Is the towel bar in your bathroom getting a little loose, old or just worn out? Has it gotten to the point where every time you use your bathroom it’s just another reminder that you really need to get it fixed but you’re just not sure how?
Here we’ll look at replacing that troubled bathroom towel bar, and you may be surprised at just how easy it is to do it yourself. Let’s take a step by step look at how to get the job done once and for all.
What You Will Need
You’ll be able to replace your towel bar using common household tools. You will need;
● Your replacement towel bar (more on that later)
● A drill with appropriate bit
● Bubble level
● Screwdriver
You may also need;
● Painter’s tape
● An oscillating tool
● Scissors
● A hand saw
● A spring mounted cap
Preparation
First, you’ll need to take your old towel bar down. In most cases the brackets on which your towel bar is held will be capped with a fascia which comes off to reveal the mounting plate and screws which secure it to the wall. If you can’t see them, they may be on the underside for cosmetic reasons. If the brackets do not come loose upon unscrewing they may be attached to the wall using an adhesive. In this case tape over the tiles around the mounting plate to protect it from scratches as you remove it.
Here’s where an oscillating tool comes in handy. Jam the blade into a corner to a depth of about an inch and work your way around so that the mounting plate comes loose of the adhesive or caulk.
Measure the space between screw holes as this will determine the dimensions of the new towel bar.
Choosing the Right Replacements
When choosing a replacement, it’s easier if you choose a bar that’s of the same width as your old one. This will allow you to mount in the same places and allow for a more seamless look. It may also be a good idea to select a replacement with wider brackets so that you will not be able to see any marks left by the removal of the old bar.
If you cannot find a replacement of the same size, all is not lost. You can purchase virtually any kind of towel bar you like. You may, however, need to cut it to size with a hand saw and use a spring mounted cap to allow you to slot it snugly into the bracket.
Installing the New Bar
Now that you’ve put in the prep work, installing the new towel bar should be fairly straightforward. It’s simply a case of screwing in the new mounting plates. You may be able to use the same drill holes with different wall plugs, although if your new bar is of a slightly different size you may need to drill new holes just above or below the existing screw holes.
This will allow you to get a more seamless fit and the brackets and mounting plates will cover the old screw holes.
How long will it take?
Assuming you have no trouble getting the old mounting plates off, you should be able to remove your old towel bar and replace it with your new one within a half hour or so. Even if your mounting plates offer up some resistance and you need to cut the towel rail to size, the whole job shouldn’t take much more than an hour.
Enjoy your new towel bar!