Article by Grabbars
Adding added comfort and security in your bathroom will be a blessing, not only to elderly and handicapped family members, but also for young children and pregnant mothers, who will find it easier to get into the shower area, or lower their bodies into the bathtub.
No one wishes to face the dangers of slipping on wet surfaces and getting hurt. Bathtub grab bars are the safest choice for preventing injuries and accidents in the bathroom. Many commercial bars are made up of stainless steel light material but there are other choices that work well in a wet environment. Different finishes such as powder-coat, brass, or paint is available including various shapes that do not resemble the normal stainless steel curve, though we are aware that stainless steel is durable and cleans well.
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) has come up with compliant bars that are easily available and easy to install. The instructions are provided for installation and this has to be followed carefully. These bars can withstand nearly 500 lbs of pull. They are available in straight lengths ranging from 12 inches to 48 inches and the other styles come with right angles, or custom made, to fit any type of installation. The bars that are 1 ¼ “diameter is sufficient for home use, though they are also available in commercial diameter of 1 ½ “with 1/12″ clearance provided, between the surface and bar. The other options available for grab bars are the fold away models, which are generally used around toilets, so that it can be tucked away when not required. There are also small temporary bathtub grab bars that come with clamps, so that it can be installed on the sides of the bathtub to enable a person to get in, or out.
The requirement that has to be strictly adhered when permanently installing a bathtub grab bar is to attach the bar to an interior wall block of 2 x 6 x 8 size that has been pre-placed with a wood wall stud. Refrain from using molly bolts, or ordinary wall anchors, as this could cause fatal accidents due to their unsuitability. I must admit that Toggler is a wall anchor that has been used by some as it meets the mounting standards required for the grab bars. However, in my opinion, I would still prefer to use studs for mounting the bars so use the other option only when these are not available. You can install the bathtub grab bars at a convenient angle and match the studs to this, or use them in a horizontal or vertical alignment, according to your comfort, ability and ease.
If you have decided to remodel your bathroom and have dismantled the tub and shower fittings, use this opportunity to place the 2 x 6 x 8 blocks between the studs in the opened out walls, so that you can fix the bars in the right place. This, of course, requires planning ahead so that you complete the installation neatly and safely. Make very sure that you have the measurement taken so that you can locate the area later. With the introduction of new implements and great installation details provided, anyone can install these bathtub grab bars as a DIY project, using the right tools.
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