Sofia Martinez
Replacing a plastic towel bar can be a simple task, but it can quickly become complicated if the bar is glued onto ceramic tile or mortared to the wall. Before starting, it is important to measure the length of the current towel bar to ensure the new one is the correct size and will fit onto the wall brackets. If the towel bar is glued or mortared to the wall, it may be necessary to chip it out, which can be difficult without damaging the wall. In some cases, it may be possible to find a replacement bar that can be cut to size or bent to snap into place without removing the old end holders. When removing a towel bar, it is typically done by unscrewing the screws underneath the bar holders. If the bar is spring-loaded, a utility knife or razor can be used to gently pry out the spring mechanism without applying too much pressure to the plastic.
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What You'll Learn
How to remove the old plastic towel bar
Removing an old plastic towel bar can be a simple task, but it may depend on the type of bar and how it is fixed. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove an old plastic towel bar:
Step 1: Assess the Type of Towel Bar
Firstly, identify the type of plastic towel bar you have. It could be a simple bar, rod, or rack, and it may be fixed with wall brackets, ceramic ends, or spring-loaded ends. Understanding the type of towel bar and its fixings will help you determine the best removal method.
Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Tools
Depending on the type of towel bar, you may need different tools for removal. For example, if your towel bar is fixed with screws, you will need a screwdriver. If it has spring-loaded ends, you may need a thin tool like a utility knife to gently pry the ends loose without breaking the plastic.
Step 3: Remove the Towel Bar
Now, carefully remove the towel bar. If it is a simple bar with wall brackets, you can usually remove the screws underneath the bar holders and then lift the bar off the brackets. Be careful not to apply too much force, as this could damage the wall or the surrounding tiles.
For towel bars with fixed ceramic ends, you may need to find a way to gently remove the glued brackets from the tiles without causing damage. This could involve carefully prying or knocking them off.
If your towel bar has spring-loaded ends, gently wiggle a thin tool, like a knife or razor blade, under the collar of the spring-loaded end, and then twist. Be careful not to apply too much force or pressure on the plastic to avoid breakage.
Step 4: Clean the Area
Once you have successfully removed the old plastic towel bar, clean the area. This will prepare the surface for the installation of a new towel bar. Make sure to remove any residual glue, rust, or debris to ensure a smooth and level surface for the new fixture.
Remember to take your time during the removal process and be cautious to avoid damaging the surrounding area. Always adapt these steps to suit your specific situation and the type of towel bar you are removing.
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Measuring the new bar and brackets
When replacing a plastic towel bar, it is important to measure the new bar and brackets accurately to ensure a proper fit and functionality. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Measuring the New Towel Bar:
Firstly, measure the length of the new towel bar from end to end, excluding any spring-loaded ends or similar attachments. Standard towel bars typically come in lengths of 18", 24", or 30", but you may have a custom-sized bar or need to cut it to size. If you have a 24" bar, for example, you can fit a single oversized bath towel folded in half. A 30" bar can hold two standard bath towels folded in thirds.
Determining the Height:
The standard recommendation for towel bar height is approximately 48" from the floor to the centre of the bar. However, this can be adjusted slightly (between 44-48") to suit the needs of your household, especially if there are children or individuals with limited mobility. Mark this height on the wall at the desired location, ensuring it is comfortable for everyone.
Measuring for the Brackets:
Now, we need to measure and mark the locations for the mounting brackets that will hold the towel bar. Hold the mounting bracket against the wall, aligning it with the height mark you made earlier. Use a level to ensure the bracket is straight and even. Mark the areas on the wall where the bracket will be attached, indicating where you will drill holes for the screws or anchors.
If you are using wall anchors because you cannot find a stud or want additional support, select high-quality drywall anchors and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for correct installation. Proper installation of drywall anchors can result in a sturdy mount that may even outlast the sheetrock.
