#1 Back to top 
|
|
Pictured at right is some of the basic material required
for turning a set of skateboard wheels into curtainrod finials.
The first thing you'll need is a rod, of course. In this case
we'll use a 3/4" stainless steel tube cut to fit the size of the
window. You'll also need a way to mount the rod to the wall. To
mount the wheel to the rod you'll need the wheel itself,
a 5/16"-18x2 hex-head bolt, two ball bearings,
a washer, and a 5/16"-18 expandable rubber plug. Double the quantities
shown in the photo to trim each window (except for the rod - just one
per window.)
|
|
|
#2 Back to top
|
|
The rod is nothing more the 3/4" tubing cut to fit the
dimension of the window. For this window treatment,
curtain ring clips will slide over the tube to hang the
fabric. Make note of the inner diameter of the tube
before purchasing the expandable rubber plug. You'll want
the plug to fit snugly into the tube before you tighten and
expand it.
|
|
|
#3 Back to top
|
|
Curtain rod hangers can be found in countless
varieties at any local hardware or home goods store.
This one is a converted toilet paper holder. The
hole was drilled through
to the other side and milled to 3/4" inner diameter. I'm sure you can find something ready-made
at a store.
|
|
|
#4 Back to top
|
|
Here's the wheel I chose for this project. It's a Jason
Dill model in a 52mm size. Not knowing any of the pro
skaters today, I selected this one because of the color.
You'll need some bearings. Scavenge an old set from your
skateboard or perhaps from those rollerblades in your closet.
|
|
|
#5 Back to top
|
|
You won't need high performance German bearings here.
The bearings don't even need to spin, just press them in place
to give the bolt something to center on.
|
|
|
#6 Back to top
|
|
Here's a close-up of the expandable rubber plug.
This is the part that makes this project so simple.
Scan the hardware section of the your local hardware
store until you find a few bins with these gadgets.
Chose a size that will slide inside the end of the
curtain rod. Also make sure the plug with thread on
to the bolt - in this case 5/16"-18.
|
|
|
#7 Back to top
|
|
If it breaks your heart to install a skateboard wheel that doesn't
spin, find a washer that will fit onto the bolt before threading on the
the plug.
|
|
|
#8 Back to top
|
|
Check the bearings one last time. Make sure the graphics
are pointed toward the outside.
|
|
|
#9 Back to top
|
|
Now thread the expandable plug onto the bolt. The
flanged end goes on first so that it's closest to the
wheel.
|
|
|
#10 Back to top
|
|
Meanwhile, if you haven't already done so, get the curtain
rod holders installed. For this set of rod holders, there is
a metal plate that gets mounted to the wall. Then the finished
rod holder mounts on to that. Measure twice, drill once!
|
|
|
#11 Back to top
|
|
Shown here is a properly mounted rod holder. The small set
screw that holds the brushed nickle piece in place is
positioned at the top so that it is out of site.
|
|
|
#12 Back to top
|
|
Mount the second rod holder with help from the rod itself.
There would be nothing more disappointing than to eagerly
begin hanging the curtains only to find out that the rod
holders don't line up. Leave one rod holder loose until the
curtain are hung. This will allow for a little wiggle room.
|
|
|
#13 Back to top
|
|
Now for the fun part. Insert the assembled skate finial into the
end of the curtain rod. Make sure your curtain ring
clips are all in place before tightening. To tighten,
hold the wheel firmly while pushing slightly toward the rod.
This will keep the rubber plug from turning. Now use a wrench and
tighten the bolt just enough to prevent the wheel from slipping out.
|
|
|
#14 Back to top
|
|
That's all! You're finished. Your window treatments now have
a subtle design element that is all your own. Your wife or girlfriend
can't possibly argue with your effort to decorate your home. If she
repaints the room, just pick out another set of coordinating wheels
from your local skate shop.
|
|
|
Recommendations
|
1.) Though it's easier to direct your browser to an online
skateboard supply company, I recommend visiting the local skate shop.
You'll get a better feel for the types of wheels available, and you'll get
to admire all the decks on display.
2.) Size the rod so that it extends past the window frame by about five
inches on each end.
3.) Surprise (or console) your wife or girlfriend with complimenting recycled skateboard jewelry from
2ReVert's shop on Etsy.
|
|