Towel Bar Repair! Fast, Easy, Strong!

Super EASY, FAST and STRONG fix to a loose towel bar!
Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=109961...
Here is a link to the hardware: amzn.to/3a7A28a
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[@bjobie]

Should've rebuilt the whole house. Clearly the only correct solution.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

😂

[@dfw_motorrad1329]

With the amount of DI-Why going on in my house, I have seriously considered this on multiple occasions.

[@colinmckenzie6453]

I love that you pointed out that most of the time you are just trying to get the job done. Perfection is often unrealistic in real world carpentry.

[@chrisburns5691]

Important to have a good meeting of perfection vs production. If someone goes towards one side too much, it can be an issue. Some want to get everything done quickly, but quality sucks and they get callbacks and a bad rep in general. Perfectionism doesn't work if things take 3 times as long. For instance opening up the wall for this towel bar and putting in backing goes from a 100 dollar or so repair, so several hundred dollars for time spent patching and painting, return trips, etc.

[@drbendaroo9610]

I like tools. I use my tools. I like to buy new tools. I need a bigger house to fit my tools. I'm a Chiropractor all week and on weekends I'm a carpenter, mechanic, landscaper and painter. Did I mention that I like tools?

[@robyarrow9690]

I was a Hilti rep for years. They sell these both in 1/4” and 3/16”. These are my go to anchor. What is nice with these is if you remove the bolt the toggle does not fall into the wall unlike the butterfly style toggler.

[@ericturnipseed8664]

I totally agree… those Hilti anchors rock.

[@Blackbypopulardemand305]

I HATE those butterflies lol too many lost inside walls in south beach by me hahahaha. Can the hilti anchors be used for drywall? I use em for concrete

[@robyarrow9690]

@@Blackbypopulardemand305 yes. And they stay on the wall even when you remove the bolt.

[@Blackbypopulardemand305]

@@robyarrow9690 see that's very useful 👌🏽 thanks for the tip

[@idratherbefishing7753]

anchor at least one side into stud behind drywall if possible.

[@Chris.Rhodes]

As a service tech, I live by "it doesn't need to be perfect, it just needs to work" every day. We are kings of getting by, and making things work to save time and money. Great video, after watching Project Farm's video on anchors, this just made me want to switch from the screw in style. Great video, again Ben!

[@bill9097]

I'm a contractor and I LOVED the defense of your use of a chisel for a screwdriver! I have 2 large chisels and 2 small ones in my tool bag. One of each for chopping out anything and everything without concern for the tool. The other 2 I keep sharp and in good condition for woodwork like a hinge mortise.

[@TobiasRaphael1]

You're a pro! A pro always looks around to find something to use as a backup 'tool' to get the job done now, avoiding a trip to the store or work vehicle. Sometimes these descovered 'tools' work better than you anticipated and then become your secret weapon!

[@richardmelfo]

Again Vancouver carpenter you hit the nail on the head! Great videos very clear informative and helpful based on real life situations. Always looking forward for your next guidance. Getting the job done is the way to go. Whatever tool works best. Thanks.

[@marcl4000]

After fixing a bunch of these bars I noticed that any loose parts could make the whole thing loose over time. Meaning that once the bar in installed back you shouldn’t have any movements. Avoid the «shaking» sound you hear at 10:24 (when you touch the bar). So I started putting a little bit of caulking in both open areas of the two bar holders, then I put back the bar. (Or course you wipe out any caulking that will appear once the bar is installed). Once the caulking is dry (or other glue) the bar doesn’t move at all and this operation makes the three parts (2 holders, 1 bar) as one solid piece. For the question at the end I’m the kind of guy who go back to the store to get the right stuff. If you do something, do it right! :-)

[@KKCHEVY]

I'm a full time handyman. I use these a couple of times a week. Towel bar and toilet paper holder repairs, and flat screen TV mounts all day long with these.

[@Tacompton425]

Lol, you rock buddy. If anyone thinks less of you for getting the job done then they are clueless.

[@davidj.leavitt249]

Great video. Thank you. I will have to get some of those doomaflichies for towel bar fixes. Great idea. If you want to relocate the towel bar for short people, just knock them inside the wall, repair the 1/2” hole, prime & paint, and it’s done. Yes, I’m a whatever gets the job done. Our working pace is pretty fast and going out to the truck which can be a good distance, makes you lose that momentum.

