A loose or wobbly towel rack can be very annoying. It’s one of those annoying things that can throw off your day. You go to hang up your towel, and the whole thing falls off the wall, leaving you with a wet mess to clean up. But don’t worry; I’m here to outline some simple solutions to help you quickly fix that wobbly towel rack.
First, you must assess the extent of damage to the towel rack. If it’s only slightly loose, tightening the screws will do the job. However, if that’s not the case, you need to remove the brackets and anchors and reinstall the towel rack.
In this blog, I will explain how I fixed the towel rack in my bathroom when it got loose. I will go into all the necessary details so there is no room for errors. Let’s get started!
How Can You Fix A Loose Towel Rack?
Towel racks are usually attached to the wall in two or three parts. The rack is attached to the brackets, the brackets are attached to separate attachment plates, and the plates are attached to anchors on the wall. Some towel racks skip the attachment plates and attach the brackets directly to the anchors. Here is how you can fix a loose towel rack step by step:
Step 1: Assess The Damage
First, you have to figure out the extent of the damage. If the rack becomes loose for any direct physical damage, it won’t likely be fixed by simply tightening the screws.
On the other hand, if the rack has become loose due to years of usage, then only a screwdriver should be enough to fix it. I thoroughly checked my towel rack and found cracks around the anchor’s holes, so I removed everything and fixed things properly.
Step 2: Remove Everything From The Wall Completely
You have to remove all the parts and screws from the wall. First, remove the bracket from the wall. Then remove the anchors. If you pull hard enough, the anchors should come off with the brackets. Some towel rack models use separate attachment plates. After removing, clean the brackets and attachment plates thoroughly.
If you put excess pressure and the wall is damaged extensively beforehand, it will further damage the wall. If that’s the case, you can use joint compound and wall paints to fix the wall. Thus, reinstalling the towel rack will become easier.
Step 3: Remove The Towel Bar From The Brackets
The type of towel bar dictates how you can remove it. If the towel bar uses a locking mechanism, you need to find the unlock tab and press it to detach it from the bracket.
If the rack uses screws, you have to find the screws and use an appropriate screwdriver to unscrew the rack. Manufacturers try to hide the screws for aesthetic purposes, so you have to look hard enough.
Step 4: Attach The Attachment Plate With Drywall Anchors
There are different types of drywall anchors available. Besides drywall anchors, anchors are also available for concrete walls, masonry walls, etc. However, drywall anchors are commonly used for towel racks and similar accessories. Toggle bolts are the most suitable for this purpose.
These handy fasteners consist of the bolt and the toggle, a spring-loaded v-shaped nut that provides extra traction on the opposite side of the wall. Before adding the toggles, it’s essential to measure the thickness of the drywall.
It is crucial because the toggles must close completely before opening inside the wall. To correctly measure the drywall depth, secure the bolts to the attachment plate and insert them into the wall. Thus, you will get an idea about the wall depth.
Now put the bolts through the attachment plate. Twist them onto the ends of the bolts and leave enough space for them to close completely and then reopen after being placed into the wall. Finally, close the toggles toward the bolt heads to ensure a secure hold.
Step 5: Insert The Bolt In The Wall And Tighten it Properly
Pinch all the toggles and carefully insert them through the wall holes. Make sure that the direction of the toggle bolts is right. I found that having them parallel to the floor provided the best traction. After you pass the toggles through the drywall, they should spring open.
Now tighten the bolts properly so that they don’t move when you put the towel rack. I used a power driver; if you don’t have one, that’s fine; you can use a simple screwdriver too. I recommend tightening one bolt a little, then tightening the other slightly, and continuing to trade back and forth until they are both wholly attached to the wall.
Step 6: Now Install The Towel Rack To The Brackets
Now that you’ve installed the brackets and attachment plates to the wall, install the towel rack with the brackets. Depending on the type of rack, it may use screws or a locking mechanism to attach to the brackets.
Read also:-How To Hang A Towel Rack Without Screws?
Types of Drywall Anchors
When it’s time to reinstall or repair your wobbly towel rack, the types of drywall anchors will surely confuse you. There are lots of different types of drywall anchors. Knowing the most common ones and their usage will make things much easier for you. So let’s take a look:
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Molly Bolts
The Molly bolt is the perfect solution for medium-duty applications that weigh up to 50 pounds. This innovative anchor adds threads to the surface and creates permanent threads on the surface.
