Curtain Gliders...help!

[pastafreak]

I have an old, plain generic plastic track in my bedroom. The gliders have gradually reduced in numbers...usually snapped in half. I need to replace them but haven't a clue how to do so.
The current gliders seem very much like these...

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

None fit. Do they come in different sizes? Can I use either type on my rail?
Finally...i need simple instructions in how to do so...the internet has been useless.

[pastafreak]

The rest of my question....

When I first needed to replace, I bought various packs of this type...as they were all I could find locally.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[geevo41]

Hi pastafreak

We have had exactly the same problem. Your current style of gliders come in different sizes and we found it impossible to find a match. The best solution is to measure your track and replace with basic Swish rail which comes complete with correct number of gliders (look like tadpoles). Extra gliders are easily available.
The track has supports which screw to the wall and the track just fits over them. If the track is fixed to a wooden batten it's easy to space the supports for the new track or even use the old holes. If It's fixed directly to the wall you may need to fill old holes and drill new ones with plugs to hold the screws. Hope this helps

[woofgang]

They do come in different shapes and sizes (bitter experience) Also from bitter experience if the gliders are getting brittle, the track won't be far behind...maybe less hassle in the long run to replace the whole thing?

[pastafreak]

*sigh*....I can't replace it myself, so would need to get someone in to do it. Lord knows what that would cost.

[Mexican18]

Why not just take a glider off and take it to the shop to compare sizes?

[pastafreak]

The ones in place seem to be of the same type as my first link. I haven't a clue how to remove it.
As you may have realised, I'm not very savvy about curtain hardware.

[TonyV]

Pasta will not cost a fortune, probably a hours work to get new one fitted plus cost of the track. None of your neighbours got a drill? Or look in local shops to see if any Handyman cards are there.

[pastafreak]

Our building has a handyman. I'll have to see if I can bribe him. What would be the going rate? Any ideas?

[woofgang]

if you can get up the ladder or stand on the kick stool to change the gliders, you can probably replace it yourself.

[TonyV]

Pasta should be about £20 or a bottle of his favourite tipple.

[jennyjoan]

I have just recently bought those too Pasta - and I got the replacements in Harry Corry's - now you may not have Harry - he could be Irish LOL - but you do need to snap one off and bring it along. Also you could try and get Dunelm mind you get somebody who knows what you want.

[Mexican18]

At the end of the track there will be a'stop' of some sort. Take it off and a glider will just slide off!

[pastafreak]

I've seen the "stop"...can't see yet where the screw is to undo it. Been standing on a not-quite-high-enough stool.
I've found some gliders like the existing ones on Amazon, so will order for tomorrow. They *seem* to be a standard size. Fingers crossed.

[diddlydo]

The problem is not just the overall size of the gliders but also the way they hook on to the rail. Now I have the national collection of different gliders so when mine gradually succumb to plastic fatigue I can always find some spares that will suffice even if they're not quite the same shape and size as the broken ones. However, in your case I think it would be easier and cheaper to buy a new rail complete with gliders and get a kind friend/neighbour/relative to put it up for you.

[alavahalf]

As handyman I find this a rather common problem ..
If one glider is brittle, the others are as well. The track may be dry and pitted. Customers often say ' oh I have a box with a mixture of old gliders, would you like to have a look'.. Personally I wont get involved in fitting old ones, because when they break soon afterwards, the customer will say .. 'he didn't do a very good job'.
There are many sizes of the glider you show in the link and they are all suited to different size tracks. If you fit the wrong ones, the curtains may pull the gliders off the track, or they might not even slide at all.
My advice would be to replace the track and the correct size gliders will be included in the pack.

[tonyav]

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

The screw will be either on the top or most likely on the bottom, pasta.

[Cloverjo]

Sorry I’m no help, but how did curtains become so difficult? I took mine down to wash them, put them back up and they don’t close in the middle. I have to shower hoping my across the road neighbours aren’t looking out of their window.

[Davemano]

These ends tap off quite easily, once off you will see the screw, then loosen it ready for replacing.

[Davemano]

^^^^ If the gliders are the right size there is no need to remove the ends, just rest the glider on the top of the rail and it should click in from the bottom.