Not All Baseboard Heaters Are Created Equal — That's Why We Created So Many Different Brackets That Make a Difference!
When it comes to replacing old, rusty, and outdated hydronic baseboard heater covers, one size doesn't always fit every installation. Over the years, homes undergo renovations, flooring gets replaced, and original heating components are sometimes removed, repositioned, or added.
At EZ Snap Covers, we understand these challenges because we've encountered them all firsthand. That's why we've developed one of the most innovative and complete assortments of brackets and mounting accessories designed to help our replacement covers fit the widest variety of existing hydronic baseboard heating systems in the industry.
Whether your existing wall plates are too low, completely missing, or simply need a little height adjustment, we have the solutions that will make upgrading your baseboard heater covers easier than ever!
Understanding How EZ Snap Covers Are Installed
In a standard installation, EZ Snap Covers fit between the existing baseboard heater wall plate (also called the backplate) and the wall surface.
The existing wall plate provides the support needed to hold your new replacement cover securely in place.
But what happens when the wall plate isn't the correct height? Or worse, what if it's been removed altogether?
That's where our specially designed brackets come in!
Meet the EZ Snap Bracket Family
1. The Fidget — When You Need an Extra 3/4 Inch of Height
Sometimes, the original wall plate sits too low to properly accommodate your new EZ Snap Cover. This can happen when flooring has been replaced, carpeting has been installed, or the original heater was mounted lower than needed.
Our Fidget is designed to raise the mounting height of your existing wall plate by 3/4 inch with just four self-tapping sheet metal screws (included).
When should you use a Fidget?
- When your existing wall plate is positioned too low.
- When you need to raise the mounting height by approximately 3/4 inch.
- When your wall plate measurement falls within the recommended Fidget range on our bracket selection chart.
The Fidget provides a simple solution without requiring you to replace the heating system.
2. The Smidget — A Little Adjustment Goes a Long Way!
Not every installation requires a full 3/4-inch adjustment. Sometimes, just a little extra height is all you need. That's why we created the Smidget!
Our Smidget raises the existing wall plate's mounting height by 3/8 inch, with just four self-tapping sheet metal screws (included). The Smidget provides a smaller adjustment when a Fidget isn't necessary.
When should you use a Smidget?
- When the existing wall plate needs a slight height adjustment.
- When an additional 3/8 inch of mounting height is needed.
- When your wall plate measurement falls within the recommended Smidget range.
It's a small accessory that can make a big difference in achieving the finished appearance you're looking for.
3. The Wall Widget — When the Wall Plate Needs to Be Raised 1 Inch or More
In some installations, the existing wall plate is too low to provide the proper mounting height for your new EZ Snap Cover. Other times, the original wall plate has been removed entirely.
Our Wall Widget provides an alternative mounting point for your replacement cover at the appropriate height. A Wall Widget can be mounted at any height on the wall.
When should you use a Wall Widget?
- When your existing wall plate is below the recommended height for a Fidget or Smidget.
- When you need a mounting point at 7½ inches or 9½ inches, depending on your selected cover.
- When the original wall plate has been removed and additional mounting support is needed.
The Wall Widget helps overcome installation challenges that might otherwise make replacing your baseboard heater covers difficult.
4. The Wall Contraption — When You Need Support for Both the Fin Tube and the Cover
What happens when the original wall plate has been completely removed and there's no longer support underneath the heater's fin tube? That's where our Wall Contraption comes in!
Unlike a standard mounting bracket, the Wall Contraption serves two important purposes:
- It provides support underneath the existing fin tube, and
- It provides a mounting point for your new 7½ inch EZ Snap Cover.
When should you use a Wall Contraption?
Use the Wall Contraption when there is no existing backplate and both the fin tube and replacement cover need support.
For these installations, Wall Contraptions should be spaced approximately 32 inches apart, alternating with Wall Widgets.
This combination helps provide the support needed for your hydronic heating components while allowing you to upgrade the appearance of your baseboard heaters.
Which Bracket Do I Need? Start by Measuring Your Existing Wall Plate!
Before ordering brackets, it's important to measure the height of your existing wall plate.
Important measuring tip: Measure your existing wall plate in multiple locations along the heater. Always use the lowest measurement when determining which bracket you need.
Use the charts below to identify the recommended bracket based on your existing wall plate height and the EZ Snap Cover size you're installing.
Bracket selection guide for 7½" EZ Snap Covers
| Existing wall plate height | Recommended bracket | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6¾" | Wall Widget | Provides mounting at 7½" |
| 6¾" to 7¼" | Fidget | Raises mounting height by 3/4" |
| 7⅛" to 7½" | Smidget | Raises mounting height by 3/8" |
| 7½" to 8" | No bracket needed | Existing mounting height is suitable |
Bracket selection guide for 9½" EZ Snap Covers
| Existing wall plate height | Recommended bracket | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 8" to 8¾" | Wall Widget | Provides mounting at 9½" |
| 8¾" to 9¼" | Fidget | Raises mounting height by 3/4" |
| 9⅛" to 9½" | Smidget | Raises mounting height by 3/8" |
| 9½" to 10½" | No bracket needed | Existing mounting height is suitable |
| Over 10½" | Contact EZ Snap Covers | Call for available options |
If your measurements fall outside the listed ranges, or you're unsure which cover height is appropriate, contact our experienced customer service team before ordering.
What If My Measurement Falls Within Two Bracket Ranges?
You may notice that some measurements overlap between the Fidget and Smidget recommendations. That's intentional!
If your wall plate measurement falls within both recommended ranges, either bracket will work. The decision comes down to personal preference and the finished appearance you want to achieve.
For example, if your wall plate measures 7⅛ inches, both the Fidget and Smidget fall within the recommended range for a 7½-inch cover. You can choose the option that provides the positioning and appearance you prefer.
At EZ Snap Covers, we believe the right fit should also be the right look for your home!
How Far Apart Should Brackets Be Installed?
Proper bracket spacing is an important part of a successful installation.
As a general guideline, EZ Snap brackets should be installed approximately 32 inches apart, or at every other standard wall stud location.
When installing Wall Contraptions because the original backplate is completely missing, space the brackets approximately 32 inches apart, alternating them with Wall Widgets.
Following these recommendations helps provide the mounting support needed for your replacement covers.
Why Do EZ Snap's Bracket Options Matter?
Many homeowners assume that if their existing baseboard heater doesn't match the dimensions of a replacement cover, they're out of luck. But at EZ Snap Covers, we know that no two homes are exactly alike.
Older heating systems, renovations, flooring changes, and missing components can all create installation challenges. Instead of expecting every customer to have a perfectly positioned heating system, we've developed accessories that help our covers adapt to a variety of existing installations.
Our bracket assortment is one of the reasons EZ Snap Covers can accommodate such a wide range of hydronic baseboard heating systems. And because our replacement covers are manufactured from durable galvanized steel right here in the USA, you're not just improving the appearance of your heating system—you're investing in a long-lasting upgrade backed by our Lifetime Rust Warranty.
Not Sure Which Bracket You Need? We're Here to Help!
Every home is different, and sometimes choosing the right bracket isn't as simple as taking one measurement. Whether your wall plates are missing, your mounting height needs adjusting, or you're deciding between two bracket options, our experienced customer service team is here to help!
We can help you understand your measurements, identify the appropriate bracket, and select the solution that best suits your installation.
Contact EZ Snap Covers:
- Call us: 866-740-0005
- Live chat: Visit www.EZSnapCovers.com and chat with our team.
- Email us: support@ezsnapcovers.com
Don't guess when it comes to getting the right fit. Let our experienced team help you choose with confidence!
Don't Replace the Heater. Upgrade the View.™
With EZ Snap Covers and our innovative bracket solutions, transforming the appearance of your existing hydronic baseboard heaters has never been easier.
Proudly Made in the USA. Built to Last. Designed to Fit.
EZ Snap Covers are designed exclusively for hydronic (hot water) baseboard heating systems and are not intended for electric baseboard heaters.