What Is the Installation Process for an Extension Grab Bar?

Installation Process for an Extension Grab Bar

Grab bars are a great way to improve the safety and accessibility of an area like the bathroom. However, they are a costly addition to a home and the installation process can be challenging. This is especially true if the wall materials are not conducive to installing a grab bar. Professional installers have the tools and knowledge to safely install grab bars and ensure they can bear the intended weight without causing damage or accidents. The amount of money you spend on a professional installation will vary depending on the number of bars you need, wall materials and other factors.

Unlike a standard grab bar, which typically only extends straight up from the wall, an extension grab bar may be angled or even flipped up to provide support in a vertical or horizontal position. To properly install an extension grab bar, you will need to remove the escutcheon and then carefully drill through the wall material using a masonry bit.

After drilling, make sure the pilot holes line up with the mounting flanges of the Extension grab bar. Once you have located the stud, drive the screw or bolt through the mounting flanges and apply moderate pressure to check that the grab bar is secure. If you notice the screw or bolt loosen before the test, it’s a good idea to add a plastic anchor or similar type of reinforcement.

What Is the Installation Process for an Extension Grab Bar?

Bathrooms are notoriously difficult to work in and can be a dangerous environment for DIYers, particularly when it comes to finding studs to drill through. For this reason, it is best to rely on a professional installer who has experience working in tile walls. To avoid shattering or cracking the tiles, use a drill bit specifically designed for this material and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the grab bar.

To determine whether a grab bar is appropriate for your client, perform a detailed assessment of their abilities, including their reach range and the force they may place upon the grab rail. This will help you find the right position, length and style of grab bar to meet their needs. You should also consider their anthropometrics, which are the measurements of the body including height, width and depth. This can have a significant impact on the force that can be placed on the rail and how it is supported.

While ADA and British Doc M regulations provide specific guidelines for the style of grab bar, manufacturers have started to understand that their customers want more than just an institutional look for their grab bars. As such, they have begun offering a variety of styles, finishes and cover plates that allow the user to choose a look that fits their home. Many of these products can be viewed at Southern California mobility showrooms. Some also feature anti-slip surfaces that will improve the safety of an individual using the grab bar in wet areas.