So, you broke your closet rod, accidentally, and wondering how to fix it. The good news is that you can do it easily.
In this post, I will explain how to fix a broken closet rod in a few simple steps.
We will be using these broken wooden closet rods as examples.
Without wasting more time, let’s begin the work and see how much it will hold.
What you will need
Skill level: This is an easy-to-follow guide and you only need to be comfortable with handling glue and tapes.
Items needed
To complete this repair process, you will need the following items:
- Exterior wood glue
- Titebond
- Epoxy quick dry setting
- Repair wrap
You can use either HFT wood glue or Titebond.
This HFT Super Strong Acrylic Wood Glue is available here. It is durable, dries clear and does not produce toxic fumes. It is also waterproof and can be sanded and painted.
- Titebond
Then you will need the Titebond.
- Epoxy quick dry setting
You will need both the cement and the activator.
- Repair wrap
And then there is something new my friend recently told me about. It is called the repair wrap.
The repair wrap is usually much stronger than duct tape.
This tape will take roughly 10 minutes to cure.
Let us begin the job.
Steps for fixing the broken closet rod Using Fiberfix
Step 1: Wear gloves
Safety is important in any repair. Since you will be handling glue, you do not want to stick some of that in your fingers.
Step 2: Apply the epoxy setting
Apply the epoxy setting over the broken wood surface and wait for five minutes. This will get the rod together and make it a little easier to work with.
Clamp it down and let it sit for about 20 minutes
Step 3: Submersing the fiberfix
Fully submerse the whole Fiberfix roll in lukewarm water for 10 seconds.
Step 4: Removing excess water
Proceed to squeeze the Fiberfix to remove excess water.
Step 5: Wrap a loose layer
Wrap the first layer of the Fiberfix loosely directly over the broken area. Continue wrapping a second layer tightly over the break.
Ensure that the wrap extends about 4-5 inches on either side of the break. To obtain a strong wrap, achieve 6 layers directly over the break.
After that, rub along the application of Fiberfix back and forth to evenly distribute it.
Step 6: Use vinyl strip to maximize performance
A vinyl strip that comes with the fiberfix helps to maximize performance. Use it over the Fiberfix and wait for 5 minutes. Remove the vinyl strip.
And that brings us to the end of the process.
How to install closet rod in drywall
- Measure the desired height of your shelf. When you want to install this, you’ll need a minimum of 11 inches back and 11 inches from the front for the hanger and your clothes to fit in there. Go about 5 feet up in the wall. That is usually the average height for most people. If you’re a tall guy, you could reach up to 6 feet up.
- Mark the wall and draw a level line. Use a stud finder to mark the locations of the studs.
- Decide on the layout of the supports. Place them 32 inches into the study. This step is optional and can be ignored if you do not need the supports for a shelf.
- Pre-drill hole. Use a 3/32 inch drill bit to pre-drill holes into the drywall.
- To mount the rod against the wall, use Trilock 2 anchors and screws into drywall with the fixed rid flange.
- Slide the rod flange over the rod.
7. Slide the fixed rod flange to the wall and mark the holes.
8. Used a ¼ inch drill bit to drill the holes
9. Push in Trilock 2 anchors and slide the fixed flange against the wall to position the holes.
10. Use the drill to drive screws into the anchors. Ensure you fully engage the anchors by running it a few seconds past when the screw is flushed to the flange.
Those are the steps you need to install a closet rod in drywall.
Just a recap – the following are the items you need to complete the activity.
- Closet bar sockets
- Drill bit
- The rod to be mounted
How to reinforce a closet rod
Closet rods are made of a variety of materials. Some are metal, some are wood, some are plastic, and some are hollow within and composed of either plastic or metal. All of these categories can be strengthened in some way. The technique of reinforcement will be determined by your DIY abilities, the way that works best for you, and your budget.
#1
A strong hardwood dowel can be used to replace a weak metal or plastic closet rod. Take a measurement of the original closet rod’s diameter. Replace it with a dowel rod of the same diameter to verify that it will fit into your mounting brackets on both ends. With a hacksaw, cut the rod to length and insert it into the end-mounting brackets.
#2
End-mounting brackets that are cracked, fractured, or weak should then be replaced with thick, strong PVC pipe end caps. One will be repaired and utilized as is, while the other will be cut to allow the closet rod to drop into it. Place the closet rod end on the top of one PVC end cap and use a marker to trace the measurement on the top of the end cap. Make the cuts with a hacksaw. The rod end will be cradled by the cut end cap.
Make sure the rod fits freely into the cradle. If not, remove more PVC along the edges until the rod fits comfortably inside. If the original mounting holes were in a wall stud, drill a hole or holes into the ends of the PVC caps that correspond to the original mounting holes. Alternatively, use a stud finder to locate a stud. Drill two mounting holes in the stud, one at the top and one at the bottom, to correspond to the top and bottom of the end cap, respectively. Drill two holes that line up with the mounting holes in each cap. Use 2-inch wood screws or longer to secure the PVC end caps to the wall. The rod should be inserted into the solid end cap. Insert the rod’s other end into the cradle.
#3
In a hollow closet rod, insert a solid dowel rod. Get a dowel rod that is slightly smaller in diameter than the closet rod’s inner diameter. Using a hacksaw, cut it to length. Push it all the way through until the hollow space is filled with the dowel.
#4
At various points along the closet rod, attach closet rod support brackets. To discover the studs in the wall or ceiling, use a stud finder. Using a drill and a drill bit, make pilot holes. Alternatively, self-tapping wood screws can be used to secure the bracket to the stud. Using a drill and a screwdriver bit, tightly secure the brackets. The rod is held in place by the brackets through its whole length. The higher the reinforcement, the more brackets you use.
Can you hang a closet rod in drywall?
Yes, you can hang a closet rod in drywall. Installing the closet brackets will require a special type of screw called a drywall anchor. These anchors will allow you to put additional weight onto the brackets but still not damage the drywall or drop the brackets off.