[@videousername3]

I actually have hung on several of these before! I used them for a shelf and hanger bar in the closet for my wife. After it was done, I figured I would give it a try and ended up slightly bending the bar after hanging on it. The anchors held just fine though! (They are much harder to use if there is any insulation on the other side. Not impossible, just harder to get the metal part in far enough).

[@richardspees841]

I have chisels I use when doing carpentry work that I have specifically for that, so if I hit a nail, it is not big deal. Then I have a set of good chisels I use for woodworking, which I keep in very good shape and extremely sharp. I sometimes use screwdrivers as chisels.

[@daveklassen6640]

Gotta have a beater chisel

[@HotspotsSoutheast]

There are two uses for a chisel. If you do intricate wood work then you have a nice set of chisels you care for and keep sharp and keep from getting dings. But for the rest of us a chisel's ultimate purpose is "Destroyer of Worlds". We beat the crap out of them. Smash them into things with a hammer. We use them to rip wood, pry nails, cut off staples, gouge holes in walls, cut wire, whatever the job requires. They tend to last about 10 uses and then they are dull and gouged up and useless. Then we buy a new one!

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Me too. I have a nice set that barely ever sees daylight😂

[@iraomar1]

Run that dull chisel on your belt sander with 120 grit and sharpen her up in no time. My old boss sharpened his almost to the handle. Took him 15 years though.

[@yourafflatusvhic]

This is great info.that even us ladies can do. Thank you so much. This helps a lot coz I usually DIY some of the stuff in the house.

[@Cindy25Cox]

Loved loved loved! Gonna try those for my bathroom renovation. Thanks VC. Oh and I'm w/you . . . just want to get the job done.

[@biancarose5180]

I’m a DYI pro wanna be. Just about ready to replace bathroom fixtures, and this video steered me in the right direction because I know I’ll need new anchors. Well done!

[@johnsalvati3953]

I'm definitely the type of person that babies my tools, I have to say I'm fussy with my tools and never use them for anything but what they were intended for. Probably just because they are too expensive to be buying over and over because of misuse. Another awesome video as usual.

[@donaldauguston9740]

This was excellent! Thank you, DA

[@debandmike3380]

I recently redid our bathroom put some nice decorative wainscot on but before I did that I cut a hole in the wall where the wainscot would cover and slid some wood up behind where I knew the towel rack was going to be so now it has solid wood to bite into on both sides. Extremely useful for children who think that towel racks are monkey bars.

[@johnbolongo9978]

They work great.....I'm impressed.

[@MM-bj1gt]

You are right again, used this method and saved my self hours. Thanks

[@Zenkai76]

Thanks for the video, those things worked pretty good, I will have to keep them in mind.

[@gregdominick4985]

I had a job where I had to change a bunch of old outlets. The screws for the outlets were for a flat blade screwdriver and had so much paint that a screwdriver wouldnt do it. I used my beater chisel as a screwdriver....really cut down on the minutes per outlet. Thanks! I like your channel.

[@natas3503]

Whatever it takes. I often by tools with multiple purposes, or figure out multiple purposes as I go. A trip to the store can easily cost an hour.

[@jaspmurray]

I've been using those Togglers in different sizes for ten years maybe. They're great. I used 'em a lot in commercial buildings with cinder block walls as well as drywall. There is no room for error when drilling the holes, but they have fantastic holding power. Just gotta be careful when tightening them. I've crushed the board a couple of times with my impact driver when in a hurry and being careless.

[@misterj597]

OMG! I, like others, have used and still use the same toggle bolts. Used them in my garage mostly, including hanging stuff from the ceiling. They are fantastic and work great!

[@HotspotsSoutheast]

I don't like using them for new work unless it's for something that's heavy and REALLY needs to NOT come loose, like for a giant mirror, but if it's just a picture or something like a towel bar, once a hole is gouged out from someone pulling an anchor loose, then they are really the only best option.

