How to Install a Grab Bar

Safety and grab bars are key elements to protect the safety of elderly and disabled individuals in a bathroom. Many grab bars are permanent fixtures and are very invasive to the wall where they are installed. A safety bar is a good alternative to grab bars when a temporary solution is needed for individuals that are high functioning and need only a small amount of support. Read on to learn how to install a grab bar.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety bar

1. Check the slant of the wall before you begin. Use a safety bar only on tubs that have side walls with no slant on the inside of the tub. Do not use a safety bar on tubs with a wall slant because the bar will not have a strong enough grip to offer support.

2. Clean the inside and outside of the bathtub where you plan to install the safety bar. Dry the area with a towel or allow it to air dry completely.

3. Remove the safety grab bar from the packaging. Loosen the screws so that there is enough space between the brackets to slide it on the side of the bathtub.

4. Slide the safety bar onto the bathtub wall. Tighten the bolts on each side of the safety bar. Hand tighten the bolts as far as you can. Do not use power tools to tighten the bolts because you will risk cracking the side of the tub.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide extra safety protection on the floor. Place rubber mats on the inside and outside of the tub to prevent slipping.