Mounting a Grab Bar in the Shower

[Solittle]

I though I posted on this yesterday - guess the mystic post grabber gobbled it up before it made it - - Anyway - -

I have a 24" grab bar that I want to mount on the shower wall for security. The walls of the shower are ceramic tile so it is not easy to find where the studs are and I am told that it is a must to secure them into the studs. Behind the tile is what I think is called green board. and it is fastened to the studs. I do have a stud finder but am not familiar with how to use it and am looking for tips.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Mounting a Grab Bar in the Shower

A stud finder will work and you might get a good idea using a tape measure.... 16" on center is the standard but do not start to measure from the wet wall (where the faucets are).......

I would ask a neighbor if they have one or see if anyone has a metal detector (which will work also).

Are you mounting it vertical or horizontal? I would strongly suggest vertical so you have stud attachment on both ends. Horizontal would only catch one stud with a 23" bar. I had a stainless steel grab bar that clamped onto the tub for my first wife.

Make sure you put a layer of tape over the tile you are going to drill and use a bit designed for glass/ceramic. The tape will make it easier to start the hole.

 

[DJ]

Re: Mounting a Grab Bar in the Shower

Bob is right. IT MUST be attached SECURELY. A grab bar that breaks loose is more dangerous than not having one.

Your stud finder should see studs through the tile. It just may react slower.

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: Mounting a Grab Bar in the Shower

In many cases the tile does not go all the way to the ceiling and you can "tap" on the wall above it to find the studs and then verify with a nail or drill.
Also you can go to the other side of the wall and locate studs from that side.
Like others have said, grab bars MUST be securely fastened to the studs.

 

[Wills03]

Re: Mounting a Grab Bar in the Shower

Try these, plumbing supply houses carry them.

http://www.wingits.com/

 

[stl]

Re: Mounting a Grab Bar in the Shower

I work in a rehab department and our Occupational therapist recommend these all the time. They have a list of reputable installers, but if you do it yourself you should literally be able to stand on the bar. If not it isn't safe. You should be able to find the studs by measuring 16 on center. If the tile does not go all the way to the ceiling, you can find them pretty easy. Good luck

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Mounting a Grab Bar in the Shower

The proper way to do this and get the bar at the proper height for use (othe wise it does no good no matter where the studs are) you measure where you want it bust a hole in the wall install blocking in between the studs where you want the grab bar and finally replace your tile and finishing and install the grab bar.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Mounting a Grab Bar in the Shower

The proper way to do this and get the bar at the proper height for use (othe wise it does no good no matter where the studs are) you measure where you want it bust a hole in the wall install blocking in between the studs where you want the grab bar and finally replace your tile and finishing and install the grab bar.

With a 24" bar and the expected 16" OC studs, you can mount the bar across the studs at a 45 degree angle.
This gives the a good coverage for different height individuals.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Mounting a Grab Bar in the Shower

With a 24" bar and the expected 16" OC studs, you can mount the bar across the studs at a 45 degree angle.
This gives the a good coverage for different height individuals.

Good advice.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Mounting a Grab Bar in the Shower

With a 24" bar and the expected 16" OC studs, you can mount the bar across the studs at a 45 degree angle.
This gives the a good coverage for different height individuals.

problem with that is the screw pattern on evey one I have seen is wider than 2" so will it be held in with only 1 screw, that kind of defeats the purpose. also using blocking between the studs also makes the system stronger (as designed) because it transfers the weight between more studs.