[@edover50]

Great video Ben. As a handyman I do a lot of towel bars. The zips work, but are too expensive and take extra time to drill the 1/4” holes through the hardware. Butterfly’s are cheap in bulk, strong, no modifications required which means I’m done sooner

[@DelDeschamps]

I use whatever I have that will work. Nice review, I'll have to try those someday. Great videos! 👍👍👍👍

[@milesharlan1]

Ben. THANK YOU.. I have thinking about using those hangers. I will buy some to have them in my stock. I have banging screw drivers & chisels used just for those rough work.. I also have good screw drivers & chisel used for their respected uses & never cross them up.. Love your videos & Keep up the good work!

[@ConcernedMother]

this ones a huge help! thank you!

[@jackww839]

Love these….this is all I use👍

[@marjoriejudge5348]

nice departure video from dry wall (though watching all those makes me appreciate why the drywall part of our reno seemed to take so long , I hope we got a quality job like you do ) - It would also be interesting to see some finish carpentry or installation of double closet doors (as a replacement of annoying bifold doors ) - really enjoying all your videos !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you so much ( I confess my husband wasn't thrilled when he realized I "borrowed' one of his chisels to open a paint can 30 years ago - - I did think it was a funny screw driver !!! )

[@iggymitchell6608]

i love these fastening, great review fella :)

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Thank you!

[@tyroneclarke1666]

Nice towel rail fixing. Thank you for sharing. I like to baby my precious tools but also like to get the job done too lol. Cheers mate. 🦘🇦🇺

[@jacedamon922]

That's a forever fix great chose in hardware bro

[@priceandpride]

You always seem so happy. I wish you were my contractor

[@Ultegra10SPD]

I’m just a homeowner who tries to do it himself. I will say though you were the sole reason I went out and bought a darby. -U10

[@kiwdwks]

They are great. Strong enough to hang cabinets from.

[@chrismoore8231]

I have done used these before and had no trouble with them. I’m a handyman and use whatever I have on hand. I’ve used my 20volt batteries as a hammer.

[@VC-Toronto]

If you are working in a condo (or somewhere they used skinny studs in a partition wall), sometimes there is not enough depth to be able to have the toggle swing open. I've had to cut 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the end of one side of the toggle to have it clear the back face of the drywall. Cordless grinder with a thin cut-off blade to the rescue.

[@abdal-haqq1688]

There isn't a contractor out here who can say they have never used their cordless drill as a hammer...#whateverittakes

[@deanm2075]

Love your videos! Keep it up sir!

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Thanks!

[@nroman1977]

Haha, I put these and another anchor in the comments on one of your other videos a few weeks ago. These are one of my favorite 3 anchors.

[@slimeslime2123]

I get the job done but then feel bad for my tools sometimes and give them a wipe down it actually makes you feel refreshed surprisingly

[@propertymanager6399]

Great vid ,have to try those out.

[@guybowers9094]

I have used them many times in our buildings at work with much success

[@allanmanley6340]

I thought screwdrivers doubled as small chisels. Man I learn a lot from this channel.....

[@Steve-bj2se]

As a DYI’er who is somewhat anal about my work, I’ll switch between always using the correct tools back to using screwdrivers as chisels. It depends on how much time and energy that I have to burn. BTW - You are such a positive individual who seems to enjoy your work. Watching your videos always makes my days go better.

[@TheSidneySmith]

Couple of nice points on those snap togglers 1. they also come in 3/16th bolt size 2. you can toss one up and as long as the plastic stays, you can take down and put back up the item that you hung. 3. they'll also hold pictures and other things where the bolt has to stick out extra from the wall instead of being fully tightened. to snap them off, it's easier/faster to just push up and then down (or left/right depending on which way you orient them) with both pieces than to snap them off individually

[@fernando1234A]

I do use those all the time they are very strong good choice 👍🏼

[@macoeur1122]

I baby my stuff ridiculously...That's why I watch your videos :) ...to get the best ideas

[@psykosteel]

I've used these before to support half of a TV mount where the studs were not the standard on center instead of tearing out and blocking it. They never failed on a 60" flatscreen TV, I had that mount up for 5 years before I moved to another house. I recently used them to re-mount a botched pedestal sink in the new house that the previous owner left, and they are solid. These are a definite time saver and work well. Oh, they have 2 sizes that I've found locally, the larger ones hold more weight, but I chose with the smaller ones for ease of installation and a smaller hole to patch in case they failed. Keep a few in your arsenal for easy fixes! Oh yeah I forgot to add, don't use a hammer to tap in the plastic part after you snap off the support arms, it can cause the metal backer to dislocate and fall into the wall.

