Another grab bar question

Stan in Oly, WA · Oct 4, 2016

I thought it was time to start a new thread for a new question. I was afraid nobody would notice if I tried to introduce a new question in the previous thread. Does anybody have a suggestion for how to experiment to determine the location where a grab bar (or bars) would be the most useful for our purposes? What we have discovered is that you can't tell how useful any location or configuration for the grab bar will be if you can't grab it and try pulling yourself up with it. Holding something the right length in place, and then trying to imagine what it would be like to use it to pull yourself up is totally useless. You learn nothing about the grip, or how the leverage will change as you rise. Now that I have a good idea of what I have to do to install the grab bar(s), I'd like to be able to do more than just guess at where it would do the most good.

Stan

JMS/.MN · Oct 4, 2016

Do you have exposed studs somewhere, like basement, garage, outbuilding? Temp attach them there, sit on the floor, pull yourself up. Adjust location per results. Allow for distance tub bottom is above floor.

Janicholson · Oct 4, 2016

Make a 2X4 stand with two "legs" put a row of holes for a 1/2" all thread rod in each, drilling through both at once. Put the rod through a 2" piece of 1-1/2" exhaust pipe, and tighten nuts on the rod, holding it to the 2X4s. with this placed next to the wall, it will approximate the grab bar. Testing it might require a second person to steady the gizmo, but it beats making a bunch of holes in the wall. Jim

rd 2N in mo · Oct 4, 2016

I think he means where to locate it in the tub.

Steve@Advance · Oct 4, 2016

They make suction cup type grab bars. You might buy one, carefully try it, then return it when done.

I certainly would not trust it as a permanent solution, can't believe something like that can even be sold!
Suction cup grab bar

John(OR) · Oct 4, 2016

Throw the tub away. When the wife and I started slipping in the tub I took it out to the dump. Bought a step in shower stall the same size as the tub was,seats on both ends. Before I put it in I took sheet rock off put 2x6 blocking between studs at convenient locations. Put in shower stall then screwed into 2x6's. That was ten years ago best thing we ever did no slipping, grab bars for balance and one just outside for stepping out. after 2 shoulder surgery's and open heart surgery it has made life easier.

Stan in Oly, WA · Oct 5, 2016

Very good suggestions, everybody. I'm impressed, but not surprised. I've come to depend on the knowledgeable and practical advice I'm sure to get here. As a bonus, there's always a good amount of unconventional perspective thrown in, which really keeps it interesting. Thanks.

Stan

Stan in Oly, WA · Oct 5, 2016

Steve, that's one I actually thought of. I have a few of those suction cup devices that are intended for carrying sheets of glass. But when I suggested using one of those to check placement and use, my wife assured me that it would pull the poorly secured tub surround material right off the wall. I'm pretty sure she's right. Thanks, though.

Stan

Ron in Nebr · Oct 5, 2016

I would bet good money that in our regulated society today that there have been many studies done on this exact question. Grab bars in nursing homes, etc, most likely aren't just slapped in at the contractors whim, but are likely installed to meet a certain spec. Shouldn't be too hard to contact a retirement home near you and find out some more info.

WGM · Oct 5, 2016

Find a copy of the AIA (American Insitiute of Architects) construction standards manual. It will have everything you ever wanted to know about grab bars or anything else building related. You local library may have a copy. Using suction cup grab bars are a disaster waiting to happen. Don't use them. I am writing from experience.

JMS/.MN · Oct 5, 2016

I know that- I"m just saying to use that scenario to locate where it should be mounted
- like another says, without making extra holes in the bathroom wall.

evilboweivel · Oct 5, 2016

mounted a grab bar across from the toilet just before knee replacement surgery 1 1/2 year ago.
messed up by buying a bar for 24 on center instead of 16 on center studs, didn't want to take it back so mounted it on a diagonal.
turned out to work great as I grab ahold of it in different places as I recovered and still use it to this day.
Wife is a foot shorter and grabs it at a different spot than I use.
when it comes time for grab bars in shower they will get mounted on a diagonal also.

Another grab bar question

Stan in Oly, WA

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JMS/.MN

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Janicholson

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rd 2N in mo

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Steve@Advance

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John(OR)

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Stan in Oly, WA

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Stan in Oly, WA

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Ron in Nebr

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WGM

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JMS/.MN

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evilboweivel

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