Protection from falls is vital in the home especially if there are older adults, or someone with a disability. A slip and fall can happen at anytime, and most of them occur in the bathroom. Providing even minimal protection can be simple and easy by adding grab bars to the bathroom. These cylindrical pieces of metal or plastic can also help save lives from injuries that have been sustained from a fall. Protective devices like Bobrick grab bars can be installed by professional installers, or they can be a do it yourself project for the handy person. To install the safety bars, the person doing the project needs to make sure that they have all of the necessary tools for the job.
Today, grab bars are no longer always required to be mounted between two wall studs. Newer mounting system allow the bars to be mounted anywhere without the need for a wall stud support. They can even be mounted on tile. For the proper installation of this safety feature, start by assembling all of the tools needed. Include some masking tape, a pencil, caulking, tile and glass bits, and assorted sized screws along with the electric drill and bar. Take the bar out of the box for inventory making sure that all pieces are included, and everything is in excellent condition.
The next step is to determine where the bar will be located. This will vary depending on who will be using it. If using the stud in the wall method is chosen, find two studs where the bar will fit between in the preferred location. If the bar is going in the shower, it should be about waist high of the person who will be using it. Studs are usually about 16 inches apart. Use the pencil to mark the location once the studs have been found. If there is difficulty, use a stud finder. For the 16 inch studs, a 24 inch bar should be a perfect fit. Most bars are placed at an angle between the studs.
Using a glass and tile bit, it is now time to pre-drill the pilot holes. The anchor will suggest the right sized hole to drill. Most bars use the 1/8 inch hole at the mark that is closest to the center of the stud. Once the hole has been made through the tile, and it is time to make the hole through the wood, change the bit to a wood or metal bit. It is now time to install the wall anchors. These are generally plastic wedges that can be hammered into the hole so that the screws will have something to grip. The screws are ready to slide the bar onto and into the wall and tightened up. It is vital to follow the instructions that come with the bar package to ensure that everything has been done properly.
These safety bars are designed to hold up to 250 pounds without worry. If the bar is going beside the toilet, the same instructions apply. Just lower to bar so that it accommodates the person it is intended for. There is no substitute for safety, and these bars provide security as well as safety and assurance. Protect the ones you love by installing safety features in the bathroom where the majority of slip and fall occur for the elderly and disabled.
