AbiliTech

Grab Bar

Bathtub Grab Bars - Safety For Bathrooms

Grab bars in residential bathrooms have become more mainstream and accepted in recent years and are not just for disabled or elderly people as once was. This addition to your home could be a help to anybody in your family regardless of age or physical condition.

Along with the disabled and elderly, families with young children and even a pregnant mom will benefit from the extra added security in being able to safely enter and exit a bathtub or shower area. We all know slipping and falling on a wet bathroom surface is no fun and can be dangerous.

The first point here is to be sure we have the correct bar. Being that this is a wet environment, most bars are stainless steel, but there are other moisture resistant choices such as powder coat paint, brass and even different shapes that don't quite look like the traditional curve ended institutional stainless, although stainless is the most functional and cleans up the best.

ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant bars are the only ones to use and are available most anywhere and are fairly simple to install when following the instructions provided with no shortcuts to ensure a proper installation. When installed properly, they are rated to withstand a 500 lbs. pull.

Most bars come in various lengths from 12 to 48 inches for the straight ones, to ones that have right angles and even ones that can be custom made if you have an unusual or specific install situation. Diameters are 1 1/2 (commercial) and 1 1/4 inch with 1 1/2 inch clearance between bar and surface. The 1 1/4 inch diameter is ample for any residential use.

Some safety bars are fold away in function, particularly ones meant for use around toilets, which then gives the option for either use, depending upon who needs the bar or not, and there are smaller more temporary installations that clamp on the side of a bathtub to assist with getting in and out.

The most important rule to follow in a permanent installation is that any safety grab bar must be attached to a wood wall stud or a pre-placed interior wall block 2 x 6 or 8. Common wall anchors or molly bolts are not acceptable and could just be a problem and or worse yet, an injury later.

After saying all that, I know there is a wall anchor out there that meets mounting standards and is called Toggler, I have personally never used any of these but they are supposed to be acceptable for mounting grab bars when no stud in the wall is available in the position needed. This is an option to consider when necessary, but the best way at all possible is use the studs as first choice.

Many bars are installed at an angle to match up with the studs, in addition to horizontal and vertical, and still will allow versatility for the user.

If you are in a remodel situation and have removed the old tub, or shower, and have the walls open, then that would be the time to put in pre-placed 2x blocking between studs for exact placement of bars later, just a little planning ahead for placement will make for proper, safe installation when finishing the project. Just be sure to write down measurements in order to locate the blocks later for easier installation.

So many repair and specialty items are now available to us than used to be, with a little direction and the right tools, there is a lot we can do ourselves.

About the Author

With 30 years experience in home repair and remodel, Albert seeks to help simplify some of the many problems and projects home owners face. For more detailed instruction for installing grab bars, and other home repair help, be sure to visit
Do It Yourself Home Repair Help

Safety First White Multi-grip Tub Rail Grab Bar $29.49 Grab rail with multi-grip provides extra support and balance when entering and leaving tubRust resistant safety accessories will not scratch tub surfaceAluminum/ steel grab bars meet Ada standards and are FSA eligible

Safety First 9-inch Safety Grab Bar (Pack of 2) $16.99 Grab rail with exposed mounting provides extra support and balance when entering and leaving tubSafety accessory features easy-to-clean finishGrab bar meets Ada standards and is FSA eligible

Safety First Stainless Steel 24-inch Safety Grab Bars (Pack of 2) $37.34 Grab bars for tub and shower are made of heavy-duty, welded, stainless steelSafety accessories feature penned and brite finishGrab bars meet ADA standards and are FSA eligible

Safety First Stainless Steel Concealed Mount Grab Bar Kit (Set of 2) $47.49 Minimize the risk of accident with these concealed mount-style bathtub safety grab bars from Safety First. This bathtub safety kit features multiple sized grab bars with exposed mounting.

Safety First Stainless Steel Multiple Sizes Grab Bar Kit (Set of 2) $31.99 Minimize the risk of accident with these bathtub safety grab bars from Safety First. This bathtub safety kit includes two differently sized grab bars.

Safety First Concealed Multiple Sizes White Grab Bar Kits (Set of 3) $52.99 Minimize the risk of accident with these concealed bathtub safety grab bars from Safety First. This bathtub safety kit multiple sized grab bars.

Standers Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar $155.99 Feel confident in the restroom with the Security PolePole features a curved Grab Bar for your convenienceTension mounted, floor to ceiling pole allows the user to easily rise from a sitting position

Instant Bathroom and Household Safety Bar $10.54 This safety handle features two suction cups that secure to the handle on the side of your bathtub or shower wall for a steady grip in and out of the shower. For travel, release the lever to remove the handle, with no tools required.

Drive Medical Suction Cup Grab Bar $20.49 This 12-inch suction cup grab bar by Drive Medical can be installed and removed without the hassle of tools or professional installation. The large suction cups provide an extremely strong hold on this grab bar.

