Its just there not touching the paper towels this paper towel holder is very easy to use the quality is very thick it is convenient to use the family said it is very good i like it very much this is a pretty nice paper towel holder it holds the roll nicely and although i normally use two hands when tearing off any to use i did on a few occasions just use one hand to see if i could do it and i must say i was able to do it pretty easily with no mess