6 Simple Steps to Hang a Long Clothes Rod in Your Closet

Have you ever had a closet rod fall with ALL the clothes still hanging on it? I will be completely transparent and share that, yes, that has happened to me. Albeit, this was before I had any clue about how to hang things properly. So, now that I DO know a thing or two about anchors, studs and load-bearing weight, I want to share with you my tips and tricks for hanging a long clothes rod in a bedroom closet.

First, determine if you want a wood closet rod or a metal closet rod. Additionally, ensure the closet rod diameter corresponds with the closet rod brackets you choose. 1-1/4 inch is the standard size and allows most clothes hangers to fit easily. Rods made of metal will support more weight and sag less over time, but they will cost more to purchase.

Next, think about what this rod needs to support to determine how many brackets you should use. Full clothing rods can weigh over 250 pounds, especially if there is a closet shelf above them. You will always need a bracket in each corner and in the center. But don’t be afraid to use more than that, especially if children may try to climb on them or if you are a serious shopper.

Find the wall studs

Find and mark the location of buried studs in the wall using a stud finder. By doing this, you can determine the location of clothing rod brackets in relation to the wall studs.

Determine the height

By using the closet rod brackets as a guide, determine the height at which you would like the rods to be secured. A standard height for clothing rods in a closet is 60 inches to the top of a single rod. For a double rod, the top of the lower rod should be 40- to 42-in. off the ground, and the upper rod should be an additional 40 to 42 inches above that. This measurement may be adjusted to suit your height, your ceiling height, and your ease of access.

Make wood bracket supports

Cut and paint wood bracket supports from 1×3 material that will be sandwiched between the wall and the closet rod brackets. In addition to providing solid wood for screwing the closet rod brackets to, these boards allow us to move the closet rod brackets in the closet corners a little towards the center of the closet, allowing the closet rod brackets to be tied into studs without being all the way in the corner. If you have adequate access to wall studs or would rather rely on drywall anchors, bracket supports are optional.

Install wood bracket supports

Secure the 1×3 bracket supports to the wall using construction adhesive and 2-1/2 in. screws into the studs. Be careful not to obstruct the screw placement of closet rod brackets with screws securing the wood block to the studs. Use a level to ensure that the bracket supports are plumb and level on the wall. Heavy-duty wall anchors can be used if a stud is not located close to your bracket support. It is, however, always preferable to attach the bracket to the framing.

Once the bracket supports have been installed, paint the screws’ heads to further hide them.

Install closet rod brackets

Secure the closet rod brackets to the wood bracket supports with screws. The closet rod brackets may be installed directly into the drywall with anchors, or if you find studs conveniently located, screws may be placed directly through the closet rod bracket and into the studs. Again, be sure to use a drywall anchor with plenty of weight capacity. Clothes are heavier than you think.

Secure rod to brackets

Place the clothing rod in place on the closet rod brackets. Depending on the type you purchased, either cut or expand the rod to the desired length and secure it with screws provided from under the hook on the closet rod bracket.

FAQ

How far apart should I install support brackets to hold a clothing rod?

Ideally, you want a clothing rod to be supported at both ends and every 32 inches (every other wall stud) in between.

How do I hang a closet rod so it rounds a corner?

To take the corner with a closet rod, you can purchase a rod for corners that can hang at an angle, or you can purchase an “L”-shaped clothes rod and incorporate it into your long straight run. Be sure you have the correct supports and that the closet storage system chosen will work with the clothes rod you have purchased.

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The Secret to Unclogging a Toilet With Dish Soap

Not all toilet clogs are the same; sometimes, inappropriate objects that do not belong in toilets get stuck. If you have young children, you may have dealt with toys or diapers being accidentally flushed, causing blockages in the plumbing. The good news is that you only need one ingredient, which you probably already have at home: dish soap.

