How to Install Grab Bars
Our Grab Bar kits ship with hardware and instructions for how to install grab bars into drywall. Grab bars should be fixed to studs in order to provide the best support. There are times, though, where this simply isn’t an option. Below are instructions for the four most common methods of how to install grab bars.
Drywall into a Stud
Drywall without a Stud
Ceramic Tile into a Stud
Ceramic Tile without a Stud
Drywall into a Stud
How to Install Grab Bars into Drywall With a Stud
This procedure will guide you through how to install grab bars on drywall directly into wood studs behind the wall. You will see drywall around residential and commercial toilets and along walkways in bathrooms. Generally, showers and baths have tile, rather than drywall as the surface material. Follow this guide carefully and be sure that you have the proper tools.
âš ï¸If you aren’t confident in your installation skills, we recommend you hire an installer. âš ï¸
Tools
- Power Drill
- 1/8†Drill Bit
- Stud Finder
- Screwdriver
- Silicone Sealant
- Level
- Painters Tape
Parts Supplied
Our grab bars come with a pack of six (6) #10 x 2 inch wood screws. (Grab bars with 3 mounting locations come with nine (9) screws).
Safety Precautions
- Grab bars are only as strong as the strength and rigidity of the material to which they are mounted. They must be mounted through the wall and screwed directly to a wooden stud.
- When drilling into the wall, exercise extreme care to avoid any electrical wiring or plumbing that may be located behind the wall. Older homes may not always fall in line with current housing codes and requirements. Make sure to verify where internal wiring is located in the wall so that no wires will interfere with the installation. Damaged electrical wiring can cause electric shock and fire.
- Proper installation is extremely important. If in any doubt, stop and contact a qualified grab bar installation professional.
Before Installing the Grab Bar
- Remove the grab bar (with included screw pack) from the package. The screw pack will be inside the plastic bag with the grab bar.
- Move grab bar flange covers away from the holes and tape them to the bar in a position away from the mounting ends.
- With a stud finder, locate and pencil mark where the wood studs are located behind the wall.
- You can use painters tape instead of pencil marks to prevent wall marks.
- Determine your preferred grab bar placement location in consideration of the wall stud location and the best ergonometric way to enter, use, and exit the shower, bathtub, or toilet.
- You can place the grab bar vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
- At least two (2) screws must be mounted directly into each wood stud from each grab bar wall mount. Keep this in mind as it will limit your placement options on the wall.
- Based on where you have chosen to place the grab bar, with the loose grab bar in your hand, position the grab bar over the wood stud marks where you intend to install it.
- With a pencil in one hand and the grab bar in the other hand, press the grab bar flanges against the wall on your desired mounting location and mark the centers of the mounting holes on the one end. These are the points where you will later drill holes through the tile with the diamond tip drill bit.
- Be sure to use painters tape before applying the pencil marks. This layer of painters tape will prevent pencil marks and scratches during drilling into the wall surface.
Drilling into Wall Studs
- Use the power drill and 1/8-inch drill bit to drill pilot holes into the wall and wood wall studs at the marked positions.
- Place the grab bar on the wall, aligning mounting holes with the holes in the wall.
- Insert the screws provided into one end of the grab bar (one end at a time). Screw into wall and wall stud with a screwdriver. Hand tighten only enough to hold the grab bar in place and prevent the bar from sliding and scratching the wall. Also, this will allow you some wiggle room to move the grab bar when positioning and securing the other opposite end.
- Apply a bead of silicone sealant on the back of the mounting flange before inserting and tightening the screws, as it helps prevent water damage behind the wall surface. This is critical when installing grab bars in the shower/bath area.
- Repeat prior steps for the opposite end of the grab bar.
- If mounting horizontally or vertically, use a level to make sure that the grab bar is at the correct degree, level, 90-degree, or 45-degree angle.
- Once both ends are secured to the wall, fasten both ends tightly and carefully until both ends of the grab bar are snug against the wall.
- Move the flange cover plates over the mounting holes and align the cover’s locking tabs to the slots on the flange, push in towards the wall, and twist approximately 15 degrees clockwise until locked in place.
- If being installed in a shower/bath environment, use generous amounts of silicone sealant around the exterior of the flange cover as it is secured to the wall. Leave a tiny bit of the perimeter at the bottom uncovered so that water can drain from behind the cover if it were to be penetrated.
Drywall without a Stud
How to Install a Grab Bar into Drywall without Studs
This procedure will guide you to install grab bars on drywall without wood studs, also known as “hollow wallsâ€. Installing grab bars without fastening directly into studs requires specialty hollow wall anchoring devices. Follow this guide carefully and be sure that you have the proper tools. Such as a 1/2″ drill bit for proper drilling and toggle anchor bolts for hollow wall anchoring.