[@AV8R_Surge]

I'm a DIY and I've used that product and really like it. Only wish, which you may also agree, is if it came in smaller bolt configuration and having the plastic strips more durable - maybe metal or tin that can be cut to size.

[@darrenr1194]

Why would you want the plastic strips to be durable? They are designed to get the back portion in the wall and break off with ease lol. They do not play any role in the strength of the anchor.

[@tonygoshive785]

Snap toggles are extremely good stuff I’ve hung 75” TVs with these. Each one claims to hold 120kg. Love these to bits but recently I’ve comes across a Few issues with these, if there is a vapour barrier in the stud wall these sometimes can’t open up. If there are insulations - same Problem. Also have problems with them with a less shallow stud wall.

[@magnumbull]

I love Snap Togglers and I've been using them for years for mounting TVs and hanging shelves. They come in 3/16" for smaller holes and 1/4" for the big brackets. I buy them in bulk on eBay for around .50 cents a piece. One tip: you don't need to snap each side individually. Once the Toggler is in place, simply run your hand up across the plastic, and then down. You'll snap both pieces perfectly very quickly.

[@ImConstantlyDrunk]

I use these Toggler zip toggle anchors to hang cabinets every day. They're a life saver in apartment buildings. You can also get a version with smaller machine screws. They are designed for use with concrete block as well as drywall, and have very good holding power when used correctly. Make sure the metal is vertical behind the drywall and pull the two tabs tight before you try to thread the bolt or it might spin inside the wall, which is annoying. Also, make sure the two ends of the plastic are equal or the metal may be sitting at an angle which will make it hard to thread the bolt. Take the two plastic parts, hold the ends together and just bend them up and down to break them off. And I've done a chin-up off a cabinet that was held up with these, sooo...yeah.

[@jorgetellez6643]

Thank you it help’s

[@mariad4183]

Looks great!

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Thanks!

[@benitorodriguez1458]

Good job compa

[@CalgaryBen]

You said exactly what I was thinking... at that height, the towel bar is just calling out to have chin ups done on it! As an adult, I've never seen a towel bar that high! Last time a towel bar was above my head was when I was 6... 😂 Anyway, good video! I hadn't seen these anchors before...

[@la196]

Those Togglers are my favorite for the heavy duty things like a wall mirror. I've used them enough that I learned once I push the metal part through the wall, if I grab each each of the two white straps independent of the other in each hand and pull them in opposite direction at the same time it opens the anchor up to the parallel to the wall position inside the wall:)

[@daychob1]

Keep on doing what you do!! I'm sure your not charging a 1000 dollars to fix a towel bar. So your methods are spot on.

[@vancouvercarpenter]

:)

[@johnknightiii1351]

Those Snap zip toggles are great. I pretty much only use those and triple grip cobra anchors when dealing with drywall. Those EZ screw in anchors just dig out the gypsum and turn it back into dust while blowing out the back paper. Many other wall anchors don't have a proper mechanism to spread the load across the back side of the paper without blowing it out, they are designed to put pressure on the inside of the drywall outward which causes blowouts.

[@DavinStewart]

Great video as always. I frequently put a dab of silicone caulk inside the bar holder socket on the top so it hold the bar snugly in place. Makes the whole assembly feel higher quality. Oh, I also destroy tools as needed because who needs a 15 year old screwdriver? Do what you've got to do and buy new as needed.

[@davidguy6408]

Love that comment and your right pro’s know how to get the job done with the tools they have on hand. No sense in the walking back to the van if you don’t have to and get the same result lol

[@treebeard234]

Didn't see your video on wall anchors that you reckon don't work but in my experience, Ramset Hollow Wall anchors work fine. As long as you choose the correct one for the thickness of your wall and preferably use the setting tool instead of trying to screw it up, they will sandwich the board perfectly. Using the screw to pull it up is difficult because you need to keep a lot of force toward the wall to make sure the anchor remains firmly seated against the wall and doesn't start to pull back. I've found the anchor you used in this vid are really good for those thick polystyrene rendered/clad walls.

