasterboard and can cause it to crumble, which might already be happening around your existing fixing.

Plasterboard anchors such as expanding toggles or WallMates generally need to be installed into the plasterboard before the bracket is positioned, after which the appropriate screw passes through the bracket and into the anchor.

The type of metal screw currently shown would normally only be appropriate if it's fixing into solid timber framing behind the plasterboard.

Given the weight and movement of curtains, I'd first establish whether there is a ceiling joist or other timber support above the track. Fixing the brackets securely into timber would be my preferred solution wherever possible. Alternatively, if you can remove the bracket, you could try a fixing such as a WallMate.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell