How to Install a Safety Grab Bar

[@jasonturner5190]

When I install grab bars and/or other hardware in a tub/shower area, I always recommend and use stainless steel screws. Non-stainless steel screws have the tendency to rust, eventually break, and could cause streak stains. I also apply a little bit of kitchen & bath adhesive caulking to the back of the mounting plate to make it water tight and prevent water from making its way to inside the drilled holes.

[@noraplowshay8784]

Good advice! Thank you!.

[@misterm7086]

My thoughts are exactly!

[@Darkskinx3]

Thankyou!

[@ricknelson4793]

Hard to find someone with the skills to do the whole job right the first time. Sad but true!

[@SuperStreetmagician]

Ever time I need to add something to my house , this guy has a video on it. thank you so much for making videos 5 stars.

[@JERRYR708]

You can add a rubber gasket over the drill bit. It absorbs the impact when the drill bit makes its way through and the chuck slams into the tile.

[@Engineer9736]

Tip of the year: Put the plug in the tub drain. Or put something over it if the closer is inside the drain. If a setscrew falls you won’t end up in a situation where you have to mount the handle with less than the 6 setscrews 🙂 I know there where spare ones.. But better to not have setscrews in your drain.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

lol, They sent me 3 extra screws like as if they knew who was going to be buying it!

[@robertsiefker417]

Good place to use wide blue painters tape!

[@mitchfountain6523]

You kind of glossed over the hardest part (for me anyway) which is finding the studs through the tile and then figuring out exactly what angle and what place the bar goes to hit them. I also have to question how you hit a 1.5" stud with three screws when the plate is something like 3" in diameter. Every house I have ever owned is framed with 2 x 4's on 16" centers. IF I find the studs on the first drill hole and line two of the holes up and hit that stud, then, the last screw 3" to the left or to the right is NOT going to hit any stud. Did I miss something in the explanation?

[@matthewsalomone3800]

Exactly.

[@cory9170]

I think for the off-stud holes, the idea is to angle the screws inward in order to hit the stud.

[@bassheadlife492]

Same, I watched this for no reason at this point

[@digi3218]

He only used two screws each I believe. Line them up so they both fall onto the stud. I am wondering as well if a stud finder would even work with tile.

[@rjyepez21]

@@digi3218 a stud finder won’t work. You can use a really strong magnet to find the screws behind the tile from the hardiebacker. And 1 screw to each stud is strong enough to hold the bar

[@jensonee]

finding the studs is the major part of installing the damn grab bars.

[@kiwanisspecialolympicstrou6340]

Jeff you make it look so easy! One item you need to add is, how do you locate the studs?

[@enderdadon696]

Don't need to drill onto studs when in ceramic

[@drippingwax]

@@enderdadon696 I am doing this for my mother with porcelain tile. How do I locate the studs?

[@enderdadon696]

@@drippingwax U can use a stud finder if the ceramic is not that thick. But in Ceramic, using anchors is enough to hold the bar and the person. U have to make sure that the anchors are very tight and there's no play when u insert them. Also make sure that the bar is suitable for the person to use as terms of the weight it can hold . I install those bars everyday , I'm a medical equipment technician.

[@andreabasney]

@@enderdadon696 can clarify “anchors”? Which type specifically?

[@lynardok6654]

Waterproof Seal it!! Had a plumber install one several years ago but he sealed nothing - it is a rusted mess, leaks into the wall and basement. Hoping plumbers putty will save the day.

[@paulchapman5040]

It would be nice to know how you determined where the studs were.

[@troysandoval2731]

I enjoyed watching your video. Also liked how happy you were and how patient you were. Great job.

[@mostlikelywedoitservices9743]

So here is something many don't know. For the install where it has no lumber to screw to. They make a very large wall toggle with a round plate for the grab bar to screw to. It is designed just for grab bars.

[@brucerighter5539]

Wing-Its are now pretty widely available

[@alexanderhardwick9229]

Loving the short Tuesday releases! Tidbits for us busy folk! Great work Jeff

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Chris, great to hear!

[@Lombardi54]

Applying silicon over the head of the screw in the wet part of the shower and that was the the answer I was looking for when nobody mentioned anything about it. Thank you sir. Also, please remember to wear safety glasses and dust mask when working with tiles. Just trying to help.

[@catsmeow5566]

Falling sucks at any age, but when people get older its much worse. My 83-yr-old uncle just fell and broke his hip (although, it was in a hallway at his assisted living facility-- his foot hit the leg of a couch in the hallway & he tripped). He's in a lot of pain right now but is in good spirits at least. He's got a shower with grab bars that he's looking forward to getting back to when he gets out of the hospital. We need to renovate Mom's bathroom and fix it up so she can safely use the shower. She has balance issues and falls easily. I already bought the grab bars and the shower kit but need to tear out the old one, repair/replace subfloor, and add backers for the grab bars once I figure out where she wants them. Moen makes some beautiful grab bars. I got some of their Home Care ones for Mom's bathroom. The allen keys don't always come in the package, which is so aggravating. And those tiny set screws are a pita. I got a Moen tub spout that needed the allen key but didn't have one included and it didn't even say what size it needed on the box. I had to get one of those multi-set ones and play around with it until I found the right size. Magnets are your friends when dealing with small screws. "Totally set-screwed" LOL!

[@waltright648]

For older folks, sometimes the hip breaks which causes the fall. Bones get so thin and brittle that they can snap just from walking. Likely some medications cause this condition.

[@robperrotta7697]

Did you mark the studs, prior to tiling? Will a stud finder work through tiles?

[@mediaadrenaline]

He obviously did not cover locating the studs which is the most important part of the job. A stud finder will not work through tile. If the tile does not go all the way to the ceiling, then mark your studs with a studfinder above the tile then, using a level, follow a straight line down from where you found the studs up top. Now, if the tile goes all the way to the ceiling, then you’ll need to use toggles. DO NOT USE EXPANDING ANCHORS- they will crack the tile.

[@andreabasney]

@@mediaadrenaline Wonder if a stud finder would work through a fiberglass surround?

[@robertsiefker417]

@@andreabasney Fiberglass surrounds have a nailing flange at the top and side edges. When installed, the walls of the surround stand off from the wall by 1.5-2 inches. You need a brace between the stud and surround wall. Very challenging to do from shower side. Easier if you have access from the other side of the wall. Consider removable suction device or call a carpenter who knows how to do it. VERY challenging DIY project.

[@hyster2568]

Useless video, how are you supposed to know where the studs are?

[@billhandymanbill2775]

Very nice step-by-step installation video. I would mention a couple of things in the video to help the viewers....cover the tub drain with a rag so parts don't go down the drain, wear safety glasses and dust mask, show using a stud finder to locate the wood studs, mention using 3" stainless steel screw so they don't rust (I like the silicone sealant to cover galvanized screw heads to prevent rusting).

[@digi3218]

Yeah stainless screws is the way to go.. I personally would squeeze silicon into the hole until it's full and put the screw in and wipe off the excess. Sounds like a good idea to me.

[@jensonee]

the stud finder i bought finds studs in a wall but nothing in the shower/tub tile. a major fail in this video.

[@billhandymanbill2775]

Yes, depending on the stud finder brand/model, they sometime can penetrate the thickness of the wall will the tiles added. I am thinking of buy the Walabot finder that finds studs, pipes and wires in the wall using your smartphone as the display device. I know it is expensive, but it will prevent a costly mistake!@@jensonee

[@lcook0825]

😀 As I'm 71 I guess my kids will be mentioning these to me soon. Lol. Good video.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Hi Larry, best to be proactive. Would hate to hear of an accident that could be completely avoidable. Cheers!