[@markhutchison5157]

Step bits are worth their weight in gold! Especially if you already have a hole that you need to make bigger. 😊

[@helenwood3199]

Thanks, VC. I'll use this method. BTW, wouldn't you want to remove the paint mess on the towel bar holder before reinstalling it? Would like to have seen your preferred method for that task.

[@marcyfr1701]

I must admit you come up with some useful ideas and I get a good laugh at some of your remarks... thankyou for your posts! John 3:16

[@aaron74]

I've used a butter knife from the kitchen drawer many times as a slotted screwdriver. Often to remove switch and receptacle plates before painting, and then to open a paint can. 🤭

[@Phazetic99]

I always carry an OLFA knife and use that for a flathead screwdriver.... I go through lots of knifes haha

[@aaron74]

@@Phazetic99 Those OLFA blade refills aren't cheap either! They're absolutely the best utility knives there are, though.

[@anthonysmith9410]

I am a licensed electrician for 45 years….those plastic toggle anchors are really good…..been using them for yeats

[@anthonyaldrich5187]

I've use those for tv mounts they are great. I will still add some 1/2 inch plywood mounted to the studs, for extra support. Because the packaging might say it will support 350 lbs. I dont believe that the sheetrock will support it.

[@kulfonbustardo1588]

Im a formworker and concreator or as we call them over here a "wood butcher" and "concreature" cheers for the videos matey your troweling ones really helped me with concrete patching a zinc refinery last year skate or die and eat concrete 😋

[@vancouvercarpenter]

Concreature🤣 I actually miss formwork sometimes :)

[@stvnd1]

These work great for anchoring through drywall into a metal stud.

[@b.powell3480]

It helps to have the right tool for the right job !!

[@DistanteInstante]

it all depends on the situation.... but as you said it is all about to get the job done and good

[@RobertBarth1]

Do you have a link to the tiny screwdriver?

[@Confusedduckling499]

Grip-It fixings sold in the UK or great for this job.

[@greenriver520]

Very impressive. I just did a quick search, but as with most good gear, not available down under. We have to order in, which virtually doubles the price.

[@nicktk8]

A job done is better than a job not done! (as long as the results are the same and no damage was done!) I commented about these in the last video, but have a comment for this one as well!. They also make a 3/16" version of this as well. The 1/2" hole is still the same. But the bolt is a little more manageable than the 1/4" for tighter spaces where the head can't be too big(unless your hanging something crazy heavy, then yeah use the 1/4"). Other advantage is you can also remove the bolt and reuse it, unlike the metal ones where you lose the piece in the wall.

[@indistinctchatter6677]

Purchased. Weird that I have the same exact towel bars in the US and they have Allen screws. I recently realized that for my whole life I've been putting toggle bolts on backwards. No wonder my towel bar is loose.

[@johns.8713]

Tks for the video. Saw the same product on Project Farm and used it yesterday to install shelve brackets on a brick wall. Basically their not good for precision work. If you need precise hole location, these anchors will make your work very difficult as you have no wiggle room once installed. So if your carbide bit slides just an 1/8” inch, your anchor will be off center. Whereas with the old fashion butterfly anchor, their are way more forgiven in terms of placement. And their way cheaper. Another note on these plastic anchors, if you press them to hard during installation and at an angle, they will break.

[@trevorritchie2575]

Zap strap? Is that the same thing as what we call a zip tie?

[@dalekofford1620]

I once struggled using this system in an exterior wall. The insulation interfered with the toggle mechanism and did not allow it to fall into place.

[@e.willcox5429]

You're hilarious. love your videos.

[@jeremiahrex]

When I am in new territory I’m definitely buying new tools, treating them well and going very slow. Since I am a weekend warrior I have to do a lot of things just once. I’d rather go very slow even though I don’t have much time because I’ve found I save time overall by avoiding hurried mistakes with things I have little or no practice with. But ya, I got a million screw drivers and there are definitely beaters that are for chisel work that might involve a screw 😀

[@vanilla50]

I aspire to the Japanese ethic, you work fast, perfect & clean.