âš ï¸A grab bar is only as strong as the anchoring devices and the wall on which it is mounted. Fastening directly into wood “stud†blocking is highly preferred.
âš ï¸If you aren’t confident in your installation skills, we recommend you hire an installer. âš ï¸
Tools
- Power Drill
- ½†Drill Bit
- Toggler Anchor Kit
- Screwdriver
- Silicone Sealant
- Level
- Painters Tape
Parts Supplied
Our grab bars come with a pack of six (6) #10 x 2 inch wood screws. (Grab bars with 3 mounting locations come with nine (9) screws).
Safety Precautions
- Grab bars are only as strong as the strength and rigidity of the material to which they are mounted and the strength of the anchoring device that they are secured to.
- When drilling into wall, exercise extreme care to avoid any electrical wiring or plumbing that may be located behind the wall. Older homes may not always fall in line with current housing codes and requirements. Make sure to verify where internal wiring is located in the wall so that no wires will interfere with the installation. Damaged electrical wiring can cause electric shock and fire.
- Proper installation is extremely important. If in any doubt, stop and contact a qualified grab bar installation professional.
Before Installing the Grab Bar
- Remove the grab bar (with included screw pack) from the package. The screw pack will be inside the plastic bag with the grab bar.
- Move grab bar flange covers away from the holes and tape them to the bar in a position away from the mounting ends.
- Determine your preferred grab bar placement location depending on the best ergonometric way to enter, use, and exit the shower, bathtub, or toilet.
- You can place the grab bar vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
- Based on where you have chosen to place the grab bar, with the loose grab bar in your hand, position the grab bar over the surface of the tile wall where you intend to install it.
- With a pencil in one hand and the grab bar in the other hand, press the grab bar flanges against the wall on your desired mounting location and mark the centers of the mounting holes on the one end. These are the points where you will later drill holes through the tile with the diamond tip drill bit. We recommend two holes for each mounting point, meaning, you will only need 4 anchors per grab bar.
- Be sure to use painters tape before applying the pencil marks. This layer of painters tape will prevent pencil marks and scratches during drilling into the wall surface.
Drilling into Hollow Drywall
Use a power drill with a 1/2-inch drill bit to drill holes through the drywall at the marked positions. Two (2) holes for each mounting point.
Installing Grab Bar Anchoring Devices into Hollow Wall
After you have drilled the 1/2″ holes, insert the toggler wall anchor devices. (2 per mounting point, 4 per grab bar).
- Hold the metal channel flat alongside plastic straps & slide channel through the hole. Minimum clearance behind wall: only 1-7/8â€
- Hold ends of straps together between thumb & forefinger and pull toward you until channel rests behind wall. Ratchet cap along straps with other hand until flange of cap is flush with wall.
- Place thumb between straps at wall. Push thumb side to side, snapping off straps level with flange of cap.
Installing Grab Bar onto Anchoring Devices
- Place the grab bar on the wall. Align mounting holes with the toggler anchoring devices already installed into the wall.
- Apply a bead of silicone sealant on the back of the mounting flange before inserting and tightening the bolts, as it helps prevent water damage behind the wall surface. This is critical when installing grab bars in a shower or bath environment where water can get behind the grab bar flange and create rust.
- Insert the bolts provided (one end at a time) and tighten until snug against the wall.
- Repeat prior steps for opposite end of the grab bar.
- Once both ends are secured to the wall, fasten both ends tightly and carefully until both ends of the grab bar are snug against the wall.
- Move the flange cover plates over the mounting holes and align the cover’s locking tabs to the slots on the flange, push in towards the wall, and twist approximately 15 degrees clockwise until locked in place.
- If being installed in a shower/bath environment, use generous amounts of silicone sealant. Around the exterior of the flange cover as it is secured to the wall. Leave a tiny bit of the perimeter at the bottom uncovered. So that water can drain from behind the cover if it were to be penetrated.
Ceramic Tile into a Stud
How to Install Grab Bars into Ceramic Tile with a Stud
This procedure will guide you to install grab bars on tile walls directly into wood studs behind the wall. Installing grab bars on tiled walls can be very difficult due to drilling through the tough surface material. Follow this guide carefully and be sure that you have the proper tools. Such as diamond tip drill bits for proper drilling.
