Toilet grab bar in wall

[jayerose]

Will just using anchors and screws work?

Our house is stucco.

[RaunchyRich]

Hire someone please

[retiredguy123]

Will just using anchors and screws work?

Our house is stucco.
I would consider hiring an expert to install a grab bar. You want it to be strong enough to support a lot of weight. A flimsy grab bar would be a safety hazard.

[John_W]

Will just using anchors and screws work?

Our house is stucco.

You could call this TOTV sponsor and have them install it.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/medical-equipment-412/grab-bars-more-309633/?highlight=shower+grab

...or you can go to Lowe's and buy one of these for $18, I have one and it works great! Lowe's at Trailwinds has 26 in stock in aisle 40 bay 18. This is a 12" and they also have a 16" model.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/MHI-Safe-er-grip-6-in-White-Wall-Mount-Grab-Bar/3111155

http://mobileimages.lowes.com/product/converted/000367/00036768405245_16604179.jpg?size=pdhi

[Bjeanj]

My sister used the towel bar as a grab bar and (twice) ripped them out of the wall. They were in the wall with anchors and screws, which just ripped out the drywall. I think you want to make sure they’re screwed into the studs, but VillageTinker could probably verify this.

Either that, or what John W suggested.

[Fredman]

You could call this TOTV sponsor and have them install it.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/medical-equipment-412/grab-bars-more-309633/?highlight=shower+grab

...or you can go to Lowe's and buy one of these for $18, I have one and it works great! Lowe's at Trailwinds has 26 in stock in aisle 40 bay 18. This is a 12" and they also have a 16" model.


https://www.lowes.com/pd/MHI-Safe-er-grip-6-in-White-Wall-Mount-Grab-Bar/3111155

http://mobileimages.lowes.com/product/converted/000367/00036768405245_16604179.jpg?size=pdhi

These are great but have to reset them occasionally because over time they lose suction

[villagetinker]

As noted above, I agree, screwed into the studs at a minimum if you are doing this yourself, other wise I also agree with the suggested vendor. NOTE: if this is an OUTSIDE concrete block wall, you will need to use the correct (not plastic) anchors for the grab bar, usually an expanded metal anchor in the correct size hole. If you are not familiar, use the professional.

[Neils]

These are great but have to reset them occasionally because over time they lose suction

Install with a layer of superglue on the pads, then suction in place. The glue should improve the seal and the bar will stay there a long time.

[b0bd0herty]

These are great but have to reset them occasionally because over time they lose suction

AND the surface has to be perfectly smooth. Any of the decorator tiles and there is little if any suction.

[DaleDivine]

I bought 2 stainless steel bars at Lowes and installed myself.
I have metal studs in my walls and used heavy duty screws. I (160lbs) can stand on them and they will not come out.
:clap2::clap2:

[pollysue]

Regular anchor will not work. The studs in stucco homes are metal, not wood. My husband went over the house plans on our stucco house and found this out when he tried to hand a TV on the wall. He had to get special anchors and screws. Guy at Home Depot was very helpful. If you are not handy, hire someone.

[Rjstmc]

Those suction not ok to airport body weight. Check instructions

[stanley]

Grab Bar Without Studs - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toXPkYGNkaA&feature=emb_logo)

[MandoMan]

Will just using anchors and screws work?

Our house is stucco.

There are ADA regulations for grab bars near toilets if you want to sell your house as ADA compliant. If you don’t care, you can do what you want, but grab bars do need very secure backing. If you have a concrete block wall, is the drywall simply glued to the block, or are there steel studs between the block and the drywall. Attaching grab bars directly to concrete block can be done, but you will need special tools and anchors. If you have tile attached to backer board attached to steel studs, or drywall attached to steel studs, there are some difficulties. The studs are usually 16” or 24” apart, center to center, so you may need a bar that is 24” or 16” or 32” or 48” long. Do you know how to find steel studs in a wall, including exactly where each edge is (a stud finder is useful but not always exact)? You will need at least two special long heavy duty screws for each stud, and you will need to drill the pilot holes just right. If you are off a little, the screws will just go through drywall. Toggle bolts are not strong enough in drywall. There is more government info here. I will paste in a couple of drawings from this below. https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/pdf/fairhousing/fairch6.pdf

