Extendable curtain pole issues

[Merrydance]

Hi, we recently put up a couple of new curtain poles that are extendable . The issue we are having they are metal and there is a ridge to accommodate being able to extend it. This is making it tricky to draw the curtains as the curtain rings are difficult to get over this ridge
Have we done something wrong or is there any advice please?

My son’s bedroom curtain pole is like this. The answer is to sort of lift as you close but in reality he doesn’t and keeps breaking the curtain hooks. I don’t know the answer I just thought I’d wait for him to leave home and the problem would solve itself.

Thanks for the reply. I am very short so it makes this issue extra challenging !

Would curtain draw rods help? https://www.dunelm.com/product/transparent-acrylic-curtain-draw-rods-1000149698

I simply wrap a bit of that grey packing tape over and that smooths the ridge.

Have got rods but did not help, may have to try the tape solution

I checked the label this morning it’s actually PVC Duct Tape! Lol I’ve been using on all sorts.

It’s soft and grey and the curtain rings just slide over the gappy ridge if I wrap a single layer round. I know that is very low brow/budget, but it works! Can get from Wilco, B&Q.

I always fit the pole so the ridge is hidden by the middle support. It means trimming one end but that's covered by the finial.

Thanks saltandpepper, that sounds logical