Removing a towel bar from your bathroom wall may seem daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. But fear not; it can be straightforward with the right tools and techniques. First, assess the type of bar you have. Is it mounted with visible screws, or are the screws hidden? In most cases, you’ll need a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the bar in place. If the screws are hidden, look for a release tab or small hole on the underside of the bar.
If the bathroom towel bar is glued or permanently attached, you may need to use an oscillating tool or a hammer and flat tool to pry it off. However, this can potentially damage the wall or the towel bar itself. Once the bar is loose, gently pull it away from the wall. If it doesn’t budge, try pushing or twisting it to release it from the end posts. Sometimes, you may need to use needle-nose pliers to remove set screws or unscrew the end posts.
In our guide, you can learn more about removing your old towel bar, regardless of the towel bars wall brackets and how they are mounted in most cases. By the end, you’ll be able to tackle any anchors used on your bathroom towel bars and leave a minimal amount of repair compound you need to push into the holes in your wall tiles. (Learn How To Remove Liquid Nails)
Search for a Hidden Screw
If you’re installing a new towel bar and find that hidden screws hold up the old one, don’t panic. Inspect the mounting brackets for any visible screws or fasteners. If none are present, use a small flathead screwdriver to loosen the decorative covers on the brackets.
Next, examine the wall behind the ceramic bar for any signs of nail heads or screw holes. This can help you determine where the screws might be located. If you still can’t find them, try using a stud finder to locate any framing behind the drywall – sometimes, hidden screws are attached to these support beams.
How To Remove Towel Rack Attached By Tabs
Removing towel racks can be complicated when the rack is held in place by tabs. First, you need to locate the tabs holding the rack in place. These tabs are usually located at either end of the towel bar and can quickly break if improperly handled.
To prevent this from happening, use a putty knife blade or similar tool to gently pry at an angle on the towel bars tab while you push to keep it in place. Once you have located and gently lifted on each tab, slowly pull the bar out of the hole of its mounting brackets.
It is vital to avoid any sudden or jerky movements that may cause damage to your wall or tiles. If you encounter resistance when pulling out the bar, stop immediately and try a different approach angle.
How to Remove Towel Bar from Wall With Set Screw:
Removing a towel bar can seem intimidating, but it can be done quickly with the right tools and technique. Many towel bars can be tough to dismantle, so here are steps you can use on most towel bars that use a set screw to lock them in position.
1. Find hidden screw
If you’re struggling to remove a towel bar, there’s a high probability that the fixture is secured by hidden set screws holding it together. This screw inside small rings or covers can make locating them on the end post challenging.
To remove a bar effectively, you’ll need to identify these hidden screws and unscrew them on each end post before moving ahead with the removal process. To begin your search for a hidden screw, examine the base of your towel rack’s end post.
You should be able to notice any round or oval-shaped covers or rings on each end of the bar where it meets the end post. Next, use your fingers or pliers to lift off these covers gently. If you don’t find any signs of screws after removing them, run your hands along the underside edge of the towel rack. (Learn How To Remove Flush Mount Ceiling Light Cover)
2. Loosen Screw
Removing towel bars attached to wall tiles can be challenging. The first step is to loosen the screws that hold the ceramic bar in place. Using a screwdriver, turn the screws counterclockwise until they are loose enough to remove by hand. Sometimes, however, the screws may be too tight or rusted and challenging to loosen.
To help with this problem, apply penetrating oil like WD-40 to the screw head and let it sit for several minutes before turning it again. This helps break down rust or corrosion and makes it easier to loosen the screw.
If all else fails and you still cannot loosen the screw, use pliers or an adjustable wrench for added leverage.
3. Remove the End Post and Then Bar from Tile Wall
The first step is locating the screws holding the towel holder. These screws can usually be found at either end of the rack or on the bottom of the holder end post. Once you have located these screws, use a screwdriver to remove them from their position. It is vital to ensure you turn them counterclockwise not to damage any surrounding wall surfaces.