Pouring half a cup of dish soap into your toilet bowl is one of the best ways to ensure that non-flushable items can navigate through your pipes. It’s important to allow the dish soap to lubricate around the blockage for at least 15-30 minutes. If you’re experiencing slow drainage, first wait for the toilet water level to lower. Afterward, add some soap and try flushing again. If your toilet is overflowing, turn off the water valve behind it before starting the process.

This method may not be effective for large, stubborn toilet clogs. If it doesn’t successfully remove the clog, try using a plunger or an auger. If these options fail, it’s best to call a professional plumber who can clear the clog and restore your toilet to proper working order.

Pour soap into the toilet bowl

Measure out a half cup of dish soap and pour it into the toilet bowl. Allow the soap to sit undisturbed for 15-30 minutes to penetrate the clog. The goal is to get the soapy water to the source of the blockage. As the soap sits, it will create a slippery solution that can help lubricate the pipes.

Flush the toilet

After letting the soap sit for 15-30 minutes or longer, depending on how bad the clog is, pour hot (but not boiling) water into the bowl to help dislodge the clog. Then, flush the toilet and repeat this process as needed until the clog is cleared. If the toilet drains slowly, wait for the water level to lower, then add more soap and try flushing again.

Plunge if needed

If the dish soap method is not enough to clear the clog, plunge the toilet using a plunger or use a drain auger to clear it.

FAQ

How long does dish soap take to unclog a toilet?

It takes at least 15 to 30 minutes for dish soap to sit undisturbed in the toilet. This allows it to lubricate around the clog, allowing it to be dislodged when flushing.

Can too much dish soap clog drains?

Yes, using excessive dish soap can cause soap scum to build up in drains which could lead to clogs.

Can dish soap harm your toilet?

Using dish soap frequently in your toilet bowl can damage it, but using it only in emergencies to unclog the toilet is unlikely to harm it.

Does Dawn dish soap unclog toilets?

Yes, Dawn dish soap can help unclog toilets by lubricating the blockage, allowing it to clear when you flush.

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Are Air Fryers Really ‘Frying’ Your Food? Here’s What They Actually Do

I still remember my first time using an air fryer. I made sweet potato fries, and they were actually good. Now, as I strive evermore for a healthier diet, my air fryer has become an indispensable tool, helping me create crispy food without all the grease. But in order to use it properly, it’s helpful to understand a bit about what an air fryer does to your food.

“Although social media seems to make air fryers out to be miracle ovens, I would avoid cooking certain foods in them,” says chef Maricel Gentile.

Indeed, while air fryers are great for some tasks, like heating up cold pizza, they are not a total replacement for other kitchen appliances like microwaves and convection ovens. Here’s what to know about how an air fryer cooks your food and a rundown of the kinds of foods you should never put in them.

What Is an Air Fryer?

An air fryer is a countertop kitchen appliance that cooks food using air circulation and convection heating. It’s basically a compact convection oven, which can make certain foods crispy without frying them in oil.

“Despite its name, an air fryer is not actually a fryer, says Gentile. “It is a super-hot convection oven that rapidly circulates hot air. It mimics the frying of food, thus the name.”

What Does an Air Fryer Do to Your Food?

It makes food crispy by using a high-powered fan that circulates hot air around the food at high speeds. This dehydrates the surface of the food, creating a crispy exterior.

“Bakers have done this for hundreds of years before air fryers by putting a light layer of water on their breads,” says Gentile. “When they put their breads into the hot oven, the water quickly evaporates, pulling the surface water of the dough out and making the exterior crispy.”

Scientifically, this process is called a Maillard reaction, where amino acids and sugars on the surface of the food create a browning of the exterior.

What Makes an Air Fryer Different?

Air Fryer vs. Microwave: What’s the difference?

Microwaves use electromagnetic waves to vibrate water molecules in the food, which heats it from the inside out. Air fryers rely on convection heat to crisp and cook food from the outside in.

