How to Fix Your Towel Rings
If your towel ring is wobbly, it means that the screws in the escutcheon or the mounting brackets itself have become loose. Here’s how to tighten your towel rings.
Tightening any Loose Screws
- Simply use an Allen screw and reach under the escutcheon that is attached to the wall and tighten the set screw in it. Turn the Allen screw until it feels snug.
- If this doesn’t fix the wobble, the screws of the mounting bracket that hold your towel rings may have come loose. Remove these screws to dislodge the towel hook.
- If you notice any loose screws on the mounting bracket, don’t tighten it. Instead, unscrew the mounting brackets from the wall and inspect the condition of the wall anchors. If they are in good condition, tighten the wall bracket back into place.
- If the wall anchors are damaged, use pliers and pull out the screws from the anchor.
How to Install Towel Ring
If you’re installing a new towel ring, you'll need to drill new holes. However, if you're just putting an old ring back up, you might need to patch any holes left from before. Either way, once the wall is ready, the process of using anchors, attaching the bracket, and securing the ring stays the same. Here’s what to do in both cases:
Installing A New Towel Ring
Where to Install
- Installing a towel ring depends on your layout, especially because towel rings are great for compact spaces. However, it is best to hang your towel rings at least 50 inches above the ground.
- If your towel rings will be placed over your bathroom sinks, countertops, or bathroom vanity, make sure that you have a clearance of 16 to 18 inches from the ring, so that the towel hangs freely below.
- Lastly, make sure that your towel rings are situated in a place where everyone can access and use it without any awkward bending or stretching.
Measure, Mark and Drill New Holes
To drill holes in the right place, you will need to find a stud behind the wall.
- To locate a stud, place a stud finder flush against the surface where you have chosen to hang your towel ring. Turn the device on and slide it across the surface. The device will beep when it has located a stud.
- It will be helpful if you trace the holes of your mounting bracket onto the surface you will be drilling.
- To drill in a pilot hole, use a bit that is smaller in diameter than the mounting screws. This will allow the mounting screws to fit in without damaging the surface.
If you don’t manage to find a stud, using a wall anchor will do the job. Regardless, it is always better to use wall anchors for a secure fit.
Repairing any Wall Damage
If your hand towel rings have been dislodged from the wall, it may have fallen off with some of the drywall along with it. This will need to be repaired first so that the screws fit in correctly.
- Use spackling compound and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application.
- Allow it to dry, depending on the product label and lightly sand it to create a smooth surface.
- Follow the above instructions to drill a hole into the wall.
Inserting the Wall Anchors and Mounting the Wall Brackets
For a tight and snug fit, it is best to use toggle bolt wall anchors. These anchors have wings with a spring mechanism that opens up into the wall once inserted.
- Unscrew the wings from the toggle bolt. Insert the bolt through the wall brackets and screw the wings on the bolt back on.
- Repeat the step for both the holes in the wall bracket.
- Compress the wings of the screws and insert them through the holes in the wall.
- As you start to tighten the screws, make sure to place your fingers below the wall brackets and pull them slightly towards you to apply negative pressure.
- Drill in both the toggle bolts and secure the wall bracket in place.
Attaching the Towel Ring
- To attach the towel ring back into place, take the escutcheon and place it over the mounted wall bracket.
- Use an Allen screw and tighten the set screw that is located on the lower end of this fixture and tighten it until you ensure a snug fit.
- Loop the towel ring through the hole in the escutcheon and your towel ring installation is now complete and ready to use.