Upgrading to a new clothesline is a great way to refresh your laundry space, but reusing posts from an old clothesline only works if they match the installation details of your new unit.

Leading brands—Hills clotheslines, Austral, and Daytek—use model-specific brackets with unique bolt spacing, recommended frame width, and line tension requirements.

If your existing clothesline posts don’t meet these specifications, your installation may be less secure and could shorten product life.

When You Can Reuse Existing Posts

You may be able to reuse posts if they’re straight, solid in their footings, and sized to accept the new bracket system. Confirm:

• Post width & height: The new bracket seats squarely and at the correct height.

• Alignment: Posts are plumb; leaning posts can affect tension and line run.

• Bracket compatibility: Check the manufacturer’s installation process and template before drilling.

If everything aligns and the footings are sound, reusing can work. If posts are rusted, loose in old concrete, or the bracket won’t seat correctly, install new posts for safety and longevity.

When New Posts or a Ground Mount Kit Are Better

Where compatibility is uncertain—or surfaces are tricky (pavers, uneven ground, or aged concrete)—a fresh set of posts or a ground mount kit is the smarter option.

It helps keep the cassette level at ground level, ensures correct line run, and preserves the warranty conditions many brands require for a standard installation.

If you’re moving from rotary clotheslines or wall mounted units to a retractable, new posts also simplify setup and improve durability.

Brand Notes: Hills, Austral, and Daytek

Hills retractables are known for robust cassettes and smooth line action—ideal for family loads.

Austral offers durable, locally engineered units designed to perform in tough conditions.

Daytek focuses on sleek, space-efficient designs that suit courtyards and side paths.

Each brand supplies model-specific hardware, so use the included kit and template to ensure a precise, reliable fit.

Practical Installation Tips

• Use the supplied fittings—don’t reuse random bolts from an old setup.

• Check clearances (doors, gates, fence lines) and ensure a straight line run to the receiving post/wall.

• On soft soils or sloped sites, choose a ground mount kit for stability.

• Follow the brand’s installation service guide; many include printable templates and videos.

• If moving or removing an older unit, consider a removal service to deal with legacy footings and waste.

• 

DIY or Book a Pro?

DIY installing is achievable if you’re comfortable drilling and setting posts. However, complex surfaces, misaligned posts, or the need for core hole drilling are signs to call a pro.

A qualified professional clothesline installer can quote any additional services (and advise if an additional fee applies), then complete the work to spec so your new unit is correctly installed and ready to use.

Reusing posts for a new retractable clothesline can work—but only when they’re compatible and structurally sound. If in doubt, new posts or a ground mount kit will protect your investment and improve day-to-day performance.

Explore Hills, Austral, and Daytek retractables at The Clothesline Store, and follow the brand’s installation template for a secure, long-lasting result.

Prefer a done-for-you option? Ask us about connecting with trusted clothesline installation services for a fast, fuss-free upgrade.

Why Choose The Clothesline Store — Best Clotheslines, Fastest Dispatch, Zero Hassle 

Looking for a space-saving clothesline that perfectly suits your backyard, courtyard, or balcony?

At The Clothesline Store, we keep it simple — fast dispatch, reliable service, and Australia’s most trusted brands delivered straight to your door.

We’re Australia’s only onsite stockist of leading clothesline brands, including the complete Air Dry Aussie-made range. When we say it’s in stock, it’s ready to ship — no delays, no confusion.

✅ Fastest Dispatch — Orders ship same or next business day
✅ Air Dry Stockist — Full Aussie-made range, ready to go
✅ No Guesswork — If it says in stock, it’s ready to ship
✅ Largest Private Stockist — We hold stock in-house for faster delivery
✅ Trusted Australia-Wide — Thousands of 5-star customer reviews