How to Install Safety Grab Bars

Because many household accidents happen in the bathtub and shower, it makes sense to install safety grab bars in those areas. That way, there's a secure bar to grab anytime a bather begins to lose her footing. Safety grab bars aren't difficult to install, but they must be securely attached to the wall so they don't come loose.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stud finder Hammer Small nails Power drill Drill bits Silicone caulking Measuring tape Pencil Screwdriver

1. Determine the approximate location of the safety grab bar. Choose the best location for every bather in the household. If you're installing a straight bar, it may be secured to the wall vertically, horizontally or at an angle. Consider hanging an 18- or 24-inch straight bar at a 45-degree angle because it will be at its strongest. It will reach across two wall studs that are 16 inches apart and allow you to secure the ends in the centers of the studs.
   Hang safety grab bars horizontally--for example, about 3 feet above the bathtub bottom. Or install a grab bar vertically in a shower stall, about 18 to 24 inches from the shower head.

2. Use a stud finder to locate the two wall studs nearest the location you've chosen for the safety grab bar. Then, find the center of each stud. You can do this by gently tapping a small nail into the wall at various locations. Or, you can use a power drill with a small masonry bit. Cover the excess holes with color-coordinated grout or caulking.

3. Measure and mark from the bottom of the bathtub (if applicable) to determine how far up the safety grab bar will be. Or measure from the shower head. Then, hold the bar against the wall exactly where you're going to install it at. Make sure the screw holes are centered in each stud. Mark the locations of the screw holes onto the wall with a pencil.

4. Drill pilot holes into the wall where the screws will be. Put a bit of silicone caulking into each hole so water can't reach the inner wall. Hold the safety grab bar against the wall and screw it into place. Tighten the screws, but don't over-tighten them or you can damage tile.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're drilling into tile and the bit slides around, poke a pencil hole into a small piece of masking tape. Place the tape over the mark you made, making sure the hole is directly over the mark.
• Don't try to screw a safety grab bar into drywall. The bar will have limited holding power. Use a smooth, easy speed when you drill into tile to help avoid cracking it.

[murukis]

on 5/19/2009 I recently installed a shower safey grab bar, but have some holes in the grout line from trying to locate the studs. How do I repair those holes?