[@lcook0825]

Thanks.

[@MrMikeX]

Placing the anchor flange on the grout line creates access for water to enter.

[@bibbidi_bobbidi_bacons]

If you ever get the chance make a video for the installation and placement for a grab bar in a fiberglass 1 piece tub shower please

[@francoUSAhome]

What happens if you have no idea where the studs are..... anchor alternative explanation would have been great

[@jasonh289]

Thats where you use a stud finder. It helps detect the stud through the wall... you mark out either side of the stud as you locate it.... that way you can work out there centre of the stud and use it as the best place to drill.

[@francoUSAhome]

@@jasonh289 thanks, my stud finder doesnt detect through tile, maybe using the wrong brand?

[@jasonh289]

@@francoUSAhome yeah your generic cheapers ones cant... but if you get a uwb scanner it should pick it up

[@hygrometer]

i just installed one near the toilet and it helps me get into position

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

amazing how much of a difference a little assistance can make. Cheers!

[@bigdavemills]

Funny, one of the reasons I found your channel was bc our bath has these bars from previous owner. Looking to redo the bath and get rid of them! Love the videos! Thank you.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Nice, just do everything in reverse order. Cheers!

[@alexanderadamov7883]

Great video, Jeff - thank you. My mom has porcelain tile - what drill bit would you recommend? Thanks again.

[@musiqclub9725]

Jeff, you made me chuckle when you made quick mention of the tile on tile....I remember briefly a long while ago that vid when you tiled the kitchen backsplash.....cheeky. lol Thx for the vid, just got one I have to put in this wknd.

[@jerricorbett7461]

I am so glad that you covered the details in this video. I plan to install a safety bar in my mom’s shower. Thanks for all that you share!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EDBailley]

That's the A Teams saying I Iove it when a plan comes together lol. Nice work, you make it look so simple and easy lol. Cheers!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks< Glad you picked up on the reference. Corny as it sounds it was my favourite show when I was a kid!

[@muhash50]

It only look easy. It is Not. What if the studs are not there?

[@ericr2zz]

how do you determine where the studs are behind the tile? Maybe you already knew where the studs are since you just installed the tile. I don't think a stud finder will work over tile... I assume there's a stud at the far corner of the shower. Do you just measure 16" over and hope that's the middle of another stud?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

It is pretty common for stud to be vertical at the outside corner of the tub. If you are not renovating and want to add on then this is the best option. If you can't find wood then you should open the wall from the other side if possible to geter,min e the positioning. Worst case scenario you will need to install a new tile wall surround. That is worth the investment for safety of elderly family. Cheers!

[@phil505050p]

When its too difficult to find the stud, toggle bolt is the best option, its really strong

[@ericr2zz]

@@phil505050p Thank you!

[@fleadoggreen9062]

Nice work BUT!!!! What I wanna see is someone going into a tiled bathroom, that they know nothing about, and locate the studs , I tried everything, mine is a older bathroom early 1970’ with the mesh In back Anyone have any tips on how to secure this grab bar would be appreciated!!! I used those plastic inserts before, I’ll probably use them again ,thanks in advance

[@yvonnerenoult1819]

Where do you put the silicone? On the screws and in the hole? You mean the 4 holes that you drilled? Or just around the plate after installed?

[@chelleec23]

You always make it look so easy and explain things so well! Thank you!

[@noraplowshay8784]

😬moment! Really!? I think he made it look aggravating!

[@robertsiefker417]

We were looking for a towel bar for inside the shower and were disappointed in the chincy products available. We discovered a 16" long safety grab bar that is sturdy, strong, that has small diameter pipe 3/4" maybe). Looks good and is strong.

[@ronszerlong5489]

where did you purchase the 16" safety bar. Do the support screws line up with the 1 1/2" wide studs ?

[@deanwellmer3668]

Is this an actual load bearing handle bar? Mounting it to the anchors with 3 set screws on each mount? Set screws?

