Why not change the hardware? It might be easier!
Sue

Well, call me crazy, but there's no reason to buy all new hardware and spend the money. I like what we have, it's relatively new and we have towel rings, towel bars (3), tp holder, robe hooks all matching. I just need longer towel bar portions due to a mini update we did in our bath. The chrome tubing is out there, I just have to figure out where!

This is the robe hook - I like the heft and design of this collection and don't really want to switch.
{{!gwi}}

DLM, if you really do want to replace just that bar, you can replace it with a different type of metal. There are car hyping places (not sure what to call them, but a local body shop may be able to point you in the right direction) that can dip and chrome things.

Then maybe buy any (cheapest)chrome towel rod kit(that matches) and use the bar from that in your current bracket...

I have had to call Baldwin twice about problems with my door knocker. For a well-respected brand, their tech service people are pathetic. First one was just daft, second one was quite rude and told me there shouldn't be any rust dripping down the inside of my front door. That's right honey, there shouldn't. If you persist, you may eventually get what you need. I finally did.

Deb, I did a search for 5/8" Chrome plated rod. Not sure if what you'll find HERE is right, if not check the full google results below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Google search

I ran into some problems finding a towel bar for a rental last year. Freaking thing was inside ceramic holders set in tile and I don't know what those people did but among a lot of other stuff they trashed, they managed in 8 months to break what had been there for 25 years (I know because I put it up when I tiled it initially).

If you hit Menard's, Lowe's, Ace, etc you can find some but it's tricky and hit or miss from store to store even. Most are spring loaded since they are replacements and most are white or clear plastic or shiny chrome. (Easy to cut to fit tho.) Yours looks like satin nickel? Don't recall seeing satin nickel in my searching.

That's a nice design and Baldwin is supposed to be good stuff, so maybe give them another nudge as Amy suggests ~or~ check out TJ Maxx, Marshall's, etc. I've seen Baldwin there on a pretty regular basis. (Got a good deal on a glass shelf.) For that matter I've picked up rental satin nickel at Walmart & Target. You could probably get the whole deal for what just a replacement rod costs. Maybe just get a same size/finish piece and use only the rod?

dlm, you might check with a plumbing supply house for replacement parts. If they don't carry them they might know where to get them.

And Kohler has a great help/tech service, with replacement parts. Might want to call them, too.

Amy that's a shame about your experience with Baldwin. The problem is, much of what they make and ALL of their bath lines are now made overseas and come prepackaged from the factory. It's not that they don't want to be helpful but they don't stock the parts. Baldwin is just a name now - not what it used to be, unfortunately.

Becky can I tell you how many times I came across that sight in my searches but never found the 5/8" ! Thanks - just called them and they will email a quote but warned me that it will be $$ because their tubing is high tolerence for hydraulic machinery. So we'll see.

moonshadow I may have grabbed a pic showing satin nickel but mine is chrome. I've hit HD, Lowes, True Value - not Menards because they aren't close but but may be worth a call at least.

squirrel you'd think since home remodeling is my DH's business he'd be able to find this but he couldn't so he set me on the assignment!

Thanks for the help - the hint continues........

Deb that second link wasn't the one I meant it to be. But I decided to do a new search "replacement rods for towel bars and came up with THIS. The bar is square, but can be resized and fits a round bracket. Here is a CLEAR one.

Hey Deb, missed your message while I was searching more.
I hope it's not too much. Have you checked your local hardware stores. Not sure how they stock things now days, but back in the day when I worked at a True Value Hardware, we seemed to have anything anyone every wanted. That may be a thing of the past like the home town hardware store seem to be going.

Deb, what length do you need? If I'm out (barring a blizzard for us tomorrow ;) I can check in the next few days. Kind of doubt Menards will have that size, but I'll be happy to look, I have something to return there. Otherwise I'll be over at my Mom's tomorrow, there's a really good plumbing store I can check there, they carry a lot of nice high end bath accessories and can get some hard to find parts. (Don't know why I didn't think of them when I was scouring all over for the rental prop last spring.) If they have it, they could probably ship to you. (You're more up in northern 'burbs, IIRC?)

moonshadow that is wonderful - how sweet of you! If you go out (but please don't go on my account), we're looking for 3 24" pieces but can certainly cut down something longer. The closest Menards to me is Vernon Hills but I don't get there often anymore. You remember correctly - I'm in Highland Park. I don't know where you are but I'd be happy to even meet you somewhere if you happen to find them. Again - thanks so much for the offer - I've already decided to make it a *stay-at-home* day tomorrow and watch the snow!

OK, got it. On a post-it on my phone. ;)
I just saw the weather.
*gulp*
I have to go out tomorrow.
Hopefully I'll get errands run before the worst gets here!
Otherwise looks like we'll be snuggled in at least till the weekend.
I'll keep my eyes peeled, and keep you posted!

Global warming huh? I think it's cold and snowing everywhere! We got about six inches today here in eastern Nebraska and are to get more tomorrow. I'm sure that's what's heading your way. We have family in Des Moines,and eastern Iowa that always know what's coming their way by what we've gotten here.

Sorry..... If I could help it I would. It sure has been a pretty winter though. None of the slush like we usually have.

dlm2000

If its out there this website will have it. Outwater

Here is a link that might be useful: Link to Outwater

Becky so far this is a non-event snow wise but that happens all the time; lots of dire warnings then nothing. We have less than 2" at the moment.

movin-on thanks so much for your link - hadn't checked them yet but we've had a business account with them for years!

moonshadow do be careful out there - it's a character builder, right ;-) So you live by post-its, too? I can't function without them!

