Operating Instructions

Operating Rods

A. Rods with Cords

Operating a rod with a cord should only be done after you have firmly anchored the rod, cord, and tension pulley retainer to the wall. The tension pulley is the mechanism that keeps cords for opening and closing the rods neatly out of site behind the drapes.

B. Rods without Cords

Tab top drapes are one type of fabric window covering that uses a rod without cords. Frequently, Tab Tops are placed into a stationary position solely for custom styling and to enhance the room’s décor. Sometimes, they are held away from each side (or one side) of the window using “tie backs”.

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Damage Prevention Warning

When a drape is mounted to a rod with a cord, you should never attempt to open or close the drapes by pulling the drape itself. This method is not good for the rod mechanism, can stain and cause strain to the fabric material, and may bend the hooks/pins holding the drapes on the rod. You should, instead always use the drape cord attached to the tension pulley behind your drapes to open and close your window covering treatment.

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If Rod Doesn't Open/Close Properly

Extra Carriers – sometimes, the cause for your drapes not opening or closing (i.e. getting stuck) isn’t a malfunction of the rod.

I. When you hang a drape on a new or existing rod, the drape hooks/pins are placed onto the successive carriers beneath the rod (while always moving extra carriers towards the ends). Therefore, when you are unable to open and close your drape on a rod, start by determining whether an unused extra carrier exists somewhere in between two used ones (with drape hooks in them). The extra “unused carrier” may cause your drape not to open or close properly on the rod.

II. If you find an extra “unused carrier” on the rod, be sure to:

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The Heading of the Drape

A drape can also become stuck on a rod because either some or all of the “stiffener” in between the pleats is pushing the top of the drape back toward the rod. Remember, once the drape has been hung on the rod, be sure to pull the material in between the pleats at the top of the drape outward toward you and away from the wall. Simply slip your finger between the back of the drape and rod, pull the material away from rod, and crease it by hand in the middle.

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