How to Install a Grab Bar on a Fiberglass Bath Tub

Grab bars offer additional support for people climbing in and out of tubs. People with injuries or disabilities and the elderly may benefit from properly installed grab bars. Cornell University says that, "According to most national and local building codes, grab bars must be installed to sustain 250 pounds of dead load force." The college recommends that grab bars be anchored through fiberglass enclosures and into studs for the most secure installation. Because of the way fiberglass tubs are installed, a space usually exists between the stud and the enclosure. That space needs to be made solid in order to properly install a grab bar.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• Level
• Power drill
• 1-1/4 inch drill bit
• Solid mount kit
• Wrench
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Locate wall studs using an electronic stud finder. Since the space between the enclosure and the wall makes finding studs difficult, you will need to locate them above the enclosure and transfer the line to the tub. Make a pencil mark to note their location and transfer the marks later.

2. Choose a location for the grab bar. The actual location may need to vary a little depending on where the studs are located. A bathing bar can be situated at an angle along the back wall of the tub, around six to 10 inches above the top of the tub. If the tub enclosure has a shower, too, mount a grab bar horizontally about 35-38 inches above the bottom of the tub.

3. Transfer the appropriate stud location down onto the fiberglass enclosure. Keep the line plumb with a level. Drill a 1-1/4 inch hole to accept the mounting collar that comes with the grab bar.

4. Assemble a solid mount kit, which includes a lag bolt, metal washer, free spacers and a threaded spacer. As the lag bolt is tightened, the spacers will fill the void between the stud and the fiberglass wall. Tighten the lag bolt with a wrench until it feels firm.

5. Line up the grab bar mounting bracket with the collar and attach it using the stainless steel screws that came with the bar. The bracket usually has water-sealing tape on it. Remove the paper backing, if present, so the bracket will stick to the fiberglass.

6. Slip the decorative ring over the bracket to conceal the screws.

7. Repeat the process for the other end of the bracket.

References

• Weill Medical College of Cornell University: Bathing Safety Equipment
• The Family Handyman: How to Install Bathroom Grab Bars
• Fine Homebuilding: Grab Bar in a Fiberglass Shower