Once you have marked the bracket locations and determined your mounting method (screws or anchors), you are ready to install the brackets and attach the new towel bar.
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Cutting the new bar to size
When replacing a plastic towel bar, it is important to measure the length of your current towel bar to ensure that your new bar will fit onto the same wall brackets. The new bar should not rest on the spring-loaded ends. The length of the new bar is the distance between your posts plus half the recessed depth of both openings in your posts.
The spring-loaded ends of the new bar are removable and should be taken off before you cut the bar to size. You can use a utility knife to gently wiggle the blade under the collar of the spring-loaded end and then gently twist. You are not pressing the razor edge on the plastic, but rather using the knife as a thin pry bar.
The new bar can be cut down to size using a hack saw or another fine-tooth saw. You can also use a Ginsu knife to cut the bar. Once you have cut the bar to size, you can re-insert the spring-loaded ends.
It is worth noting that the spring-loaded ends can be tight and may argue with you about being removed. If you are having trouble removing them, try using a utility knife as described above.
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Removing and reinserting spring-loaded ends
Before removing and reinserting the spring-loaded ends of a plastic towel bar, you must first purchase a replacement bar and spring-loaded end caps. Measure the length of the bar you need and buy a replacement that is the same length or longer.
Once you have the supplies, remove the old towel bar. If it is too short, you can pull it out. If not, you can saw through the middle of it. When cutting your replacement bar, ensure that it is not too long or too short. Put a spring-loaded end cap on one end of the replacement bar and place that end into one of the fixed wall brackets. Push the bar into the bracket as far as it will go and mark the spot on the other end of the bar that needs to be cut off.
After cutting the replacement bar to the correct size, put the spring-loaded end caps onto both ends of the bar and install it between the two fixed brackets. When putting the spring-loaded end back into the bar, clear the bar of debris and push hard. Sometimes they are quite snug, and sometimes they just float right in. The spring-loaded ends are slipped into the bar in three pieces: the wide part that slides into the bar, the spring inside, and the smaller plunger portion. If the plunger comes out and the spring flies out, it is easy to put back together.
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Replacing the bar without removing posts
If you want to replace a plastic towel bar without removing the posts, you have a few options. Firstly, you can try to find a replacement bar that fits your existing posts. This may be tricky as you'll need to find one that is the same length as your current bar and has the correct fittings. However, some hardware stores sell spring-loaded towel bars that can be cut to length and then fitted with spring-loaded end caps, which may be a good option.
If your current bar is affixed with screws, you can try to loosen the screws and remove the bar, leaving the posts in place. You will need to identify the type of screw used—it may be a set screw, which could be hidden, or the bar may be affixed with a locking tab system. Once you have identified the type of screw, you can use the appropriate tool to loosen it. For example, a small Allen wrench or a mini screwdriver may be required to loosen a set screw, while a small screwdriver can be used to depress the locking tab on a locking tab system.
If the bar is affixed with adhesive, removing it without damaging the wall or posts can be challenging. You may need to use a putty knife and hammer to gently pry the bar off the posts. It's important to wear safety glasses during this process to protect your eyes from any flying debris.
Once you have removed the old bar, you can install the new one by following the instructions provided with your chosen product. Make sure to measure the distance between the posts accurately before cutting the new bar to size, if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
You can replace your old plastic towel bar with a new one that fits the existing brackets. Measure the length of your current towel bar and purchase a new one that is the correct size. Remove the screws underneath the bar holders and take out the old bar. Place the new towel bar on top of the wall brackets and ensure that the bar is level.
Amazon has a few options for spring-loaded replacement bars in white or clear from Ez-Flo, Moen and Franklin Hardware. Eclectic-ware also offers a range of plastic replacement bars in different colours and sizes. You can also find plastic replacement bars on eBay.
You will need a screwdriver to remove the screws underneath the bar holders. If you need to cut the bar to size, you will need a hacksaw or another fine-toothed saw.