âš ï¸If you aren’t confident in your installation skills, we recommend you hire an installer. âš ï¸
Tools
- Power Drill
- 1/4†Diamond Tip Drill Bit
- Stud Finder
- Screwdriver
- Silicone Sealant
- Level
- Painters Tape
Parts Supplied
Our grab bars come with a pack of six (6) #10 x 2 inch wood screws. (If the grab bar has 3 mounting locations, then there will be nine (9) screws supplied).
Safety Precautions
- Grab bars are only as strong as the strength and rigidity of the material to which they are mounted. They must be mounted through the wall and screwed directly to a wooden stud.
- When drilling into the wall, exercise extreme care to avoid any electrical wiring or plumbing that may be located behind the wall. Older homes may not always fall in line with current housing codes and requirements. Make sure to verify where internal wiring is located in the wall so that no wires will interfere with the installation. Damaged electrical wiring can cause electric shock and fire.
- Proper installation is extremely important. If in any doubt, stop and contact a qualified grab bar installation professional.
Before Installing the Grab Bar
- Remove the grab bar (with included screw pack) from the package. The screw pack will be inside the plastic bag with the grab bar.
- Move grab bar flange covers away from the holes and tape them to the bar in a position away from the mounting ends.
- With a stud finder, locate and pencil mark where the wood studs are located behind the wall.
o You can use painters tape instead of pencil marks to prevent wall marks. - Determine your preferred grab bar placement location in consideration of the wall stud location and the best ergonometric way to enter, use, and exit the shower, bathtub, or toilet.
o You can place the grab bar vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
o At least two (2) screws must be mounted directly into each wood stud from each grab bar wall mount. Keep this in mind as it will limit your placement options on the wall. - Based on where you have chosen to place the grab bar, with the loose grab bar in your hand, position the grab bar over the wood stud marks where you intend to install it.
- With a pencil in one hand and the grab bar in the other hand, press the grab bar flanges against the wall on your desired mounting location and mark the centers of the mounting holes on the one end. These are the points where you will later drill holes through the tile with the diamond tip drill bit.
o Be sure to use painters tape before applying the pencil marks. This layer of painters tape will prevent pencil marks and scratches during drilling into the wall surface.
Drilling Holes into Tiled Wall with Diamond Drill Bit
- Use a power drill with a 1/4-inch diamond tip drill bit to drill pilot holes through the tile wall at the marked positions.
- Intended Uses of Diamond Drill Bit:
o Only use this drill bit on ceramic, marble, granite, porcelain, or fiberglass surfaces.
o Only use this drill bit on surfaces 1/2″ thick or less.
o Do not use this drill bit on concrete or metal – it will bend or snap. - Start drilling at a 45-degree angle and slowly adjust to 90 degrees as the bit starts to cut into the material.
- Drilling Requirements:
o Water lubrication is required.
o Reduce drill speed. Drill slowly!
o Reduce drill pressure against the surface. Apply low pressure!!
Installing Grab Bar into Wood Wall Studs
- Use the power drill and 1/8-inch drill bit to drill pilot holes through the pre-drilled holes (from prior step) and into the wood wall studs.
- Place the grab bar on the wall, aligning mounting holes with the holes in the wall.
- Insert the wood screws provided into one end of the grab bar (one end at a time). Screw into wall and wall stud with a screwdriver. Hand tighten only enough to hold the grab bar in place and prevent the bar from sliding and scratching the wall. Also, this will allow you some wiggle room to move the grab bar when positioning and securing the other opposite end.
- Apply a bead of silicone sealant on the back of the mounting flange before inserting and tightening the screws, as it helps prevent water damage behind the wall surface. This is critical when installing grab bars in a shower or bath environment where water can get behind the grab bar flange and create rust.
- Repeat prior steps for the opposite end of the grab bar.
- If mounting horizontally or vertically, use a level to make sure that the grab bar is at the correct degree, level, 90-degree, or 45-degree angle.
- Once both ends are secured to the wall, fasten both ends tightly and carefully until both ends of the grab bar are snug against the wall.
- Move the flange cover plates over the mounting holes and align the cover’s locking tabs to the slots on the flange, push in towards the wall, and twist approximately 15 degrees clockwise until locked in place.
- If being installed in a shower/bath environment, use generous amounts of silicone sealant. Around the exterior of the flange cover as it is secured to the wall. Leave a tiny bit of the perimeter at the bottom uncovered. So that water can drain from behind the cover if it were to be penetrated.
Ceramic Tile without a Stud
How to Install a Grab Bar into Ceramic Tile without a Stud
This procedure will guide you to install grab bars on tile walls without wood studs, also known as “hollow wallsâ€. Installing grab bars on tiled walls can be very difficult due to drilling through the tough surface material. Additionally, installing grab bars without fastening directly into studs requires specialty hollow wall anchoring devices. Follow this guide carefully and be sure that you have the proper tools. Such as diamond tip drill bits for proper drilling and our toggle anchor bolts for hollow wall anchoring).
