A grab bar screwed into bare drywall will pull out the first time someone actually falls against it. There are two correct methods.
Method 1: screw into studs
- Find the studs with a stud finder. Confirm with a small nail or awl in a spot the flange will cover.
- Hold the bar in place and mark the flange holes that land on a stud. On a 16 inch stud spacing, a 16, 32, or 48 inch bar lands on two studs; a 24 or 36 inch bar lands on one, so you'll need an anchor for the other end.
- Drill pilot holes and drive the included #14 stainless screws at least 1-1/2 inches into the stud.
- Snap on the cover flanges and test the bar with your full weight.
Method 2: hollow-wall anchors rated for grab bars
Ordinary plastic anchors and even standard toggle bolts are not enough. Use an anchor system tested for grab bar loads. LiveWell's Mount Daddy fasteners ship free with our decorative bars for exactly this reason: they let you put the bar where it's needed, not just where a stud happens to be.
- Mark the flange holes and drill the size specified for the anchor.
- Insert the anchor, expand it behind the drywall, and mount the flange.
- Test with full body weight before relying on it.
Tips
- Use at least one stud screw per flange when you can, and anchors for the rest.
- Don't mount into a seam between two drywall sheets.
- If the wall is soft, damaged, or moldy, repair it first.
Our spec sheets and install videos include a video of the full process.
Questions about your bathroom? Call LiveWell at (440) 499-7221 or email info@livewellhs.com. We ship grab bars from Ohio to homes, contractors, and senior living communities nationwide.