“This means air fryers can brown and crisp foods, whereas microwaves primarily reheat and soften them, which is why many foods become soggy after microwaving,” says Sarah Hill, a food blogger and creator of Real Food With Sarah.

For example, think of cooking bacon in the microwave, where it comes out rubbery and grey, versus cooking bacon in a pan, where it gets crispy and golden, says Gentile. “Microwaves are great for heating up liquids and soft foods, while an air fryer is great for crisping up foods,” she says.

Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven: What’s the Difference?

Size, speed and heat. Convection ovens are larger and can achieve high heat, but they generally have slower air movement inside. This makes them good for heating food without overcooking it. Air fryers, on the other hand, deliver faster cooking times. They’re also more efficient due to their smaller size and sealed cooking environment, says Gentile.

“Now, there are double-duty ovens, which are generally smaller than a traditional convection oven, but larger than small air fryers,” says Gentile. “But some people, myself included, would argue that they do neither well.”

FAQ

Is air-fried food healthier?

It depends on what you’re cooking. “Air-frying vegetables is a great healthier option, but air-frying processed foods or high-fat meats won’t necessarily make them healthier,” says Hill.

Similarly, Gentile points out that pre-made chicken nuggets are going to be unhealthy no matter how you cook them. But, if you fry with oil, your choice of oil and the temperature are key to making food less unhealthy. “With frying, I see a lot of people put food in the oil before the oil is hot enough,” she says. “Cold oil will end up soaking into your food more, while hot oil will quickly crisp up the surface and lock out oil and lock in moisture. So I would say, yes, air fryers are healthier because they are more foolproof for the everyday cook at home.”

Can an air fryer replace a microwave?

No, an air fryer can’t replace a microwave, at least not entirely. “Air fryers are great for reheating foods like pizza, potatoes and proteins, as they restore crispiness better than a microwave,” says Hill. “However, they aren’t ideal for tasks like making popcorn, re-heating your coffee or warming up foods like soups or sauces.”

Are there any foods you shouldn’t cook in an air fryer?

Yes. “I would avoid battered foods, cheese, rice, pasta, grains, whole roasts or large cuts of meat,” says Gentile. “Air fryers, like oil frying, put a lot of heat on the surface of the food, and large proteins need to cook through.”

To this list, Hill adds leafy greens like spinach and kale, since they will fly around with the fan. Also, “Whole meat roasts, braised meats and anything else that needs slow, low cooking won’t develop the right texture in the air fryer,” she says.

About the Experts

• Sarah Hill is a food blogger, recipe developer and food photographer at Real Food with Sarah. She specializes in making home cooking more approachable, including using air-fryer recipes.
• Maricel Gentile is a chef, cookbook author, TV personality and owner of Maricel’s Kitchen in New Jersey. She also teaches cooking classes and is a chef ambassador for K-Seafood USA.

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15 Easy Saturday Morning Projects That Will Brighten Up Your Spring

Transform Your Backyard with a Gravel Path

Numerous areas in your yard would benefit from a gravel pathway, such as leading to your front door, a shed, through a garden, or connecting the front and backyard through the side yard. Gravel paths are less costly and labor-intensive than other options, like creating a brick walkway or pouring concrete. What’s also great is that they can be made as simple or elaborate as you like.

To make a gravel path for your yard, you don’t need to hire a pro, and it’s an easily customizable project. We used square paver stones for ours, but you can use another shape or skip them entirely.

Upgrade Your Mailbox

Is your mailbox looking a little rough around the edges? Does your mail carrier shake their head in shame every time they deliver your letters? Not to worry, because in just a few hours you can add instant curb appeal to your home by upgrading your mailbox. We’ll show you how to paint your mailbox, or if it needs more than a little color, we can show how to install a brand new mailbox.

You might also need to think about replacing the mailbox post, which is another easy project you can do in a few hours.

Add a Touch of Class with Modern House Numbers

Here’s another cool way to add to your home’s curb appeal: installing modern house numbers.