[@angelambca]

I have a tib surround. How do I determine where the studs are to install a grab bar?

[@jghartman4482]

You can get an electronic stud finder from a big box store. They are not very expensive and run on AA, or 9V batteries, typically. You place the device on the wall in the area you want to check, push the button to turn it on and then move it slowly until it indicates that it located a stud. They usually have lights or digital displays that indicate either the center or the edge of a stud. Probably better to get one that is center-reading, but it's a personal preference. Anyway, that's just a quick answer, the details for whichever device you buy will give you all the info you need. Fancier ones will tell you if there is something metal behind the surround (perhaps a water pipe), or if you are near electrical wire. Those cost a bit more.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

If that fails check the comment section again I laid out the process in a previous comment. Cheers!

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

What's your secrete when the tile is tub to ceiling. How do you find your studs. And what about when you can't get it to a stud. What then?

[@zareeftashfique8168]

🙋🏽‍♂️here to install it for my old lady aswell. Thank you sire 🫡

[@tommyjoe4310]

How do you determine where the studs are.? Will à regular stud finder work

[@trueforum378]

Maaan! you are simply THE best. Period. Keep the good work going....Abbas

[@matthewsalomone3800]

You made that look easy.

[@VoiceOfAsh]

Could you have used plastic anchors, if the studs were not found? Thx.

[@chrislnflorida5192]

U need to show how to find your studs and if their no way to find studs, the Anchors you would use. As many of these bars I have installed, I'm in Florida, I have never seen a set of bars come with washers or set screws, hmm.

[@SedonaBody]

What kind of drill bit for ceramic tile please? You said it so fast I couldn't understand what you're using. Thanks!

[@Jhogge85]

So, I'm assuming a shower rod would be installed similarly.... but I have porcelain subway tile and I'm not certain of the studs. Is it crazy to use stainless steel toggle bolts and then silicon?

[@oldranger649]

I like your work Jeff. Seen a few of yer Vids. By far the Pearl of Wisdom was Porcelain versus Ceramic. [Shows my ignorance right]. How do I go about drilling Porcelain, or should I just shoot myself now? Using two screws on the studs made me nervous, but the 3rd is unlikely and the fourth will never hit the stud, so go figure. I despise that set screw system you were fumbling with but respect your rational as far as I can follow it. I would go with a simpler system with lots of clear silocone shloshed around.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

LOL, but a diamond tip blade. Cheers!

[@restoreasurface2809]

I have used those same glass cutters through porcelain, and came out good. Big box sells a set, I start with the smallest one and work up to desired size. I have a cup of water to keep it wet too. That small one goes through porcelain pretty easy, then walk up. Hope that helps

[@Paul58ism]

i ONCE used the impact driver to drive in screws,,bad idea..it cracked the tile,,so use now i use regular drill or hand tighten..

[@matthewsalomone3800]

Hmm how did you locate the studs and figure the correct angle

[@Tipitinatralala]

I have the same grip bar and mine has come loose. It seems like the installer put silicone around the edges. Can you make a video on how to tighten it? Or send instructions? Thanks!

[@ricknelson4793]

Not all contractors/handymen are created equal. The grab bar probably wasn't installed properly to begin with. If it's just the ring that covers the screws being loose they just pop on the grab bar. May have to clean the old silicone off and put some new silicone on to get it to stay in place. If the main support screws are loose then I recommend getting someone involved who cares about how they work on things.

[@ranger178]

so, if i am putting in blocking for grab bars what is best locations for bars?

[@acstorm07]

How is it that you have wood to screw into on every screw? did you plan ahead for this? I am ready to put cement board up over my new bathtub. Should I add some backing for the grab bars?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

definitely. I take a picture of my tape measure on the walls before i close so i have the measurements for later!