Whew, what a day! Is your snow still a non-event? Took me an hour to cover a trip that normally takes 15 minutes max. We got a pretty hefty hit down here, more coming tonight. My back is killing me from snow blowing my mom's + her neighbor's. Hood wouldn't stay up, so I quit fighting it after awhile and left it down. Hair got soaking wet, plastered to my head, and had icicles on the ends. That was real attractive. ;o And just as I was about to do the last couple rows the guys that normally do the snow showed up with their truck + blade. Oye.

Anyway, I got nowhere today, Deb, sorry. :/ I hit two hardware stores on my route + the specialty plumbing supply while I was out, nothing in stock, nothing that could be ordered by the supply house. (Was hoping they'd be able to do that, and tuck away for future reference.) Haven't hit Menard's yet for my return, roads were just too nasty. I'm inclined to think they might not have it, but it's worth a look.

Just came across this site... didn't look at in detail but I hope it helps you find what you need.

Here is a link that might be useful: Buy Hardware Direct

Oh, I wish ours was a non-event snow wise. It keeps snowing and snowing. The guys just headed out with hopes the paved country road between us and the highway has been plowed since they got home awhile ago. Our son has an all wheel drive vehicle and he barely made it through only to get stuck in our neighborhood. Luckily a wonderful farmer, known to all as Grampa, and his son came along and pulled our son out and let hubby park at Grampa's place just up the highway from our turn off. Our county called all trucks in since it's blowing over the highways/roads as fast as they can clear them. It's advised that no one should be out unless it's an emergency. Hopefully they'll (hubby and son) make the two mile round trip without any trouble.
It's been like this since just Christmas Eve. Reminds me of when I was kid and once it started snowing it kept snowing until Spring and then it thawed. Just wish everyone could work from home on days like this.
Oh and we must have close to three feet of snow now if not more. It's quite beautiful though.
I do hope you find what you're looking for.

Moonshadow, what a day you had! You are braver than I am. Must be young. LOL.

Poor moonshadow! I can't believe with the day you had that you even bothered asking for me - what a sweetie! I never left the house today but we MAYBE got 3" - all that hullabaloo for nothing. The hype around weather is so comical to me - as if snow in Chicago is a newsworthy event !!

arapaho thanks for the link - I have looked at tht site and unfortunately they only have 5/8" square and you know what they say about square pegs and round holes..... ;-)

Becky you can keep your 3' of snow, thank you very much, pretty or not!

dlm2000, came across this. It's more than you need, but the rod part comes in 12", 36" or 48" lengths.

Here is a link that might be useful: Signature Hardware

dlm, rejuvenation.com might be able to supply you with what you need. They have replaced a towel rod for us. Of course, we bought the original set from them, but it would be worth it to contact them. They were super nice to work with.

Found the link below after searching for "5/8 chrome rod" (The link below is for the following "36" Baby Stainless Steel Rod. 5/8" Diameter." Apparently used for camera mounts. )

Also, found http://www.plumbingworld.com/showerrods_convertos.html Scroll down to Miscellaneous Shower Rod/Support Components

I hope you find what you are looking for.

Here is a link that might be useful: Filmtools

Well Deb, I have no choice but to keep it. LOL. I guess I didn't really have anywhere I wanted to go anyway.

I like this last rod that angogal found. Not chrome, but could do in a pinch. I'd contack RH too. Can't hurt.

angogal thank you so much! That Plumbing world item sounds like it's what we need but I'm going to email right now to be sure. But I'd have no problem with the stainless camera mounts as long as they are a thick enough gauge. Either way, you're a google guru in my book - mwwwwaaaahhhh!

Moonshadow, what a day you had! You are braver than I am. Must be young. LOL.

Er, you know how sometimes people say 'young and stupid'...
I'm not young (hit the Big Five O this year), but yesterday, with icicles in my hair, yeah, I felt stupid. Ha!

angogal might just be onto something there! I actually saw a chrome rod at one of the hardware stores yesterday by the bath stuff. (Not a shower rod, no end pieces, now that I think about it, could well have been meant as replacement rod for shower.) Anyway, it was long enough to cut into 3 pieces but the OD was 7/8". Blew it off because of the diameter. But also thought, nah, it wouldn't work, there's no spring to fit it into the holders. (Mind you this was my last stop, after my snow blowing fiasco, so I was one dog tired icicle. Did blow dry my hair at my mom's tho, so I wouldn't scare peeps. ;) Well DUH, at that moment I was thinking of the ceramic mount holders I had to battle in the rental tile. Permanently mounted so I had to have spring loaded. And of course you don't need that option, Deb, since you can install the ends where ever. *smacks self upside head* Sheesh.

Fingers crossed it works!

Hey, the fact that you could even THINK about my project after your snow blowing fiasco (herafter known as SBF) means a lot! I spoke too soon about not getting snow - as of this morning we do have enough that DH broke out the manly-man 2 stage snow blower, probably 7-8". Today.... I venture out onto the roads......a little amen for my all wheel drive SUV.

LOL @ SBF. Could totally relate to your agony because of what I went through, it wasn't fun. Figured if I could spare you, I'd try. ;)

I was wondering how you skirted around this mess. ;) We're having more now. Said a little prayer of gratitude for my AWD SUV too, as I watched a pick-up with no weight in the bed skid sideways at RR crossing in front of me. Yikes!

Oh, going OT, but DH ordered the nicest floor mats (front & back) from a place up in D Grove. They are custom for the vehicle, so take a bit of time, but have molded high sides so all that slushy icky crud doesn't ruin carpet. My Christmas gift, and I love them.

Today's my turn to stay in. Drive safely, go slow, I noticed some icy patches in some areas under the snow!