How To Make Swing Arm Towel Bar

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

In every bathroom, a towel bar is an essential accessory for hanging and organizing towels. While traditional towel bars are fixed to the wall, a swing arm towel bar offers added convenience and flexibility. Swing arm towel bars allow you to easily extend, rotate, and adjust the arms to hang and dry multiple towels. They are not only functional but also stylish, adding a modern touch to your bathroom decor.

If you’re looking to upgrade your bathroom with a swing arm towel bar, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of installing a swing arm towel bar in your bathroom, ensuring you have a sturdy and secure towel-hanging solution.

Before we begin, make sure you have the necessary materials and tools ready.

Materials Needed

Before you start installing a swing arm towel bar, gather the following materials:

• Swing arm towel bar
• Mounting brackets
• Screws
• Wall anchors (if necessary)
• Drill
• Level
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Screwdriver

Ensure you have all the materials handy before you begin the installation process. This will save you time and ensure a smooth installation experience.

Step 1: Measure and Mark

The first step in installing a swing arm towel bar is to measure and mark the desired location on the wall where you want to mount the towel bar. Use a tape measure to find the ideal height for your towel bar, keeping in mind factors such as the average height of the people using the towels and the distance from the sink or bathtub.

Once you have determined the height, use a pencil to mark the top and bottom positions of the towel bar on the wall. You can also use a level to ensure that the marks are straight and aligned. This will help in achieving a professional-looking installation.

Take note of the distance between the marks, as this will determine the length of the towel bar you need. Make sure to measure accurately to ensure a proper fit.

Pro tip: If you are installing the towel bar near a sink or bathtub, make sure there is enough clearance for the towels to hang freely without touching the fixtures. This will prevent wet towels from dripping onto the sink or bathtub surface.

Step 2: Drill Holes

Once you have marked the location for your swing arm towel bar, it’s time to drill the necessary holes for mounting. Start by selecting the appropriate drill bit size for your wall type and the screws you will be using.

Before drilling, it’s important to ensure that you are drilling into a solid part of the wall, such as a stud. This will provide maximum support and stability for your towel bar. Use a stud finder or knock on the wall to locate the presence of a stud. If you are unable to find a stud in the desired location, you will need to use wall anchors to secure the towel bar.

If you are drilling into a stud, mark the center of the stud between your previously made top and bottom marks. If you are using wall anchors, follow the instructions provided with the anchors to determine the appropriate spacing for the holes.

Once you have marked the hole locations, use a drill with the selected bit size to create the holes. Make sure to drill straight and apply consistent pressure to avoid any wall damage.

After drilling the holes, remove any debris or dust using a vacuum or a brush. This will ensure a clean and secure mounting surface for your towel bar.

Pro tip: If you are unsure about drilling into your wall or don’t have the necessary tools, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional or seek assistance from a handyman.

When installing a swing arm towel bar, make sure to use a level to ensure it is mounted straight. Also, use anchors if mounting on drywall to ensure it can support the weight of the towels.

Step 3: Attach Swing Arms

With the holes drilled and the mounting surface prepared, it’s time to attach the swing arms to the wall. Begin by aligning the mounting brackets with the drilled holes. Insert the screws provided with the towel bar into the holes and tighten them with a screwdriver. Make sure the brackets are securely attached to the wall.

If you are using wall anchors, follow the instructions provided to properly insert the anchors into the drilled holes. Once the anchors are in place, attach the mounting brackets to the anchors using the screws provided.

Once the mounting brackets are securely fastened to the wall, it’s time to attach the swing arms. Most swing arm towel bars come with arms that can be easily inserted into the mounting brackets. Simply align the arms with the brackets and slide them into place. You may need to apply a bit of pressure to ensure a snug fit.

Double-check that the swing arms are level and aligned correctly. Use a level to ensure that the arms are straight and parallel to the floor. Adjust if necessary.

Pro tip: To prevent the swing arms from loosening over time, you can use a thread-locking adhesive on the screws or apply a small amount of clear silicone adhesive to the bracket before attaching the arms. This will help to secure the arms in place.

Step 4: Mount on Wall

With the swing arms attached to the mounting brackets, it’s time to mount the towel bar on the wall. Carefully lift the towel bar and align the arms with the corresponding brackets. Slide the arms into the brackets until they are securely in place.

Once the towel bar is mounted on the wall, give it a gentle tug to ensure it is firmly attached and doesn’t move or wobble. If the towel bar feels loose, double-check the tightness of the screws or anchors and adjust as necessary.

Take a step back and visually inspect the towel bar to ensure that it is level and aligned properly. Use a level to make any necessary adjustments to ensure a straight and balanced installation.

Pro tip: Before mounting the towel bar, you may want to place a small piece of painter’s tape on the wall underneath each mounting bracket. This will help protect the wall surface from any accidental scratches or marks caused by the brackets during installation.

Step 5: Test and Adjust

After mounting the swing arm towel bar on the wall, it’s time to test its functionality and make any necessary adjustments. Begin by hanging towels on the arms of the towel bar to ensure that they fit comfortably and securely.

Gently pull and extend the swing arms to different angles to test their flexibility. Make sure the arms move smoothly without any obstructions or resistance. If you encounter any issues, such as sticking or difficulty in movement, double-check the installation to ensure everything is properly aligned and tightened.

If you find that the towel bar is not level or looks uneven, you can make minor adjustments to correct it. Loosen the screws or anchors slightly and reposition the towel bar until it is level and aligned to your satisfaction. Once adjusted, tighten the screws or anchors securely.

Take a step back and visually inspect the towel bar once more to ensure it is level, aligned, and aesthetically pleasing. If everything looks perfect, then congratulations, you have successfully installed a swing arm towel bar in your bathroom!

Pro tip: To add a finishing touch, consider using clear adhesive bumpers between the wall and the towel bar arms. These bumpers will help to prevent any damage to the wall surface and provide extra stability to the towel bar.

Conclusion

Installing a swing arm towel bar in your bathroom is a great way to add convenience, functionality, and style to your space. With the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you now have the knowledge and confidence to successfully install a swing arm towel bar on your own.

Remember to gather all the necessary materials and tools before you begin the installation process. Measure and mark the desired location on the wall, ensuring that the towel bar will be at the ideal height and distance from other fixtures. Drill the necessary holes, either into studs or using wall anchors, and attach the mounting brackets securely.

Next, attach the swing arms to the mounting brackets, making sure they are level and aligned properly. Mount the towel bar on the wall by sliding the arms into the brackets, ensuring a snug fit. Test the towel bar’s functionality by hanging towels on it and adjusting the arms as necessary.

Once everything is in place, step back and admire your newly installed swing arm towel bar. Enjoy the convenience, flexibility, and enhanced organization it provides. And don’t forget to properly maintain and clean your towel bar regularly to keep it looking its best.

With these simple steps, you can enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your bathroom while enjoying the convenience of a swing arm towel bar. So go ahead, give your bathroom a stylish and practical upgrade!