We designed this project to show how a set of numbers on the front of your home can set the stage for what lies beyond the door.  Plus, it’s beginner-friendly!

Install a New Porch Light

Installing hanging porch lights can dramatically improve your outdoor space’s ambiance. Here is the process for getting it done.

Installing or changing a basic light fixture requires a high regard for safety and some attention to detail, but it’s not complicated. Nor does it require expensive tools. Just remember the cardinal rule: Cut off the power to the source and test it before you touch it.

Build a Garden Arbor

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can give your garden a major upgrade with this easy-t0-build garden arbor project. Building and installing the arbor in your outdoor space takes about two days of work, but you’re best off spreading it over a three-day weekend. You can build it in a day, add a coat of finish the next morning, let it dry overnight and set up the arbor the following day.

Make a Birdhouse

Here’s a woodworking classic that’s easy to do with the kids or grandkids. We built this birdhouse with scraps from around the shop, and it only takes a few hours to make. Rather than re-do someone’s old summer camp project, this one features a unique teardrop shape. It also uses the Japanese art of Shou Sugi Ban, charring wood to waterproof it and create an interesting contrast in the wood.

Create Custom Patio Chairs

It’s challenging to find patio chairs that offer greater comfort, ease of maintenance and simplicity than these. Here’s how to build them. This patio chair project is hard to beat and easy to make and maintain. The design is based on a couple of chairs our editor had at his family cabin for more than a decade.

Build Your Own Cornhole Boards

Cornhole is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Here are some cornhole boards that are easy to build and carry around – let the games begin!

Install or Replace Your Storm Door

Not all Saturday morning projects are fun and games, but adding a storm door will allow you to bring the outside in … without bugs bothering you. Plus, storm doors serve a purpose, protecting your exterior door from the elements. Here, we’ll show you how to add a storm door in less than an hour.

Build Yourself a Hammock Stand

After spending your Saturday morning crushing some awesome projects, it’s time to relax. So put the tools away, crack open a cold one and slink down in your hammock. This foldable hammock stand will take just a few hours to build, while providing endless hours or chill time.

Organize Your Closet with a New Shelving System

Closet storage and organization starts from the top down.  What does one do with that space above your clothes rod?  If you have standard ceilings there could be a good 24 to 30 inches of open space above the rod in your closet. To throw one shelf above a clothes rod in a closet would be easy but, why not take advantage of all that space and customize it a bit further to fit closed plastic shoes bins and fabric boxes?

This custom two-tiered closet organizer shelf for the upper portion of a closet will take you a day to build, and you can make it for less than $200.

Make a Gallery Wall

A gallery wall transforms a blank wall into a personal narrative, far more sophisticated than randomly hanging pictures here and there. This artistic display requires careful curation, thoughtful selection, and intentional arrangement.

The art of creating a gallery wall involves understanding how various elements work together to create a cohesive visual story. Colors, sizes, textures, and themes must harmonize to produce a statement that reflects your unique style and personality. In this project, we’ll walk you through the detailed process of designing and installing a stunning gallery wall, from the initial concept to the final installation.

Step Up Your House Plant Game with Kokedama

Known for its beauty,  kokedama literally means “moss ball” in Japanese. For plant enthusiasts, Kokedama offers a creative and visually appealing way to incorporate greenery into your home. Kokedama is a unique houseplant trend that focuses on how you plant and display your leafy companions. Rather than using pots, Kokedama involves wrapping the plant’s root system in a moss-covered soil ball, resulting in a natural and visually striking presentation.

Once you master making your own Koekdama, you can really elevate your living space.

Turn Your Old Phone Jack Into a Secret Hiding Spot

Landlines are a thing of the past, rendering the phone jacks in most homes useless. Here, we’ll show you how to turn your old telephone wall jack into a mini secret safe. With the wires removed, you’ll have space to hide some cash, jewelry or small collectibles. Then find or make something decorative to cover the opening, and no one will ever suspect there’s loot hiding behind it!

