So what you should be able to do is insert B into A and then C slides over B. Are you sure both finials are fixed? Maybe one is removable? Does one of the ends of rod C have a place for a finial? I like Big Lots but products are seconds and cheap imports. It may just be made wrong unfortunately.

Yes, no and no. I think there was supposed to be a extra part to rod C that just isn't there, (another piece, some tiny hardware was missing, fortunately I already had brackets in place.)

Anyway, the gerry-rigging with the long piece from the flimsy rod this is to replace, and a tiny piece of foam seems to be working, so I may just leave it as it is. I agree with you about a lot of Big Lots stuff, but I always add extra brackets, replacement handles, and such to their furniture.

Thanks.