[@alexill]

A good romance starts with a foundation of trust and genuine friendship. A bad romance starts with a rah rah rah-ah-ah, roma roma-ma gaga ooh la la #cheers

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Been watching carpool karaoke with James Corden again?

[@edmattinson4859]

How do you know where the studs are

[@javig.5213]

Sorry Jeff, but you really need to redo this video with proper installation steps. From finding the 2x4, sealing the drill holes, to as simple as covering the drain so you don't lose screws. Really enjoy your videos though. Keep up the great work.

[@AndrewWilnerMDAuthor]

What do you call that drill piece that screws in the screws with the rectangular hole???

[@dawnshearer9122]

I have a grab bar with NO set screws so flange part won’t come off, how do I put the screws in straight? Or are they suppose to just go in at an angle?

[@song656565]

Hey, is it possible for you to show us how to install a double hung window? Thanks and love your videos, very helpful!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

sure thing, we will be doing windows on the farmhouse this summer. Cheers!

[@NefariousEnough]

Did the studs find themselves for you?

[@DfromBoston]

Great video! I just pick 2 of these grab bars to install in my mother's shower. By the way, what size tile bit did you use?

[@digi3218]

Use a bit a bit bigger than the screw you are going to use.

[@AntonioBklyn1]

If I did this on a regular basis I would use a longer Allen wrench.

[@danarzechula3769]

What do I do differently if I have an onyx type surface? Different drill bit?

[@LoisClayton-y7y]

How do you put a bar up if the shower is years old

[@1lapmagic]

No silicone around the flange?

[@rowland.woodworks]

I installed one of these recently but didn’t bother with the set screws. Lol. Just pushed the finish plates aside and marked the holes. 🤷‍♂️

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

that depends on the model and the position of the wood. Cheers for saving a step!

[@SajjadAhmad-nf5kb]

You didn't use any anchor, how screw will remain in Tile on Hollow wall? Looks like you are doing screws in a Stud?

[@silentswordsman0013]

Would you install a grab bar the same way when using the Kerdi Membrane waterproofing? Would the screws void the guarantee?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

The bar is on the opposite side of the wall. so no worries there. If you are vapor conscious then you can always use a little silicone in the hole first and after installing the hardware. Cheers!Cheers!

[@silentswordsman0013]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY Thank you!

[@matt_h_27]

The covers snap in place but how do you get them to snap off?

[@waliahmadwali1012001]

What If you have a hollow wall and no studs around

[@angelcollazo9027]

Can I use for outside?

[@jct300m]

Wish you got into (Stud) location...

[@bobloblaw5236]

“You’ll most likely have them falling all over the place.” You really called that one lol.

[@bluesky7838]

Question: I live in an apartment built in 1910. The bathroom is tile over plaster on a masonry wall. What is the best way to install a grab bar securely? Thanks.

[@malachialbrecht7841]

Lol this comment hurts me

[@wuffpaw]

Those hole spacings look wider than a common stud...you might get lucky with two of the holes, but the third would likely not catch enough meat to hold well over time, or--more likely--miss the stud all together and just be swimming in the tile and backing. Maybe two is strong enough? Now, if you were lucky enough to have double studs on both ends...well then, you're golden....I do not, though, and will be probably be using a toggle for the third hole

[@gerardgmz]

What's a good stud finder that will locate through tile and sheetrock?

[@ronszerlong5489]

I bought a Zircon and it has a deep scan option that finds studs through tile and sheet rock. Works great.

[@A10TOES]

Good info Jeff, I have a question for you, I have a walk in shower, my shower head faces the same side you're installing the grab bar, can I install my grab bar vertically w/both ends in the same stud? Thanks!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Hi Donna, of course you can for sure. In most cases it is installed vertical. In this house we have 2 folks needing it and the slope allows for great grandma to put her weight on it as well. Cheers!