âš ï¸If you aren’t confident in your installation skills, we recommend you hire an installer. âš ï¸
Tools
- Power Drill
- ½†Diamond Drill Bit
- Toggler Anchor Kit
- Screwdriver
- Silicone Sealant
- Level
- Painters Tape
Parts Supplied
Our grab bars come with a pack of six (6) #10 x 2 inch wood screws. (Grab bars with 3 mounting locations come with nine (9) screws).
Safety Precautions
- Grab bars are only as strong as the strength and rigidity of the material to which they are mounted and the strength of the anchoring device that they are secured to.
- When drilling into wall, exercise extreme care to avoid any electrical wiring or plumbing that may be located behind the wall. Older homes may not always fall in line with current housing codes and requirements. Make sure to verify where internal wiring is located in the wall so that no wires will interfere with the installation. Damaged electrical wiring can cause electric shock and fire.
- Proper installation is extremely important. If in any doubt, stop and contact a qualified grab bar installation professional.
Before Installing the Grab Bar
- Remove the grab bar (with included screw pack) from the package. The screw pack will be inside the plastic bag with the grab bar.
- Move grab bar flange covers away from the holes and tape them to the bar in a position away from the mounting ends.
- Determine your preferred grab bar placement location depending on the best ergonometric way to enter, use, and exit the shower, bathtub, or toilet.
o You can place the grab bar vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. - Based on where you have chosen to place the grab bar, with the loose grab bar in your hand, position the grab bar over the surface of the tile wall where you intend to install it.
- With a pencil in one hand and the grab bar in the other hand, press the grab bar flanges against the wall on your desired mounting location and mark the centers of the mounting holes on the one end. These are the points where you will later drill holes through the tile with the diamond tip drill bit. We recommend two holes for each mounting point, meaning, you will only need 4 anchors per grab bar.
o Be sure to use painters tape before applying the pencil marks. This layer of painters tape will prevent pencil marks and scratches during drilling into the wall surface.
Drilling Holes into Tiled Wall with Diamond Drill Bit
- Use a power drill with a 1/2-inch diamond tip drill bit to drill pilot holes through the tile wall at the marked positions. Two (2) holes for each mounting point.
- Intended Uses of Diamond Drill Bit:
o Only use this drill bit on ceramic, marble, granite, porcelain, or fiberglass surfaces.
o Only use this drill bit on surfaces 1/2″ thick or less.
o Do not use this drill bit on concrete or metal – it will bend or snap. - Start drilling at a 45-degree angle and slowly adjust to 90 degrees as the bit starts to cut into the material.
- Drilling Requirements:
o Water lubrication is required.
o Reduce drill speed. Drill slowly!
o Reduce drill pressure against the surface. Apply low pressure!!
Installing Grab Bar Anchoring Devices into Hollow Wall
After you have drilled the 1/2″ holes, insert the toggler wall anchor devices. (2 per mounting point, 4 per grab bar).
- Hold the metal channel flat alongside plastic straps & slide channel through the hole. Minimum clearance behind wall: only 1-7/8â€
- At this point, hold the ends of straps together between thumb & forefinger and pull toward you until channel rests behind wall. Ratchet cap along straps with other hand until flange of cap is flush with wall.
- Place thumb between straps at wall. Push thumb side to side, snapping off straps level with flange of cap.
Installing Grab Bar onto Anchoring Devices
- Place the grab bar on the wall. Align mounting holes with the toggler anchoring devices already installed into the wall.
- Apply a bead of silicone sealant on the back of the mounting flange before inserting and tightening the bolts, as it helps prevent water damage behind the wall surface. This is critical when installing grab bars in a shower or bath environment where water can get behind the grab bar flange and create rust.
- Insert the bolts provided (one end at a time) and tighten until snug against the wall.
- Repeat prior steps for opposite end of the grab bar.
- Once both ends are secured to the wall, fasten both ends tightly and carefully until both ends of the grab bar are snug against the wall.
- Move the flange cover plates over the mounting holes and align the cover’s locking tabs to the slots on the flange, push in towards the wall, and twist approximately 15 degrees clockwise until locked in place.
- To install in a shower/bath environment, use generous amounts of silicone sealant around the exterior of the flange cover as it is secured to the wall. Leave a tiny bit of the perimeter at the bottom uncovered so that water can drain from behind the cover if it were to be penetrated.
Visit the Grab Bar section of our store to purchase grab bars in a variety of sizes and color options.