Tidy away towels

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Having enough towel rails in just the right places makes a big difference in any bathroom. And luckily it's easy to install a rail just where you want it if you know how to go about it.

Install towel rails with these easy DIY tips from Cashbuild

Bear in mind you need to be careful not to crack tiles while drilling holes to fix the rail to the wall. These handy tips from Cashbuild will help you avoid this pitfall - follow the steps carefully and the job will be done with minimal fuss.

Make sure you have the right tools for the job at hand. All items listed here are available from your nearest Cashbuild store.

You'll need

Towel rail, tape measure, masking tape, electric drill, glass and tile drill bit, screw anchors with cor­responding screws, spirit level, damp cloth, pencil, screwdriver, hammer.

STEP 1
Measure up

Decide on the position for the towel rail. Ideally it should be placed for easy access from the shower or bath but not where the towels will get wet from splashing. Make sure plugs and switches won't be covered by towels or get wet when you reach for towels. The ideal rail height for adults is from 1,2 to 1,7 m and for children about 1 m.

Use the spirit level to ensure the rail will be straight. Stick masking tape in a cross where the hole needs to be drilled. The tape will help to prevent the drill bit slipping on the tiles and minimise the risk of the tiles cracking. Use the pencil to mark the exact spots where you will drill.

STEP 2
Start drilling

Put the drill bit precisely on the mark. Drill slowly and carefully into the tile (see note). If you drill too fast the drill could overheat and crack the tile. This is probably the trickiest part of the process so take care.

Note Watch out when drilling into tiles not to drill into water pipes in the walls.

STEP 3
Anchor it

Use a damp cloth to wipe off the dust from drilling. Use a hammer to gently tap an anchor securely into each hole.

STEP 4
Straighten up

Line up the towel rail and put the screw directly into the holes in the rail. Screw in partially. Straighten the rail and when you're certain the rail is level, secure the screws firmly in place.


Call Cashbuild on 0860-100-582. Visit your nearest store and speak to a friendly consultant if the best way to install a towel rail. Cashbuild has conveniently located stores throughout Southern Africa and proudly provides quality building materials.

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