After the screws have been removed, gently pull on the bar until it comes loose from its mounting post or bracket. Use a hammer and pry bar to carefully loosen any adhesive or caulking that may secure the holder if necessary.
4. Remove the Second End Post
Removing a bar might seem daunting, but it can be done quickly and quickly with the right tools and patience.
- The first step is to locate the screws holding the ceramic towel bar in place. These screws are typically located on either end of the bar, one in the first post and one in the second end post.
- You must remove the screw from the first post and the wall to remove the bar.
- This can usually be done using a screwdriver or power drill with a Phillips head attachment. Once this screw has been removed, you can move on to removing the screw from the second post.
- To remove this screw, you must hold the bar firmly while unscrewing it from its fixture.
5. Remove Wall Brackets
The process can be pretty simple regarding removing wall brackets, specifically a ceramic towel bar. Start by locating the screw heads on each end of the bar. Work slowly and carefully to remove both screws from their respective holes using a screwdriver.
Be sure to hold onto the towel bar as you do this to prevent it from falling and causing any damage. Once both screws have been removed, gently pull the towel bar away from the wall. Sometimes there may be adhesive or caulk holding it in place; if this is the case, use a utility knife or putty knife to gently loosen it before pulling away the bar.
If you plan on reinstalling another towel bar in its place, ensure to clean up any leftover adhesive or caulk with a damp cloth and use the right tool to remove the first end post and second post. (Learn How To Remove Spray Paint From Concrete)
How To Remove Towel Bar With No Screws:
One of the most frustrating things about removing a towel bar is having no visible screws to detach it from the wall. However, there’s a good chance your bar is held in place by set screws hidden from plain view. You’ll need to locate the set screw to remove it, which attaches the towel bar to its wall bracket.
Once you’ve located the set screw, loosen and remove it with a flathead screwdriver. Then gently pull on the towel bar until it detaches from its wall bracket. Any adhesive residues left behind after removing your towel bar can be removed using rubbing alcohol or vinegar.
Sometimes when you still can’t find or access a set screw for removing your stubborn towel bar, do not force or pry it off, as this could damage both your wall bracket and towel rack.
How Do You Remove a Towel Bar With Fixed Ceramic Ends?
Removing a towel bar with fixed ceramic ends can seem daunting, but it can be done quickly and quickly with the right tools and techniques.
- To get started, you will need a mini screwdriver or Allen wrench to loosen the screws that hold the bar in place. These screws are usually located on either side of the towel rack.
- Once you have found the screws, use your mini screwdriver or Allen wrench to turn them counterclockwise until they are loose enough to remove by hand.
- Be sure to save these screws, as they will be needed when installing your new towel bar or if you need to reattach the old one later.
- After removing the screws, gently pull on each end of the towel rack until it comes loose from its mounting brackets.
- Use a small amount of force if necessary but be careful not to damage any surrounding tiles or fixtures.
How to Remove a Towel Bar Secured With Adhesive Bonding or Mortar
Removing a towel bar secured with adhesive or mortar can be daunting, especially if it has been on the wall for some time. (Learn How To Remove Sticky Residue From Wood)
- If the bar is attached to drywall, remove them using a screwdriver.
- Carefully pull the towel bar away from the wall, as there is a slight chance drywall could come with it.
- However, if there are no visible screws and you suspect that it may have been glued or mortared in place, use a blade to carefully cut through any adhesive or mortar around the edges of the bar.
- Don’t damage the paint or any surrounding tiles or surfaces as you work around it.
- Once you have cut through all the adhesive applied in a small ring to hold the bar in place, gently pry away the first end post using a flathead screwdriver, and then tackle the second post using the same technique.
Note: If the anchors comprise a toggle anchor on each end, you’ll need to drive each toggle anchor into the drywall before you fill and paint your bathroom wall.
