Get Durable Grab Bars For Safety and Comfort

When installing grab bars it is important to do it correctly to get the maximum security. To find out the proper way to install grab bars for the home we spoke with an experienced installer who had the inside scoop on what to do.

First, to make installation easier, the recommended length for shower grab bars is between 24 and 36 inches long. We'll explain why further down. Right now we will focus on what to buy. Full assist grab bars need to be thick. Thinner shower grab bars may be more attractive, but do not provide the same stability. Consider decorative shower grab bars for someone who just needs mild assistance. Warning: Do not use towel bars in place of grab bars, they will buckle under the full weight of any person. For grab bars near the toilet, individual preference is the best way to install them.

Shower Grab Bars

Ideally grab bars should be installed in a wall stud and at an angle for maximum use. Be sure that shower grab bars are installed close enough to be held on to while adjusting the water temperature. You can find the stud by using a proper stud finder, or by tapping the wall with your knuckles. A solid sound will mean you found the stud. Then measure 16in. to the next one. This is where have 24-36 inch grab bars is convenient. They line up exactly between the studs. To prevent rusting, use pan head stainless steel screws 1&1/2 inches in length. Chrome or steel screws will rust and sheet rock screws have a high risk of pulling out of the wall.

Grab Bars

If you are installing your grab bars where there is no stud, then you can use winged toggles, also known as butterflies. This type of installation involves quite a bit more work which can include adding wood 2x4's behind the wall. A winged toggle is just about what it sounds like. The bolt and wing are pushed through the wall and then open up inside the wall to secure the bar in place. Once you have finished installing the bar, be sure the ring has a good grip. This will guarantee that your grab bar has been safely installed. Grab bars are an important safety feature in any home and are becoming more popular as the awareness of bathroom hazards increase. Because your safety is important to us, be sure that after you purchase your quality grab bars and shower bars today, you consult a local professional to get all the answers you need to install your grab bars correctly. After all, buying your grab bars today is only the first step in preventing home accidents.