[@A10TOES]

@@HomeRenoVisionDIY Thank you Jeff, since it is 'just me' using it just to steady myself getting into & out of the shower, which does have the sliding doors, as we know, those doors are flimsy & if one would grab those, ugh oh, they might pop out. Thanks, I'll be installing the grab bar likely next week, I'll let you know how it goes. "Donna"

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

@@A10TOES way to go Donna, I would love to hear how it goes for you. #empowering

[@VictoriaKempPhotos]

Hi, my showers have a surround comes into the shower over an inch, it looks like tile. How would I install safety bars where the surround is not flush on the studs?

[@isb5772]

how do you remove them? I am buying a home with these bars all over the place. there's bars outside the house too. how do I remove these with minimal damage

[@HOTRODRICO]

what do you do when you don't know where the studs are? how do you find them thru tile... ?

[@NeverEnoughPyro40]

You can buy a stud finder at Home Depot or Lowe's, they are pretty cheap!

[@edselwaynehenson148]

I have glass block walls to enter our shower (they are mortared in place, not silicon). Is there an option for this?

[@jameshochstein9780]

Grab Bars: level or slanted, How do you determine which you want or need?

[@RadioRich100]

He slanted it to hit both studs, but its more inconvenient to use a bar at that angle. Your wrist would have to twist.

[@DailyBrusher]

I have Asian parents! I'd better get them some bars!

[@k3730]

Silicone behind the mount BEFORE ANCHORING

[@nateyee]

What size drill bit did you use?

[@beverlydow8259]

The only thing holding up that grab bar is the puny little set screws. Does not seem safe to me.

[@kirostar12]

Why didn't you show how you found the wood behind the tiles? Which is one of the most important things about safety grab bar.

[@sanji0985]

How do you cut a maax tile shower wall to accommodate a window???

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

predrill the corner locations with a small bit. then use a jig saw to connect the dots. Cheers!

[@cj2467]

How do you install a grab bar in a fiberglass shower?

[@JabberCT]

I can't get the covers off the flange. They seem to be locked on but they can turn. You didn't show that part at the beginning.

[@antoniod3979]

What brand name model number that bar

[@jdavis6646]

Love it

[@misspinkydiva]

Set Screwed, LOL You're set trippin Jeff

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers Gina, great to hear from you again.

[@darwinbodero7872]

so how does one waterproof those drill holes?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

silicone.

[@dartrunner4599]

Never seen a washer used with a flathead screw.

[@Engineer9736]

You just did

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

the screw was a roberston. Cheers!

[@susancline2811]

It came with stainless steel screws, that is excellent, but why didn't you replace those with stainless steel screws? Rust is not nice

[@pelon12364]

You didn’t put those screws into the stud ????? If you put a lot pressure in that handled the stone will come out in pieces

[@hassanal-mosawi6049]

Thanks for sharing that

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Cheers !

[@chriswhite6882]

are those 3 inch screws stainless

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Not yet, I have plans to pick them up but my hardware store does not carry them so I needed to make a trip across town. I will switch them out in a few days., Cheers!

[@aquabat104]

Not in a stud and no anchors. Just screws...lol

[@afh7689]

An impact driver on that marble tile!? I'd be afraid it would crack the tile. I would predrill the hole just smaller (1/16") than the screw and use a regular drill.

[@angelambca]

He said it was porcelain tile

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

ceramic of course. Cheers!

[@vinnylenci7311]

How did Mom like her bathroom?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

The ladies are very happy. Cheers!

[@SuperJaguar7777]

Good job brother 🎼🎶🎺🎉🇵🇷🌅 I doing a/c job now commercial 10 tons 15 tons ❄️❄️❄️👍

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Very cool Ramon, I imagine there is a ton of need for it in Miami. Cheers!

[@CuddaBrown]

Shhhhhhit...I need one lol...

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

I am feeling the same way! Cheers!

[@kdcraft89]

We need magnetic allen keys.

[@alwayssearching1882]

Dissapointed you didn't discuss drill bit type.