How to Install an ADA Compliant Grab Bar the RIGHT WAY

In this edition of The Home Tips Show, we demonstrate how to install an ADA-compliant safety shower grab bar in a fiberglass bathtub/shower surround. Follow along as I guide you through the entire installation process step-by-step. Additionally, I highly recommend using a rubber suction cup mat to ensure safe footing, which I installed (but is not shown in the video). These simple additions can greatly enhance shower safety for everyone.
Please don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to my channel. It helps me out tremendously.
The shower bar was purchased from Walmart at this link:
www.walmart.co...
This is the bathtub shower mat with suction cups I ordered from www.amazon.com: amzn.to/3ay4mNl
I receive credit if you use the above Amazon link to order the shower mat.

[@mikeh4686]

Not bad. You may have hit a stud, but it is not supporting that wall. See deflection @ 14:29. May hold with long enough screws, and typically most are not putting pressure on wall that high.

[@thehometipsshow]

Mike, thank you for pointing that out; it highlights an important safety consideration. If you have a flimsy tub surround, you might not want to install a ADA compliant grab bar in the shower, direct to the surround. You may need to install the bar outside the shower, either above or completely outside the surround, over the drywall (making sure to hit a stud) to ensure stability. A flimsy surround might flex and create an unstable installation, which can be dangerous. For those facing this issue, consider the following options: 1. Reinforce the Surround: If you have access to the backside of the surround wall, you can add plywood, 2X4's, or another sturdy material behind the tub surround to provide additional support. 2. DO NOT USE ANCHORS! While these can offer extra stability if you can't find a stud, they do not provide a safe solution. Again, do not use drywall anchors! 3. Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about the installation, it's always a good idea to get professional advice. In my case, our tub surround, thank fully, is of good quality and utilizes reinforced fiberglass, so we're okay to install the ADA bar directly to the surround as long as we hit a stud underneath. This ensures a secure and safe installation. While I am a Residential General Contractor who has built many houses over the years, I did not build this house. Instead, because we were able to negotiation such a great deal on it, we purchased it from the orginal owners in 2019 (it was built in 2008). The original owners were wise and used quality material wherever they could, which contributed to our decision to buy it.

[@octaviusthecrafter]

Is nobody going to talk about the Scottish bagpipes playing in the background?😆

[@thehometipsshow]

I’m a Gibson! :)

[@CowgirlBlues-yd4hs]

@@thehometipsshow I dig the bagpipes!

[@chrislovering8630]

The bagpipes were so annoying I had to give up. I will check out another site.🙉

[@thehometipsshow]

I hope you found what you’re looking for.

[@BrianHw1]

Only thing I would have added is some Silicone around the screws. I'm guessing not a lot of water will get in those holes, but some will. A little silicone isn't going to hurt anything.

[@thehometipsshow]

Good suggestion. Put some silicone around those screws! Thanks!

[@nld-bl5ct]

How come you don't use blue tape and mark on that. Why those loud bagpipes?

[@thehometipsshow]

It was an early video. Sorry if the bagpipes bothered you. I’m a Gibson :). Blue tape is an option but not needed if you write lightly.

[@nld-bl5ct]

@@thehometipsshow I am sorry, but what is a Gibson?

[@thehometipsshow]

The surname "Gibson" is of Scottish and English origin. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the given name of an ancestor. Specifically, it means "son of Gib," with "Gib" being a common medieval nickname for Gilbert. The name Gilbert itself comes from the Germanic name "Gisilbert," which means "bright pledge." Surnames like Gibson often emerged in the Middle Ages as a way to identify individuals by their parentage.

[@nld-bl5ct]

@@thehometipsshow I am from Holland, we love the pipes and love to see Scotsmen blowing them. But it was too loud and could not turn it down without turning your voice down.

[@thehometipsshow]

Message received!

[@MatthewGodinez]

But aren't the studs vertical (sideways), and basically, you'll only have the 2" side to screw onto?

[@thehometipsshow]

The 2x4 studs run ceiling to floor inside US homes. A modern 2x4 is actually 3.5” x 1.5”, but the stud is rotated inside the framing, to give the walls strength. You will be screwing into the 1.5” side of the 2x4. If you notice, as am I screwing into the studs I tilt the screw a bit to guarantee I hit the stud. Hope that answers your question. Here’s a great video on framing that you may find helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZezYX-QgqqJa9k

[@TheSolidMount]

This is very dangerous. You now have a grab bar screwed into a 2x4 that now has a gap of 7/8" plus between the fiberglass and the stud. So as you pull on the bar it is secure but what happens when you push on the bar and crack the fiberglass? Also let's not forget the screws you are using, they are not approved for wet locations and the sheer strength required to be safe. I would talk about a product designed just for this application here but I do not want to take away from how unsafe this is.

[@thehometipsshow]

Thanks for your input. It’s good for others to hear all view points and considerations. In my case this grab bar is solid both ways. There is no way someone is going to push it in or pull it off the wall. Believe me, I’ve tried. But, if someone has a cheap, flimsy surround I can see the potential of what you are describing happening. So, I guess the bottom line is, “your mileage may vary”. There are a few new anchors I’ve seen on the market that are specifically designed for this application, so if someone has a flimsy tub surround, maybe they should look into using them. I’ll put a few sentences in the video description noting your input as it is a valid consideration point. Thanks for the input and contributing to our community.

[@danhach7422]

I believe it was well performed . Didn't listen to what you said, but I will tell you that was a risky move to drill so close to water lines! Great job, though

[@thehometipsshow]

I hear ya! I was a bit nervous but knew the lines came straight up from the shower in the first floor.

[@TheSolidMount]

@@danhach7422 It sounds like you might have a shower that they re-enforced the fiberglass either with wood or believe it or not cardboard. Glad it worked out for you be safe.

[@jasonarnett5957]

😮​@@TheSolidMount

[@ronaldpellettier3473]

Nice video, kill the bagpipes. Can barely hear you.

[@thehometipsshow]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@angelahess6329]

We need one in our shower for sure but we have tile so not sure how that would work.

[@thehometipsshow]

It’ll work. Just use a drill bit made for tile and be sure to put it into a stud.

[@inepetersen802]

Background music adds NOTHING to this video, it is distracting.

[@thehometipsshow]

Sorry you didn't like the music. I was recovering from a severe concussion at the time and turned up the music to cover up my slurred speech from the concussion effects.

[@evelynlopez5756]

I wish I could watch the whole video, the music irritated the fact that I can’t even hear you.

[@JeremyBengtson-l6v]

"It is what it is at this point"

[@thehometipsshow]

Thank you.