Ideally, wood blocking for these bars should be installed before the drywall goes on, but it isn’t easy to do that with steel studs. If I were installing a safe grab bar in my own wall, I would buy a piece of red oak four inches wide, 3/4” thick, and the length of the wall. I would screw this to all the steel studs with two heavy screws. I could then attach a grab bar with three screws at each end anywhere I wanted along the oak. (I would also sand and finish the wood before screwing it to the studs.) This is a very strong way to install a grab bar. I would do this myself, but not everyone has the tools. The oak can also be painted the color of your other trim.

[Surf Daddy]

There are a variety of anchors available at Lowes. There are a variety of load ratings that are provided. Make sure you understand what they mean. Tension loads are in the direction of pulling the screw and anchor out. Shear loads are in the direction 90* from that, i.e., in the vertical direction.

The attached chart (from Toggler, the Lowes supplier) provides shear and tensile load. These are max values at failure. And note that the manufacturer states that industry standards recommend use of 1/4 of that max value. So, in the best circumstances for 5/8 drywall, that max load is only 34# per anchor (1/4 x 135). For grab bars, I wouldn't put them in drywall. Anchoring in wall studs would be more prudent. Drywall, wall studs, stucco - make sure you look at the recommended tensile load. I hope this helps.

If you hire a company to do this, hopefully they understand this.

[jswirs]

Attaching to metal studs
is not sufficient. This is why I do not like metal studs.

[jarodrig]

You could call this TOTV sponsor and have them install it.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/medical-equipment-412/grab-bars-more-309633/?highlight=shower+grab

...or you can go to Lowe's and buy one of these for $18, I have one and it works great! Lowe's at Trailwinds has 26 in stock in aisle 40 bay 18. This is a 12" and they also have a 16" model.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/MHI-Safe-er-grip-6-in-White-Wall-Mount-Grab-Bar/3111155

http://mobileimages.lowes.com/product/converted/000367/00036768405245_16604179.jpg?size=pdhi

There is no tile where the toilets are located unless they added tile at some point . The OP was asking for the hand bar for the toilet area.

Most of the decorative tile I’ve seen have a textured surface so the suction cup devices probably won’t work very well :....

[DAVES]

There are ADA regulations for grab bars near toilets if you want to sell your house as ADA compliant. If you don’t care, you can do what you want, but grab bars do need very secure backing. If you have a concrete block wall, is the drywall simply glued to the block, or are there steel studs between the block and the drywall. Attaching grab bars directly to concrete block can be done, but you will need special tools and anchors. If you have tile attached to backer board attached to steel studs, or drywall attached to steel studs, there are some difficulties. The studs are usually 16” or 24” apart, center to center, so you may need a bar that is 24” or 16” or 32” or 48” long. Do you know how to find steel studs in a wall, including exactly where each edge is (a stud finder is useful but not always exact)? You will need at least two special long heavy duty screws for each stud, and you will need to drill the pilot holes just right. If you are off a little, the screws will just go through drywall. Toggle bolts are not strong enough in drywall. There is more government info here. I will paste in a couple of drawings from this below. https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/pdf/fairhousing/fairch6.pdf

Ideally, wood blocking for these bars should be installed before the drywall goes on, but it isn’t easy to do that with steel studs. If I were installing a safe grab bar in my own wall, I would buy a piece of red oak four inches wide, 3/4” thick, and the length of the wall. I would screw this to all the steel studs with two heavy screws. I could then attach a grab bar with three screws at each end anywhere I wanted along the oak. (I would also sand and finish the wood before screwing it to the studs.) This is a very strong way to install a grab bar. I would do this myself, but not everyone has the tools. The oak can also be painted the color of your other trim.

