E10 Why I Would Never Use Suction Cup Grab Bars!

[@regtomerlin]

Hi Daryl, Thank you for this video! Your education will definitely save injuries and lives. I just now found this and am looking forward to viewing all of them!

[@safeliving-home]

Hi Reg. Thanks you for your comments. I hope to have a lot more videos to put up!

[@ladymayramorfin413]

Thank you for the information.

[@bassdrum3351]

what good info - and a very intelligent guy - cheers

[@safeliving-home]

I truly apricate you are taking the time to watch video and providing your comments. Thank you!

[@finestpix]

Thank you for your video. You confirmed my suspicions.

[@regtomerlin]

Hi Daryl Equal to the strength and durability of a grab bar in the mind of Seniors (they already recognize the urgent need) is the installed cost and the confidence they earn in daily use. Some fearful seniors avoid bathing in detriment to their health.

[@regtomerlin]

Hi Daryl, and thanks again for this very informative video. One thought: Normally non porous surfaces (even glass) become *porous* especially here in California with the buildup of mineral deposits that are very difficult to remove. This further defeats the safety of suction cup grab bars.

[@Doo-l5x]

Failure due to sliding to grout line. Amazing thanks

[@safeliving-home]

Glad it helped! Thank you for watching!

[@safeliving-home]

Hi Phyllis, thank you for watching my video!! Is your tile smooth and glossy? I'm going to be testing on some grab bars that use adhesive, and I will post those results shortly. Be careful with your grab bar, as you won't know how much weight the adhesive will hold. In my county of NJ, Catholic Charities has a Fix It program, which has volunteers put in grab bars for people. You might want to see if there are local organizations that can help put in a permanent grab bar for you.

[@phyllisharper7502]

I have not had success with suction cup grab bars. I had to use waterproof adhesive. Hoping that works.

[@regtomerlin]

Hi Phyllis, I believe I can help you

[@TalRohan]

Honestly I worry about the tiles aswell, not all tile is very well attached to the wall. It depends on who stuck it there and on what the wall behind it is made of thankyou for sharing this demonstration

[@safeliving-home]

Hi there, Thank you so much for taking the time to watch our demonstration and for sharing your thoughts. You bring up a very valid concern regarding the reliability of suction cup grab bars, especially when considering the condition and installation quality of the tiles they are attached to. Indeed, the effectiveness and safety of suction cup grab bars are significantly influenced by the underlying surface's integrity. Tiles that are not securely attached or that are installed on walls made of materials that don't offer a strong bond can compromise the safety that these grab bars are supposed to provide. It highlights an important aspect of home safety-ensuring that not only are the safety devices themselves reliable but also that the environment they are used in supports their intended use. Your point underscores the importance of a thorough evaluation of both the installation surface and the method of attachment for any safety device. It also reinforces why many, including myself, advocate for more permanent solutions, like those involving screw-mounting into studs or reinforced areas behind the wall, for the installation of grab bars. I appreciate your insight and am glad you found the demonstration informative. It's discussions like these that help spread awareness and encourage a more cautious approach to home safety equipment. If you have any more thoughts or questions, please don't hesitate to share. Thank you again for engaging with our content! Best regards, Daryl

[@TalRohan]

@@safeliving-home thankyou for the reply . In the UK the council will often install and indeed modify housing for disabled tenants so theyre really on the ball and know exactly what they're doing but for DIY installs it's well worth reading up and getting some professional insight into the best way to do things . Thankyou for sharing your channel

[@regtomerlin]

My team and I were just awarded a patent for a novel safe grab handle. My brief videos are on KZbin and LinkedIn

[@safeliving-home]

I will take a look at it today.

[@bellytripper-nh8ox]

**did you do exhaustive safety tests on these chinese made shower handles?**

[@safeliving-home]

What type of testing are you referring to? In my video, I used a test similar to the test required by the ADA. Let me know if you need additional information. Thanks Daryl

[@donaldshroyer8633]

What about a plastic stall?

[@safeliving-home]

Hi Donald, Thank you so much for engaging with my video on the reasons to avoid suction cup grab bars. Your question regarding plastic stalls is a great one, and I want to ensure I give you the most accurate advice tailored to your specific situation. In my experience, the effectiveness and safety of suction cup grab bars can vary significantly depending on the material and structure of the shower stall walls. For example, I've conducted tests on various surfaces, and consistently, suction cup grab bars tend to slide under any significant weight load, posing a safety risk. Similarly, adhesive mount systems often fail to adhere reliably to plastic or fiberglass wall systems. To provide you with the best possible guidance, could you please clarify the type of shower stall you have? Specifically, are you dealing with a fiberglass shower stall or one outfitted with shower panels? Any additional details about the wall material or the construction of your shower stall would be immensely helpful. Understanding the specifics will allow me to offer more precise recommendations on the safest and most effective solutions for your needs. I'm here to help, so feel free to share any further information or questions you might have. Looking forward to your response, Daryl

[@donaldshroyer8633]

@@safeliving-home Thanks for answering. All I can tell for sure is that it's a one piece tub and 3 sided stall.