The Molly bolt’s superior design has become the industry standard for most drywall installations.
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Plastic Hollow Wall Plug
Plastic Hollow Wall Plugs are known for their exceptional weight-bearing capacity. However, whether you can use this anchor also depends on the thickness of the drywall.
These anchors securely expand and lock into place when you drive a screw into them. So, they work great in installing towel racks.
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Zip-its
Threaded drywall anchors are great for lightweight applications weighing 15 to 25 pounds.
These anchors are designed to resemble large screws with thick threads that give a secure grip to the drywall. They offer a sturdy and durable hold, preventing the hole from being stripped out.
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Toggle Bolts
Toggle bolts are a go-to choice for many and for good reasons. They come in various sizes to fit your specific needs. If you have thick drywall, choosing a longer bolt is best to ensure a secure hold.
Remember to align the bolt with the holes in your towel rack attachment plates. As you insert the toggle bolts into the drywall, make sure the holes are big enough to grip the wall’s interior to provide a sturdy hold.
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Winged Plastic Anchors
Winged plastic anchors provide a reliable solution for light to medium drywall thicknesses; they can support weights ranging from 25 to 35 pounds. These anchors are sturdier than plastic hollow wall plugs and are designed to extend their wings within the wall for added strength.
Reasons Why Towel Racks May Get Loose
Towel racks are a staple in every bathroom. They are functional and convenient and add a touch of style to your bathroom. But a loose towel rack is equally irritating.
However, there are reasons why towel racks might get loose; if you know them, you can easily avoid them to keep your towel rack in tip-top condition. Here are some common reasons for towel racks getting loose:
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Improper Installation
Improper installation is one of the critical reasons. It could result from a DIY job gone wrong or a professional installation that was not so ‘professional.’ you need the correct type of wall anchors, suitable screws and tools to install the towel rack properly.
If you don’t properly attach the brackets to the wall and install the rack to the bracket, it will become loose over time. Furthermore, it will cause the rack to wobble or even fall off the wall. If you need more confidence in your DIY skills, hiring a professional to do the job for you is best. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to install the towel rack correctly.
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Improper Handling
Not only towel racks but improper handling can damage anything. It could be due to either pulling the towel off the rack too forcefully or using the rack to hang additional items.
The rack will only last for a while if you have kids at home and they use the towel rack as hanging ropes. Towel racks are designed to hold towels, not kids. Hanging additional weight won’t damage the rack immediately, but it will contribute to the cause.
To avoid this issue, use the towel rack as intended and tell it to everyone else in your household. If you need to hang other items, such as a robe or clothes, using a separate hook or hanger is best.
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Hanging Things That Are Not Meant For Towel Racks
Hanging things not meant for the rack can make the rack loose. Not only that, but it can also damage your wall. To avoid this issue, it is essential only to use the towel rack to hold towels.
If you need to hang wet clothes, using a separate drying rack is best. Besides, if you want to decorate your bathroom, it is best to use wall art or other decorations and hang them using different means.
FAQs
By the time you have finished reading this article, I believe you have mastered the art of repairing wobbly towel racks. But to clarify your confusions and sharpen your knowledge furthermore, the following questions and answers will surely help:
Can You Glue A Towel Rack?
You can glue a towel rack to the wall. You will need a good quality All-Purpose Interior Construction Adhesive. Just apply a small amount of the adhesive on the back of the brackets, then press gently on the wall. Clean excess adhesives that have seeped around the edges.
Why Is My Towel Rack Loose?
There can be several reasons why your towel rack needs to be fixed. It can be due to improper handling, improper installation, kids playing with the rack, hanging heavy objects on the rack etc. It can also result from weakened drywall.
Does Fixing The Towel Rack Cause Damage To The Wall?
Fixing the towel rack usually doesn’t do any damage to the wall. If the towel rack is slightly loose, then tightening the screws fix the issue. However, if you need to remove the entire installation, it can damage the wall to various extents. So be gentle throughout the procedure.
Conclusion
Fixing a loose towel rack is relatively easy. With some Simple tools and guidelines, anyone can do it with ease. The steps I have discussed above are from my experience, so if you follow them, you can do the job effortlessly.
Always take the time to properly assess the situation. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help you need. With a little effort and some basic know-how, you can keep your home looking and functioning great, one towel rack at a time.
Also read:-Does Putting A Hot Towel On Pimple Work?