Re: red oak
I just recently bought some at Lowes 8 inch wide. I was shocked 7.50 a foot. I wish I did not listen to my wife when she told me to get rid of all the hardwood I had in my basement. Today, it is priced like gold.

[Tsalla Apopka]

Attaching to metal studs
is not sufficient. This is why I do not like metal studs.

I weigh 240 lbs and have connected to metal studs and it works very well. Solid and if you use the correct anchors will hold.

[worahm]

I have two vacuum type grab bars in our walk-in shower for the past two years. I have found that they lose the vacuum after a few months. They work find most of the time. I make it a point to reset them at least once a month..
As far as screw on type holding bars. At lease one screw on each end must be securely screwed into a wood stud.

[gladesratt1]

I use Grab Bars and More. Not expensive, on time, and cleans up area when done. I've had one bar replaced, and added two others due to a fall. Ryan, 352-630-9256. He is licensed and insured.

[Blackbird45]

Do not use the suction cup grab bars, they can come lose without warning. What we have used and have lasted for 3 years without any problems was a grab bar attached with adhesive. We have installed 3 and my wife actually pulls herself out of her showering chair without fear. You can purchase these bars at Lowes or Home Depot

[Kathe]

I just had a handyman put two in my shower and he said they need to go in studs. He did a great job and should I need to grab I’m sure they would support me. Anchors and screws maybe not.

[joelfmi]

Myself being a master plumber and plumbing teacher retired when I install any and all grab bars. I locater the studs first on the area were I am going to install the grab bars usually 16" on center remove a small section of wall and tile being careful not to break the tiles. This section will be replaces with new sheet rock and saved tiles, install in between these studs a piece of !/2" plywood usually 17" by 18" make sure you nail the piece that is 17" long on the studs or use inside wood wood bracers to cut 17" pieces to fit the inside space of the stud after that is done fit the 18" piece into the space making sure that itis nailed on to the ply wood spacer after that is done replace the cut out walls. This area were you are installing the grab bars must be determined before you do anything and planned out. I have installed hundred of grab bars in this fashion. Good Luck

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

You don't want them to.lose suction just as you are getting up. Hire someone who knows what to do. That's what I did. Yes I have one of those with suction in the shower and they do lose suction. Fortunately I also have a grab bar properly installed .

[retiredguy123]

For most people, this is not a DIY project. If you don't install the grab bar properly, you can create a dangerous safety hazard in your house.

[Cupcake57]

Aloha Larry the handyman knew what to do and installed mine. I called warranty, who referred me to builder who referred me to framer who said: stucco homes have wood studs on outer wall 16" on center, and steel studs 24" on center in interior walls. (designer built in 2019) As toilet is on outer wall and grab bar was 24", both ends didn't line up with studs, but Aloha Larry knew exactly what to do.

[crydzanich]

I used one of the suction ones at my daughters getting out of the tub/shower combo and as I grabbed it, it let loose and we both went flying. I had Grab Bar Bob install them in my previous home here in the Villages. Very sturdy.

[MollyJo]

You could call this TOTV sponsor and have them install it.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/medical-equipment-412/grab-bars-more-309633/?highlight=shower+grab

...or you can go to Lowe's and buy one of these for $18, I have one and it works great! Lowe's at Trailwinds has 26 in stock in aisle 40 bay 18. This is a 12" and they also have a 16" model.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/MHI-Safe-er-grip-6-in-White-Wall-Mount-Grab-Bar/3111155

http://mobileimages.lowes.com/product/converted/000367/00036768405245_16604179.jpg?size=pdhi

Those suction grab bars are dangerous! I’m surprised they’re on the market!

[Naoautorizada]

This won't work for stucco (sorry OP), but it (theoretically) would work for nearly anything else.

Google GRIPP-Series-Mounting-Hardware and the first search result should be titled

"Patented ADA compliant no drilling required Grab Bar"


Now a question for you experts out there...

When attaching something like this to tile, what's to say that the tile doesn't let go of the wall with that kind of weight pulling on it?

I mean, the tile is only glued on as well.

Interested in your thoughts. Thanks in advance.