Wedge Expander

An expansion wedge for securing a bolt within a tube, inspired by the quill stem of a bicycle. This model is customizable for your specific dimensions. It should be printed at high density (or solid) since it is meant to be pressed between two metal nuts.

The default values will fit a 3/8" bolt and nut inside of 3/4" EMT conduit. By using an eye bolt on each end of a length of conduit, you can make a sliding curtain rod. (That's right, the entire rod, not just the curtain.)

I have 2 conduit rails hung below the ceiling of my garage, 2 gliding rods between them, and a plastic drop cloth attached with shower curtain rings. This setup gives me a fully enclosed dust curtain that I can slide in and out easily.

USE CAUTION WHEN HANGING THINGS OVERHEAD. Obviously this system will not bear loads greater than a few pounds. You might hang a utility lamp or other lightweight object but definitely do not let children play or hang on these rods.

There are of course many applic