How to Install a Clothing Rod

Installing a new or additional clothing rod in your closet can increase storage space and organization at relatively low cost. Clothing rods can also be useful in ways and spaces beyond the closet, such as a drying rack in a laundry room or a coat rack in an entryway. Choosing rod support brackets to hold the clothing rod provides the option of resting a shelf across the brackets above the rod, creating additional storage space.

Cup mounts or rod support brackets
Wooden dowel
Measuring tape
Saw
Stud finder
Painter's tape (optional)
Power drill and drill bits
Screws
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width of your closet.
- 2
  Measure and mark the wooden dowel to the width of your closet minus 1/2 inch. Cut the dowel at the mark using a saw.
- 3
  Locate the wall studs in the closet using a stud finder. If you are using cup holders, find studs on the closet's side walls. If you are using rod support brackets, find studs 6 inches to 1 foot from each end of the closet's back wall. Mark the location of the studs with a pencil or painter's tape.
- 4
  Determine how high and how far forward you will place the clothing rod. Test the space with your widest hanger and longest garment. Measure the appropriate distance along both studs, and mark the height with a pencil.
- 5
  Place the cup holders or rod support brackets over the measurement markings. Mark the location of the screw holes on the wall with a pencil.
- 6
  Drill holes over the screw markings using a power drill fitted with a bit slightly smaller in diameter than your screws. Install the screws with the drill until they are nearly tight. Finish tightening the screws with a screwdriver.
- 7
  Place the wooden dowel into the cup holders or rod support brackets.

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