Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 After my fall and fractured vertebra, the hospital OT recommended a grab bar for the shower. A permanent grab bar is major work because you need make a good anchoring in the studs. It also means scheduling workers, etc. a really good but removable solution uses suction cups that adhere to the shower wall. First you need to clean the wall and cups. My son in law put one into my shower, I liked it and bought a few more. SIL came and installed them. Two of the cups would not stick, the apparent reason is microfissures in the wall. I tried more cleaning but no joy. Finally I tried making the contact surfaces dirty. I smeared dawn dish detergent on the noncooperating cups. They have stuck for two weeks so far. so if you have an elderly relative who needs support in the shower, it’s an additional idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abilene Slim SASS 81783 Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 I wouldn't trust suction cups. At some point they'll let go - you just don't know when, and it could cause serious injury. They're a short term solution at best, so I highly recommend a scheduling a permanent installation as soon as you can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duffield, SASS #23454 Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 Re-seat the suction cups weekly or more often, and test their grip every time you get into the shower. Duffield Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 Marshall, do you have a link for those grab bars? Or perhaps a picture? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted January 6, 2022 Author Share Posted January 6, 2022 These came from Walmart and are the 16” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 I would never trust any suction cups. One let’s go and you end up possibly crippled permanently. If I couldn’t install a proper bar myself I’d pay an installer. Oddly enough, just the other day I thought about putting one in. I removed a bar when I remodeled the bath years ago and I think I stored it in the barn. Not a big deal to locate studs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 It’s possible that medical insurance would pay for one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeaconKC Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 The VA has programs to help with these things and even ramps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassnetguy50 Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 Put plywood behind the drywall or shower wall you ever remodel a bathroom. Then you can put a grab bar anywhere you need when the time arises. You can use adhesive to hold a grab bar in place. Refinishing the shower wall can clean up those surface imperfections. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tequila Shooter Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 Marshal - as others have said be very careful with any suction cup. If you’ve got a Lowes near you I’d suggest getting these: They are very easy to install and much more secure than a suction cup! Here’s a link for it: Moen mount Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 I had my bathroom remodeled a few years back and put in four grab bars. Didn't help a bit when I passed out on this Christmas Eve and broke three ribs, a vertebra, and a tooth, cut one ear all to hell, and bled a pint out of my nose. Someone needs to invent one that will grab you instead of you grabbing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sedalia Dave Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 I put grab bars in for my mom. Where I couldn't hit a stud I used these. Stud-Less Install Grab Bar Fastener Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted January 7, 2022 Author Share Posted January 7, 2022 I really can’t put holes in the shower. Some of these have been in for seven months now and are still tight. I do test them often. I mostly use them so that I have two points of contact when turning or stepping in the shower. But the cautions here gave me an idea. I will have my grandson try to pull them loose when he comes next week. He is a college rower. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Bill Mathewson, 37826 Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 1 hour ago, Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 said: I really can’t put holes in the shower. Some of these have been in for seven months now and are still tight. I do test them often. I mostly use them so that I have two points of contact when turning or stepping in the shower. But the cautions here gave me an idea. I will have my grandson try to pull them loose when he comes next week. He is a college rower. He might pull the tile off the wall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckshot Bear Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Riot Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 I have one of these in my shower. My wife bought if for me when I had one of my accidents It really is a good one. https://www.riteaid.com/shop/carex-ultra-grip-grab-bar-0347403 I had a longer one but it seems the shorter ones maintain better suction and adhesion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 12 hours ago, Buckshot Bear said: I was in a crab bar in Tampa one time when a waitress leaving the kitchen tripped and launched a platter of shrimp and crab legs through the air. It hit the guy sitting closest smack in the middle of his back, on his white dress shirt, cocktail sauce and all. He took it in stride. His wife was furious. She knew she’d probable never get the stain out. I guess even in a crab bar there’s a need for a grab bar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474 Posted January 7, 2022 Share Posted January 7, 2022 I had them installed beside the toilets and sinks for my wife, but with my knees getting worse, I use them now as well. The suction cup models, while OK for steadying you in the shower or getting out of the tub, don't support much (or any) weight. If you're in a two story, you might want to start thinking about a chair glide, but shop around. The first ones I got quotes on were 23,000.00 and 22,500.00 and were 6 to 8 weeks delivery, as the sales/technician claimed they had to be custom made The one I bought was just over 13,000.00 and was in the day after I signed the contract. 5 years ago, and it still works just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watab kid Posted January 8, 2022 Share Posted January 8, 2022 ideal is to provide adequate backing at construction , retrofits that are not a permanent install are an accident waiting to happen , if you need one you will be depending on it to support the weight you apply , worth paying to get it right Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgavin Posted January 8, 2022 Share Posted January 8, 2022 Install a long one on the diagonal. It makes it easy to hit a stud on each end. Also makes gives you a hand for standing, sitting, or getting up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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