[@safeliving-home]

@@donaldshroyer8633 There are a limited number of options for grab bar anchoring systems for one-piece Fiberglass showers or tubs. I haven’t done a video on this yet, but will one day. The options of the anchoring systems are. The SolidMount system - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6K9aqWhbNukoa8 This system bolts into the wall studs to give you a good anchoring system. Moen and Delta also make anchors they claim work on fiberglass tubs/showers. These two systems rely on the strength for the fiberglass wall to support the grab bar. I have done videos on these two systems, but I did not test them on fiberglass tubs. The videos do show the product specifications for fiberglass tubs. Delta Grab bar anchor - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpOVqZaciqd4ia8 Moen Secure Mount - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rISvp4anar9jY6s Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@donaldshroyer8633]

@@safeliving-home Thanks again for your input.

[@Demy1970]

They didn’t work on my tiles because not totally smooth, returning to amazon

[@safeliving-home]

Thank you for your comment, and I’m sorry to hear that the suction cup grab bars didn’t work on your tiles. Unfortunately, many manufacturers make misleading claims about ADA approval for suction cup grab bars, which can be quite frustrating. These products often don’t work on surfaces that aren’t perfectly smooth, as you experienced. Your feedback reinforces my findings, and I appreciate you sharing your experience! If you have any questions or need help with other mounting options, feel free to reach out! Best regards, Daryl

[@jamesphillips496]

What about using a little super glue with it?

[@safeliving.net.]

Thank you for your question! It's great to see your interest in finding a secure and reliable solution for grab bars. While the idea of using super glue to enhance the grip of suction cup grab bars might seem tempting, I'd like to offer an alternative approach that could be more effective and specifically designed for this purpose. I've actually created two videos exploring adhesive grab bar systems, which are a fantastic alternative to both suction cup grab bars and the idea of using super glue. These systems are designed with safety and durability in mind, providing a more reliable solution for those in need of support in the bathroom or other areas of the home. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m52Yd5SJq9p8l9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKSlmoqCltWed8k Using super glue is not something I'd recommend for this application, mainly because there are products available that are specifically engineered and tested to provide a secure hold without the complications that come with DIY solutions. Plus, I'm all about using the right tool for the job! I'm planning to do some future testing on various grab bar installation methods, including exploring other innovative solutions that go beyond traditional suction cup or even adhesive methods. My goal is always to provide you with the most reliable and safe options for your needs. In the meantime, I highly recommend checking out my videos on adhesive grab bar systems. They might offer exactly what you're looking for, with the added benefit of being designed for this very purpose. Your safety is paramount, and using a system that's been tested and proven is the best route to ensure that. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you again for engaging with the content. Your safety and well-being are always my top priorities!

[@TheSolidMount]

Such a bad idea. Suction cup grab bars fail... You will not know when it will fail but it will. We all have had suction cups on some items and after a few years, they fail why do you think this item will be any different?

[@safeliving-home]

Thank you for tuning into my videos and sharing your thoughts. Your concern about the reliability of suction cup grab bars is well-founded, particularly in contexts where safety is paramount. Suction cups are inherently susceptible to losing their effectiveness over time, influenced by factors such as air pressure fluctuations, temperature variations, and the state of the surface they adhere to. This gradual loss of adhesion might not be immediately evident, but it can eventually lead to the grab bars failing to hold. In environments like bathrooms, where grab bars are typically installed, the challenges are even more significant. These areas are often damp and heavily used, which can accelerate the decline in the suction cups' grip. Given the critical function of grab bars in preventing accidents like slips and falls, it's essential that they maintain a strong and reliable hold at all times. In my series, I'd love to include your anchoring system for fiberglass wall enclosures.

[@TheSolidMount]

Feel free to use it. @@safeliving-home Feel free to use it. I do recomend clarity that it is only for fiberglass enclosures. Thank you

[@arthura.9061]

This is the most dangerous item you can buy, and a false sense of security. I purchased this for my mother about 3 years. I tried everything to make it work, It would not stick to surface I even tried glue. My mother is 92 years old and very frail. It's a good think I was home at the time. She fell in the bathtub and was hurt very bad. All because of these dame suction plastic rails, not holding up the way it's described. She was in the hospital for 4 days, and now there is a big lawsuit on going. Please do not rely on this product. Reply

[@safeliving-home]

I'm truly sorry to hear about your mother's accident with the suction cup grab bar. It's important to recognize that while these bars are convenient, they may not offer the same stability as permanently installed ones. The failure you experienced underlines the need for careful product selection, especially for the elderly or those with mobility issues. For safety, it's generally recommended to use permanently mounted grab bars, professionally installed and regularly checked. Your ongoing lawsuit highlights the need for accountability and improved safety standards in the manufacturing of such products. It's crucial to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice on home safety equipment. I hope your mother has recovered, and your experience serves as a valuable caution for others in choosing the right support equipment.

[@arthura.9061]

Since then stainless steel bars have been installed.@@safeliving-home

[@regtomerlin]

Hi Daryl, I posted my email address under “about” / “description” I hope you can see it there