How to replace a clothesline

Clotheslines are more tricky than you expect; they're hard to set up and even harder to find a space for. That's why a fold-down clothesline is a great space saver for a small area, provided it actually stays up!

There's nothing worse than hanging out your washing to dry only for it to tower over at the slightest knock or bump. This durable clothesline needs to be propped up by a stick of timber, so if yours needs replacing, here’s how to do it.

Gather your supplies

Fold-down clothesline
8mm dia. x 50mm galvanised Ankascrews (4)
Drill
8mm masonry drill bit
Ratchet and socket set
Spirit level
Cutting pliers

Here's how

Step 1

Undo bolts on wall and carefully remove old unit and discard. If bolts are rusted to clothesline, spray with an oil and waterdisplacing spray, such as WD-40, and tap with a hammer to loosen.

Step 2

Place bracket on wall so new unit is at a similar height to old one. Using drill on a hammer setting and fitted with 8mm masonry bit, mark holes for bolts on wall. Remove bracket and drill holes deep enough for bolts.

Step 3

Put bracket back on wall. Insert Ankascrew through bracket into hole and tighten using ratchet. Measure required distance for other wall bracket and repeat process to install. Use front bar of clothesline with spirit level on top to make sure the second bracket is level with the first.

Step 4

Assemble front bar, then the corner brackets, with nuts and bolts. Insert this assembly into the side arms and tighten all bolts.

Step 5

Make a figure-of-eight knot in line and thread through holes. Start from the innermost holes and go out. Tension by hand, then tie off line. Cut off excess with pliers.