Last updated: July 5, 2026

Part of our Complete Guide to Bathroom Hardware.

You can install a towel bar two ways: drilled (most secure, ~15–25 minutes) or no-drill with adhesive (renter-friendly, ~5 minutes). Pick drilled for a permanent, weight-bearing mount on most walls; pick adhesive for rentals, tile you don’t want to pierce, or a fast swap. Below is the step-by-step for both, plus the tools and common mistakes.

Before you start: tools and what to check

  • Drilled install: drill, the correct bit for your wall (masonry bit for tile/concrete, regular for drywall), wall anchors, a level, a pencil, and a Phillips screwdriver. Mounting hardware is included with KES bars.
  • No-drill install: just the included adhesive mounts (or the self-adhesive backing) and a clean, smooth, dry surface.
  • Check the wall type first. Drywall needs anchors; tile and solid walls need a masonry bit; adhesive needs a non-porous, flat surface (tile, glass, painted-smooth — not textured or freshly painted).

Method 1 — Drilled install (most secure)

  1. Mark the height. A standard towel bar sits ~48 in. from the floor; a hand-towel bar near the sink can be lower. Use a level to mark both mounting points.
  2. Find studs or use anchors. If a mounting point hits a stud, screw straight in. If not, drill and insert the included wall anchors.
  3. Drill the holes with the correct bit for your wall.
  4. Mount the brackets, then attach the bar and tighten the set screws.
  5. Check it’s level and firm before hanging towels.

Method 2 — No-drill / self-adhesive install (renter-friendly)

  1. Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol and let it fully dry — adhesion fails on dust or soap film.
  2. Press the mounts on firmly at your marked, leveled points.
  3. Wait the cure time (often ~24 hours) before hanging anything — this is the #1 mistake people skip.
  4. Hang the bar on the cured mounts.

A KES self-adhesive towel bar mounts in about 5 minutes and removes cleanly later, which is why it’s a favorite for apartments. Either way, stay within the product’s rated weight limit. Not sure which length to buy? See what size towel bar to choose.

Common mistakes

  • Skipping the adhesive cure time → the bar falls.
  • Using the wrong drill bit for tile → cracked tile.
  • Mounting into drywall without anchors → pull-out under weight.
  • Not leveling → a crooked bar you’ll notice every day.

FAQ

Can I install a towel bar without drilling?

Yes — a self-adhesive bar on a clean, smooth surface needs no holes and removes cleanly.

How high should a towel bar be?

Around 48 in. from the floor for a bath towel bar; lower for hand towels by the sink.

Will adhesive hold a wet towel?

Yes, within the product’s rated weight, as long as the surface was clean and the adhesive fully cured.

Related: Complete Bathroom Hardware Guide · Best towel bars for humid bathrooms · What size towel bar

Last updated: 2026-06-12

Related: Towel bar weight capacity — what your anchors and studs actually determine.