One common mistake when installing closet rods is to cut them too short. [2] X Expert Source Lui ColmenaresHandyman Expert Interview. 18 August 2020. Make sure you measure the width of the closet in the area where the rod will be installed. The width of another area, such as the bottom of the closet, could vary dramatically from the upper part of the closet where the rod will be located.

Many home improvement stores also stock closet bar kits. These kits include all of the parts you will need to put up your bar: the bar, sockets, and anchors. Whatever type of closet rod you choose, make sure it is the right length. Solid rods can be cut to length, but there are also many adjustable rods that can work in a variety of closets.

Some rod sockets are attached to shelf brackets. These can be used to hold the rod and to put a shelf above the rod area.

Typically, you will need at least 3 wood screws that are about 1 inch (2. 5 cm) long for each socket.

If there is a shelf above the rod, you should make sure the rod is at least 2 inches (5. 1 cm) below the shelf. [5] X Research source To figure out how high to put your clothes bar, first think about what you will use it for. For example, if you want to hang long dresses off of a bar, you need to hang it pretty high. If you simply want to hang shirts off of the bar, you can put it at a more moderate height.

To ensure that the rod is positioned correctly, hold a hanger up on the inside of the closet so the hook is at the height you want the rod to go. Position the hanger so it is fully inside the closet and even has a few inches of clearance from the door. Then make a mark at the center of the hanger hook on the wall of the closet. This will give you your proper depth. If you have a particularly deep closet, you can put your bar even deeper.

Repeat this process on the other side of the closet as well. To check your work, measure from the ground, the ceiling, the front, and the back of the closet on both sides. Your marks should be at the same point on both sides.

You can also run a strong magnet along the wall to look for screws or nails that are in studs. If the wall is concrete, use expandable anchors that are rated high enough to hold the closet rod and everything you might want to hang from it. [9] X Expert Source Lui ColmenaresHandyman Expert Interview. 18 August 2020. Look at the top and bottom trim on the wall. They are likely nailed into the studs, so if you can see nail heads, you can identify where the studs are. [10] X Research source

To put up structural support, measure the depth of the side walls of the closet. Cut two pieces of wood that are 1 by 5 inches (2. 5 cm × 12. 7 cm) to that depth. Then screw them into the studs on the side walls, making sure that their center point is the height you want your clothes bar to be at. These will give you a solid base where you can attach your clothes bar.

Once you are holding the socket in the proper position on the wall, mark the inside of the screw holes with a pen or pencil. Then you can take the socket off the wall.

Before drilling your holes, look at the length of your screws. You only need to drill the holes this deep.

Make sure that the screws are completely inserted. If the heads stick out at all, it could impact your ability to get the rod into place.

Be sure to double check your measurement before cutting the closet rod. If you accidentally cut the rod too short, it will be useless and you will have to purchase another one.

Once the rod is in place, make sure it feels secure by pulling down on it a little. If it feels strong, you can start to hang your clothes up!