Wall anchors for Putting up Curtains

[matt22]

I’m trying to put up some curtains in the bedroom. The size of the holes on the brackets are 5mm. Can somebody suggest the ideal type and size wall anchor I should use if drilling into plasterboard. Also, what size drill bit do I use for the pilot hole?

[MitchellMc]

For putting up curtains, the most secure option is to try and locate the studs or timber framing on either side of your window and attach your brackets directly into those with timber screws @matt22. This gives a solid hold and prevents the brackets from pulling out of the plasterboard, which on its own isn’t strong enough to support substantial curtains.

If you can’t find timber in the right spots and must fix into plasterboard, your best option is an expanding toggle anchor. You’d drill an 8mm hole in the plasterboard, pass the screw through the bracket, attach it to the toggle, push the toggle through the hole, and then tighten it. This provides the strongest fix in plasterboard. For very lightweight sheer curtains, you could use a plastic Wallmate, but these won’t support heavier curtain rods or substantial curtains. For anything more than very light curtains, expanding toggles are the way to go.

Here's a helpful guide: How to repair and install a curtain rail.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[matt22]

Thank you, this is very helpful. I did find the studs and attempted to drill

into these the other day but for some reason, the screws that came with the curtain rail don’t tighten, they can be pulled out very easily. I had drilled a 6” pilot hole as per the curtain rod instructions. I’m now trying the plasterboard option.

The expanding toggles you suggested, are these suitable for my rod brackets (5mm holes). Would the screws that come with them be used in place of the stock screws that came with the rod?

[MitchellMc]

Yes, the toggles would be suitable for those sized holes, and you do not use the screws that come with the kit.

Mitchell