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Project Difficulty:
Moderate
Estimated
Project Time: 30 minutes
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Grab bar
Stud finder
Pencil
Plumb line
Level
Awl
Electric drill and bits
Masonry bit (if needed for drilling through tile)
Wood screws
Toggle bolts, as needed
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Properly installed bathroom grab bars prevent injury by helping to support and balance elderly, infirm, or very young family members during their bathroom activities.
Grab bars come in several widths and configurations, including:
* Straight grab bars, which can be installed horizontally or vertically (Fig. 1)
* L-shaped (also referred to as "rail") grab bars, designed for installation flush against a bathtub wall, or wrapping an inside corner of a shower stall or the bathroom walls (Fig. 2)
Common grab bar materials include stainless steel (plain and powder-coated), and polished brass. Most come with wood screws, toggle bolts, plastic anchors, and lead anchors to accommodate a variety of installations. Mount grab bars to studs whenever possible.
The following are guidelines on how to install a straight or L-shaped grab bar. However, always follow manufacturer's instructions for your particular bar.
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1.
Locate a Stud
Using a stud finder, locate a stud on which to mount a vertical grab bar--or one end of a horizontal grab bar. If you want to mount an L-shaped (rail) bar, find a stud that can accept both top and bottom flanges of the bar's vertical section.
Note: If tile impedes the stud finder, drill a small hole in the grout wherever you think a stud may be concealed. If you cannot find a stud, mark the screw holes in each flange as in step 3; then proceed to step 6.
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2.
Mark the Stud's Center
When you find the stud, mark its outer edges and center with a pencil. From the center mark, drop a plumb line to the approximate mounting height for one end of your grab bar. At that height, again mark the probable center of the stud.
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3.
Mark the Screw Hole Locations
For a horizontal grab bar: Hold the bar against the wall as you'd want it installed, and mark the screw hole centers in both flanges.
For an L-shaped grab bar: Hold the bar where you'd want it installed and mark the centers of the screw holes in all three flanges. Try to catch the vertical stud with at least two of the screw holes on each flange.
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4.
Make a Starter Hole
Using an awl, tap the screw center mark until the awl penetrates the tile or other wall surface. Make sure the starter hole penetrates the surface glazing so that the bit won't slide across the tile when you begin drilling.
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5.
Drill the Holes
If you're installing through tile, use a masonry bit to drill all the holes into the studs. If you're not drilling through tile, then any sharp, good quality bit will work.
Note: With tile installation, it's important to drill a hole the correct size for each screw; if the hole is too small, the screw will press against the diameter of the hole, and its pressure could crack the tile.
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6.
Install Toggle Bolts, if Needed
If you can't catch a stud, drill through the tile or other wallcovering and insert a toggle bolt in each screw hole. Once it has popped open behind the wall, pull the screw toward you so that the toggle nut is against the back of the wall. While holding the toggle against the wall, turn the screw until it's snug.
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7.
Install the Grab Bar
Install the grab bar, using all supplied screws, or longer screws of the same diameter, if needed.
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