[@waynesitarz424]

For me, DIY Good Enough is Perfection

[@4DMASTR]

Professional auto mechanic. I have tools I baby, but definitely not above getting the job done.

[@jaysonhicks1725]

Great point about making a job work versus perfect... it's all about cost and time management. The perfect way would cost $$$ and just for a 20$ towel bar

[@mikegraham7078]

I am a professional, licensed tradesman. I have many, many, many specialty tools. When I start a job I grab what I figure I will need and load them up on my cart, and wheel it wherever in the plant the job is to be done. If it turns out I need something that I didn't bring, and I'm a three minute walk from my tool boxes then suddenly my tool horizons broaden. A screwdriver makes a fine cold chisel when whacked with a crescent wrench. Whatever gets the job done. It astonishes me that most of the other tradesmen that I know use the most shockingly crappy tools. Mastercraft, Husky, Kobalt, even (and I shudder to even mention it...) Power Fist. I like good tools, but you don't always have the perfect tool available. Get the job done and hope nobody catches you. :)

[@peternorthe1912]

When I worked on jobsites I was using the best I could afford. It turns out that other "tradesmen" couldn't afford any of their own so they just took mine. I learned fast. Buy shitty tools if you work in construction. They aren't worth anything at the pawn shops.

[@mikegraham7078]

@@peternorthe1912 I work in a much more constrained area. Just this morning I had a couple of tools returned by the night shift - they had found them on various panels through the night, where I had left them during the day. :) When something disappears I just have to wait a while and it will come back when somebody finds it. I can TOTALLY understand where you're coming from, though. I used to drive a service van and I had to be waaaay more careful.

[@TheDizzack]

Looks great for exterior brick application too! Flagpole mounts, eh?

[@celia222]

Too late now, but E-Z Anchor makes 100 lbs Drywall Toggle-Lock Anchors (#10006) that have a one-piece screw-in body with a flat toggle that will not eat into the backing of old drywall. It uses a small screw too, so you don't have to modify the mounting hardwares. I've used them on wire-racks, towel bars and tp holders... where-ever 300 lbs toggle bolts are over-kill.

[@bryanknepel131]

I agree very much with you about using whatever you need to to get the job done at the time. As far as whether you should use tools to do whatever you need to do instead of keeping them perfect, there's a difference between doing it commercial purposes or doing it for yourself at home. Normally when a carpenter or anyone goes and does a job for someone else they get paid for it. So then with the profit you make it's not any kind of issue to go buy new tools all the time. If you're the weekend warrior type like you mentioned, and are just doing things around your own house or for yourself, odds are pretty high you're not going to get paid for doing it. That makes it not quite as easy to run out and buy new ones all the time. I would think in a lot of cases that would be a big influence as far as that goes. I did disaster restoration work for several years. And I constantly had to buy new tools while I was working. But now not working anymore, I don't want to wreck the tools I have because I'm not getting income from using them anymore. I'm only getting my own self-satisfaction out of them now.

[@dienekes4364]

My wife tripped in the bathroom and ripped the towel bar out of the wall. I'm going to put a board up that spans 3 studs and cover the hole and then I can mount the towel bar dead center and it'll be nice and strong.

[@simonsanchez9608]

I'm a baby and I cant help it😣. But i def have lots of idgaf moments and def know how to get it done with whatever I have in hand. Isnt that what separates a pro from a diyer? Being able to get the job done with what you have in hand?

[@paulleisz9857]

How do you repair a pot light hole that has cracked and peeled the paper off????

[@jamesmchugo9422]

I’ve seen these toggles, never tried them. Always thought, why? But seeing them put to use, they have clear advantages over regular toggle bolts. As for the tools, if you take care of your tools, they will take care of you. I don’t baby my tools, sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do to get the job done. But I don’t abuse my tools, i.e. wrenches are not hammers, chisels are not substitutes for screwdrivers. So far it worked well for me, I still have all my fingers and both eyes.

[@Aepek]

Those are my 2nd fav anchor, and GREAT VID. Love the jokes, and gotta say, think any woodworker would baby there hand tools, especially chisels, hand planer, etc….🤣

[@headcrabbed7796]

Just get er done!

[@samplemybacon2957]

I've used a butter knife as a screwdriver. Does that count?