Hanging monkeys look amazing on a doorframe or shower rod, but towels can slip on smooth hangers. This support guide shows our fast binder clip hack that locks the monkey’s “hands” in place without damaging the towel. It takes two minutes and uses parts you probably have at home.
Watch it in action See the binder clip hack in our YouTube tutorial: Binder Clip Hanger Hack demo.
Key Takeaways
- Use two medium binder clips on a non slip hanger. Clamp the towel “hands” into the clips so the monkey stays put.
- Place clips on the flattest part of the hanger shoulders. Angle slightly inward so gravity tightens the grip.
- Add a soft waist tie behind the back to stop slow slumps. Hide the knot under the outer wrap.
- Protect towel loops with smooth jaws or a small strip of tape on the clip pads.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Clip, hang, then twist the hanger a quarter turn to face the room. Photos will look best straight on.
What You Need
| Item | Qty | Recommended spec | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath Towel | 1 | About 28 × 53 in (70 × 135 cm) cotton terry | Monkey body |
| Hand Towel | 1 | About 20 × 39 in (50 × 100 cm) | Monkey head |
| Binder Clips | 2 | Medium size, smooth jaws | Clamp the hands |
| Non Slip Hanger | 1 | Flocked or rubberized shoulders | Base to hang from |
| Soft Tie (elastic hair tie) | 1 | Fabric covered | Hidden waist band |
| Optional gel dots | 2 | Clear removable | Extra grip on slick rods |
Need sizing refresh See Towel Sizes… Bath Sheet, Towel, Hand, Face.
Step by Step… The Binder Clip Rig
- Build the monkey Follow the head and body steps from the Pillar tutorial. Leave the “hands” ready to grip.
- Prep the hanger Choose a non slip hanger. If using a smooth plastic hanger, add a small strip of painter’s tape where the clips will sit.
- Place the clips Open two medium binder clips. Set them on the flattest part of each shoulder, about two finger widths from the ends. Angle the clip pads slightly toward the hook.
- Seat the hands Lift the towel hands into each clip. Close the clips so fabric sits fully inside the pads. Confirm loops are not pinched by metal edges.
- Balance the body Lift the hanger. If the torso settles downward, add a soft tie as a hidden waist band behind the back. Tighten just enough to hold shape.
- Hang and face the room Place the hanger on a rod or hook. Twist the hanger so the monkey faces forward. Tuck loose ends and fluff.
Fit Guide… Where To Put The Clips
- Shoulder sweet spot Use the longest flat section of the hanger shoulders for maximum grip.
- Angle inward Point the clip pads a little toward the hook so gravity pulls hands deeper into the clips.
- Even height Match clip height on both shoulders so the head sits level.
Travel and Safety Notes
- Hotel hangers Many hotel hangers have anti theft heads. You can still clamp clips to the shoulders. If the shoulders are very slick, add a small gel dot under each clip.
- Avoid sharp teeth Only use smooth jaw clips or cover metal edges with a small strip of tape.
- Dry towels only Moisture relaxes folds and can mark fabric under pressure. Fold and hang when fully dry.
- Respect weight limits This hack is for towels only. Do not hang from light fixtures or narrow decorative rods.
Troubleshooting… Quick Fixes
| Problem | Why it happens | Try this |
|---|---|---|
| Hands slip out of clips | Pads are slick or angled wrong | Add a small strip of painter’s tape inside pads and angle clips toward the hook |
| Torso slides down | Gravity and no waist anchor | Add a soft tie behind the back as a waist band |
| Head tilts forward | Head roll too soft | Add an inside fold or tighten the roll, then re seat in a cradle |
| Hanger rotates on rod | Rod is slick | Add gel dots on hanger shoulders or use a flocked hanger |
Watch the Video Walkthrough
Skip step photos and see the binder clip hack in motion. Watch our demo on YouTube: Binder Clip Hanger Hack demo.
Keep Folding
- Pillar: Cruise Towel Animals… Swan, Elephant, Hanging Monkey
- Sizing: Towel Sizes… Bath Sheet, Towel, Hand, Face
- Styles: Towel Animal Styles… Royal vs Carnival vs NCL
- Display: Display Ideas… Keep Your Towel Animals Alive Longer
FAQ
Will binder clips damage my towels Use smooth jaw clips or cover the pads with a bit of painter’s tape. Avoid clips with sharp teeth.
Do I need a special hanger A non slip flocked hanger works best. Smooth plastic hangers are fine with a little added grip.
How do I stop the monkey from rotating Place a small gel dot under each clip or use a hanger with rubberized shoulders.
What size towel should I use Use a Bath Towel for the body and a Hand Towel for the head. See our sizing guide for inches and centimeters.