Build a Clothing Rack On Wheels

We could all use a little more space, especially for stuff like clothing, shoes, coats, etc. If your closet is stuffed full, check out this mobile clothing rack on wheels. Just follow this easy step-by-step process for building our custom clothing rack

This is a beginner level woodworking project because the only cuts you will need to make are with the 1×2 trim- the plywood sheet you can purchase already cut. This is a perfect place to start for carpentry 101.  This project is more about putting the pieces together than crafting intricate angles.

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1 Million Igloo Coolers Recalled Over Risk of Severed Fingertips

Having a cooler on hand makes all kinds of outings much easier. Whether it’s a picnic date or a beach party, it’s the most efficient way to keep your food and drinks both cold and portable. But a defective cooler can cause injuries and will suck all the fun out of your trip instantly. No one wants to take a surprise trip to the emergency room in the middle of an event. Unfortunately, nearly one million Igloo coolers are being recalled because they pose an injury hazard.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) announced the recall on Feb. 13, 2025. The agency warns consumers to exercise caution and get the problem remedied as soon as possible. If you own an Igloo product, pay close attention and check your own cooler’s model number against the recall list to confirm whether or not yours is one of the defective ones.

Why Are These Igloo Coolers Being Recalled?

According to the USCPSC, the tow handles are the problem. If you’re using one of these Igloo coolers, you may get your fingertip caught between the handle and the body of the cooler. This is more than just an uncomfortable pinch; rather, the dangerous handle poses “fingertip amputation and crushing hazards.” There have been 12 reports of injuries so far, which include “fingertip amputations, bone fractures, and lacerations.”

Which Igloo Coolers Are Being Recalled?

Over one million Igloo coolers are being recalled in the United States. Additionally, there are another 70,000 in Canada and Mexico. More specifically, Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rolling Cooler models manufactured before January 2024. These coolers were available both in stores and online between January 2019 and January 2025. If you purchased an Igloo cooler in that time frame, yours may be one of the ones on the recall list.

Is There a Remedy For the Issue?

Fortunately, there is a fix for this problem. You can replace the handle to eliminate the injury risk. Do this as soon as you’re able to; especially if you need to use the cooler regularly. The USCPSC urges anyone who owns one of these coolers to immediately stop using it until they’ve remedied the problem. To get a replacement handle, you should reach out to Igloo directly. They will send you a new one at no charge.

Source

Igloo Recalls More Than One Million 90 Quart Rolling Coolers Due to Fingertip Amputation and Crushing Hazards, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2025.

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Show Us Your Best Handy Hints and Win!

Share your workshop wisdom with Family Handyman, and you might win a little extra money to use on your next DIY project.

Have you found the perfect way to remove stripped screws? Have you discovered an unexpected household item that makes painting trim a snap? Or maybe you’ve developed a foolproof method for getting perfectly straight cuts every time? We want to hear about your workshop revelations, garage discoveries, and DIY breakthroughs.

The most innovative, practical, and clearly explained hints will win! First prize is $300. Second prize is $200, and third prize is $100. Plus, the winners and our favorite hints will appear on our website and in the magazine.

To enter, use the form below to submit a brief written description of your handy hint, materials used and an explaination of why it’s helpful.

Entrants may also submit photos and videos of their handy hint, but photos and video are not required. Video submissions should have a maximum size of 270 MB. Videos should be no longer than 3 minutes. All Entries must be created by a natural person without the benefit of computer scripts, automated processes or Artificial Intelligence-generated or edited images.

Entries will be judged on the ease of the hint, originality/creativity and the usefulness of the hint. Feel free to enter as many times as you like.
The deadline to enter the contest is May 16, 2025.

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How to Build a Full Frame Cabinet Door with MDF

MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is inexpensive, durable, and a good choice for many woodworking and carpentry projects. Learn how to use it to make full frame cabinet doors.

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