How to install a towel bar on any surface — no drilling necessary!

Learning how to install a towel bar is simple with the right tips. We’ll explain the basic technique of hanging a towel rack in the bathroom without drilling holes. Whether you’re replacing the old, or installing a new bar, we won’t leave you hanging!   

• How to fix a broken towel rack
• How to install a towel bar: Step by step
• The right glue for mounting a towel rack

How to fix a broken towel rack

Towel racks sure take a beating! The constant load of towels, sometimes wet and heavy, eventually causes the screws in the walls to loosen. Whether it’s drywall or tile, drilling new holes in your bathroom walls only adds to the damage. We’ve got a better solution! 

Here’s how to replace a towel bar without damaging your walls any further.

1. Remove the old towel rack, along with any screws that remain in the wall. 
2. Fill the holes with the appropriate caulk. 
3. Paint over the caulk (if needed).
4. Measure and mark the walls where your new rack will go.
5. Apply glue to the back of the towel rack and press firmly into place.
6. Allow for full cure time before adding weight to the bar.   

How to install a towel rack: Step by step 

If you’re hanging a new towel bar, look for a model with a non-mechanical mounting system. These types of no-drill towel bars typically come with adhesive strips. The catch: the strips can weaken quickly due to the humidity in a bathroom. We recommend using a stronger adhesive for longer life.

If you’re wondering how to install a towel bar on tile vs. drywall, don’t worry. The process is the same on both surfaces. Here’s how to do it.

1. Measure and mark the walls where you want the towel bar to go.
2. Apply a small bead of glue to the back of the towel rack or mounting brackets and press firmly into place. Do not apply too much adhesive.
3. Quickly clean up any glue that has seeped out around the edges. 
4. Allow for full cure time before hanging weight on the bar. 

The right glue for mounting a towel rack

When working with two non-porous surfaces, like a tile wall and stainless steel towel rack, reach for Loctite Power Grab Ultimate Construction Adhesive. This all-purpose adhesive packs a powerful punch and adheres to any surface, porous or not. It has zero second grabbing power, and allows 5 minutes for repositioning. 

For smaller jobs, Loctite Power Grab Express Construction Adhesive  is a winner. This adhesive is perfect for any application where one surface is porous, like drywall, wood, plaster, or concrete. It has a low odor, and its 3oz. squeeze tube is ideal for small applications.