Restoration 30-inch Grab Bar $64.99 The 30-inch grab bar features an understated styling that will fit any traditional decor. With its three-tier look, the Restoration Collection will add a subtle flair to your bathroom.

Modern Decorative 36-inch ADA Compliant Grab Bar $185.99 Update your bathroom decor with this modern style decorative safety grab barBath hardware is made of solid brass and features a lifetime finishGrab bar makes a great addition to your bathroom decor

Americana Decor Oil Rubbed Bronze 12-inch Grab Bar $38.49 Furnish your home with great style and easy access with the Americana Decor deluxe grab bar. This grab bar features brass and stainless steel construction.

As Seen on TV Suction Grab Bar Portable Safety Handles (Pack of 2) $25.99 The original Suction Grab Bar is the revolutionary new way to have a secure grip whenever you need it. The bar attaches easily to any smooth surface and is especially useful in a bathroom.

Stainless Steel Bath Grab Bar $26.49 Government spec grab bar is made of stainless steelGrab bar features concealed screws, compliant with safety requirementsBar measures 3 inches high x 1.5 inches wide x 36 inches long

Restoration 18-inch Grab Bar $52.99 The 18-inch grab bar features an understated styling that will fit any traditional decor. With its three-tier look, the Restoration Collection will add a subtle flair to your bathroom.

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Bobrick B-5806X24 Grab Bar 24 $37.81 Bobrick B-5806X24 Grab Bar 24" Bobrick B-5806X24 Grab Bar 24" Features: 24" Grab bar 1 1/4" Diameter

Combo Bar Package $3.98 Quest is the perfect nutrition bar for anyone looking to get top quality protein while dropping some carbs from their diet. Quest bars are as tasty and convenient as a candy bar, while maintaining all of the nutrition of a carefully prepared meal that's packed with fiber to make you feel full and to help with digestion and weight loss.

Quest Bar - Peanut Butter Supreme $1.99 Quest is the perfect nutrition bar for anyone looking to get top quality protein while dropping some carbs from their diet. Quest bars are as tasty and convenient as a candy bar, while maintaining all of the nutrition of a carefully prepared meal that's packed with fiber to make you feel full and to help with digestion and weight loss.

Quest Bar - Vanilla Almond Crunch $1.99 Quest is the perfect nutrition bar for anyone looking to get top quality protein while dropping some carbs from their diet. Quest bars are as tasty and convenient as a candy bar, while maintaining all of the nutrition of a carefully prepared meal that's packed with fiber to make you feel full and to help with digestion and weight loss.

Bobrick B-6806X42 Grab Bar 42 $46.88 Bobrick B-6806X42 Grab Bar 42" Bobrick B-6806X42 Grab Bar 42" Features: 42" towel bar 1 1/2" Diameter

14-Inch Grab Bar $260 When you need a little help with things in the bathroom add a 14" grab bar finished in satin stainless steel.

Tacate Chrome Grab Bar $228 -Quality Grab Bar in Solid Brass Base -Made in Italy -1 Year Warranty

Concorde Grab Bar $189 This satin stainless steel grab bar is finely crafted in Italy. This product has a 10 year limited warranty with the manufacturer; warranty information is included with your shipment.

Manhattan Chrome 30-Inch Decorative Grab Bar $146 Manhattan Chrome 30-Inch Decorative Grab Bar

Tetragon Polished Brass 30-Inch Decorative Grab Bar $152 Tetragon Polished Brass 30-Inch Decorative Grab Bar

Hexagon Chrome 30-Inch Decorative Grab Bar $146 Hexagon Chrome 30-Inch Decorative Grab Bar

Hexagon Chrome 24-Inch Decorative Grab Bar $131 Hexagon Chrome 24-Inch Decorative Grab Bar

Manhattan Chrome 12-Inch Decorative Grab Bar $110 Manhattan Chrome 12-Inch Decorative Grab Bar

Manhattan Chrome 36-Inch Decorative Grab Bar $163 Manhattan Chrome 36-Inch Decorative Grab Bar

Manhattan Chrome 24-Inch Decorative Grab Bar $131 Manhattan Chrome 24-Inch Decorative Grab Bar

Manhattan Chrome 16-Inch Decorative Grab Bar $114 Manhattan Chrome 16-Inch Decorative Grab Bar

Camelon Chrome 12-Inch Beaded Decorative Grab Bar $110 Camelon Chrome 12-Inch Beaded Decorative Grab Bar

Manhattan Chrome 18-Inch Decorative Grab Bar $120 Manhattan Chrome 18-Inch Decorative Grab Bar

Milano Chrome 12-Inch Decorative Grab Bar $110 Milano Chrome 12-Inch Decorative Grab Bar

Georgian Polished Nickel 24-Inch Decorative Grab Bar $210 Georgian Polished Nickel 24-Inch Decorative Grab Bar

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UPDATE 3: 2004 Trx450r Walkaround

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