Remount Towel Rack

Tools:

coat hanger
screwdrivers (Philips and flathead)
utility knife
level
pencil
keyhole saw
safety glasses
scrap 2x4 for cross brace
power drill with countersinking bit and dimpler attachment
hammer
small screws
deck screws
drywall screws
string
joint compound (drywall mud)
mud tray
mud knife
medium-grit sandpaper
drywall tape
scrubbing sponge
paint

1. Use the screwdrivers to remove the towel bar and the support plate (figure A).

2. Bend a wire hanger and insert it into one of the holes left from the mount. Twist the hanger around to make sure there are no pipes or electrical wires in the way (figure B).

3. Mark off a small square to cut away using the level. Score the mark with a utility knife and use the bent hanger to pop out the square, exposing a wall stud (figure C).

4. Locate an adjacent wall stud and extend the cut line from the first hole using the level. Cut out the larger square using a keyhole saw and remove the drywall (figure D).

6. Pre-drill two angled pocket holes about an inch from each end of the cross brace (figure F). Wear safety glasses while working with power tools.

7. Insert two more small screws near the ends of the brace to help guide it into place, and partially insert the four deck screws (figure G).

9. Drive the deck screws into the wall studs, securing the brace (figure I).

10. Replace the piece of drywall and secure to the brace using drywall screws (figure J). Attach a dimpler attachment to the drill to drive in the screws.

11. Rough up the surface around the joint with medium-grit sandpaper so the drywall mud will stick. Mud will not stick to shiny, painted wall surfaces.

13. Tape the joints around the patch with drywall tape, and use the drywall knife to cut away excess tape (figure L).

14. Smooth the tape out and embed it in the mud using the drywall knife. Even everything out with another coat of mud and let it dry overnight.

15. Wet-sand the area with a damp scrubbing sponge. Put on one more coat of drywall mud, let it dry and sand it down again.

17. Drill pilot holes and reattach the towel rack bracket. Paint the patched area to match surrounding wall.