Did I make a mistake by not using wall anchors when installing the curtain rod, as both sides are now coming out despite using 3 brackets for heavy curtains in a wide window?
Asked by Liam Dumont 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 31, 2024
Hey there! So, I hung up this curtain rod yesterday, thinking I got it in the stud. I even drilled a little hole before putting in the screws. Should I have used a wall anchor instead? And was drilling that tiny hole a mistake? The window’s pretty wide, so the curtains are on the heavier side, but I did use 3 brackets. Unfortunately, both sides are coming loose. Any ideas on how to fix this? 
Could you move the bracket closer to the window, please?
Take out everything, create new holes slightly off by about an inch. Place the appropriate anchors and attach the brackets. It’s crucial to complete the task correctly the first time, as cutting corners will only lead to redoing the work over and over. Remember, there are no legitimate ‘easy’ ways!
That wasn’t a quick fix. I was informed that anchors weren’t necessary if I placed it in the stud.
You missed the stud!
If you begin screwing in a screw and it goes in too smoothly, pause. You probably haven’t reached a stud. Take out the screw and use an anchor instead.
The main thing is… I have no idea what I’m doing!
As others have mentioned, if you can’t find a stud where you’re trying to hang something, simply use a wall anchor and you should be fine.
Karen, it seems like neither of the screws in your photo are secured in a stud.
Hey Karen, it looks like you missed the stud when you were hanging that. Why did you decide to leave it like that once you realized it wasn’t in the stud?
I think a header should be installed there. Maybe try using longer screws.
The sides of the window can’t be seen, so it looks like the jack/king studs are outside = no header… Using longer screws won’t help.
It could be either way 🤷♂️
Got this right
Have you tried using a stud finder to locate the stud? If not, I suggest giving it a try. Slide from right to left to mark the right edge of the stud, then from left to right to mark the left edge. Drill in the center. It’s also a good idea to pre-drill a small pilot hole if the drill bit is the same size or slightly smaller than the screw’s threads. Consider using new screws for the second attempt as the current ones appear to be quite stripped. Remember to apply pressure on the back of the drill to prevent head stripping and ensure you have the correct Philips head bit for the screw.
The curtains seem too heavy, you might need longer screws
Looks like you’re not in the header and the Jack and King studs… Try pulling out the screws and pushing a wire or drill bit in the hole. My guess is you won’t hit anything solid.
Forget about those flimsy plastic wall anchors. Also, you don’t need a heavy-duty toggle bolt. A small toggle bolt (the spring-loaded type) should do the trick – just keep in mind that if you ever remove the screw, the toggle might fall inside the wall.
I prefer the white one shown in the picture – the wings open up behind the wall and the ribs on the side prevent the anchor from spinning.
Toggle bolt
I also enjoy using these – you don’t need to pre-drill (although I usually drill a screw into the wall to double-check there’s nothing behind the drywall, and I’ve messed up a few with a hole already started). You just hammer it in and insert the screw. The back flips up when the screen goes in and holds it from the back, with the “wings” on the side preventing it from spinning. I use these almost every time someone has used other anchors that have failed.
Do I require an anchor even if the screw is placed in a stud? Or is it determined by the weight of the object being hung?
Actually, if there’s a stud there, using an anchor might not be necessary. It’s possible that the stud was missed during installation.
Typically, there are 2 studs on the sides of the window frame, with one ending just above the frame for support. Your brackets should ideally be within 4″ from the inside of the window frame.
Lots of different advice you can consider. If the screws are loose, try using wall anchors to fix them instead of patching holes. Also, adjust the position of the rod to reduce stress on the bracket attached to the wall. I hope this tip helps!
I’ve hung rods without hitting a stud using plastic bolt attachments and spring anchors. They work well but may need replacement after a few years of use. Hitting a stud is ideal but may affect the curtain stack and light entry.
I love how the curtains are arranged next to the window in your picture. Before you change the placement of your rod, consider using winged wall anchors. The holes are already there, so you might as well make use of them.
You’ll want to make sure there’s solid wood extending about 5 inches on each side of the window, so next to the trim should work well.
If you’re lucky, it’s 5″… The windows in my house don’t even have headers (built in 1942, so all of my spacing is 24″ oc, and I guess they thought 30″ was only 6″ more than 24″, so why bother with cripples… 😂). I only have 1 stud on each side of my windows, and my window and door casings are just simple 1x4s.
On the flip side, the interior walls are all thick plaster, so anywhere I drive a screw, it’s into wood… 🤣
You can definitely insert the anchor if the hole is too big, or use toggle bolts if needed. Anchors should work fine unless the hole is too big.
Just make sure the anchor is tight when you pull out the screw, that should solve any problems
Finding a stud can be tricky, but you seem to have found a solution. Insert pop anchors in – the holes look neat, so it should be okay. If the holes become too large for the anchors, try using the toggles mentioned earlier.
Just looking for some toggle anchors to help with your issue
Use these instead of drilling new holes.
Check out these E-Z Ancor drywall anchors with screws included! Perfect for your next home improvement project. Just click the link to get all the details: https://www.lowes.com/pd/E-Z-Ancor-75-lb-1-2-in-x-1-9-16-in-Drywall-Anchors-with-Screws-Included-50-Pack/1098803?store_code=1685&cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-hdw-_-ggl-_-CRP_SHP_LIA_HDW_Online_E-F-_-1098803-_-local-_-0-_-0&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5cOwBhCiARIsAJ5njubKoxsNNxBV5kTzf-JExo-O2cddg9RlEsq4rJMYWXktO4eixrkWW
Sure thing! If the toggle bolts rip out, make sure to use toggle bolts to fix them. The hole left behind will be about the size of a racket ball and will require repairs.
Unscrew the screws and replace them with mollys, then screw them back in. Alternatively, use longer screws. Ensure you are near the studs, which are typically located within the trim area, likely positioned right at the edge of the trim.
Start by pre-drilling using a 1/8” bit. If you come across wood, you’re on the right track. If you hit air, make sure to use 75lb anchors.
Just a heads up, even when you find a stud, make sure the screws are long enough to secure properly. A 1” screw needs to go through 1/8” of bracket and 1/2” of drywall. That way you have 3/8” embedment.