how to: install a shower handle for gripping?

Question

i am installing a 17" handle for my elderly mother to use in the bathroom shower, on ceramic tile, any suggestions?

Answer 1

Ive installed several... the complete directions are on the package. As the others have stated, if at all possible, anchor it into a stud. Try to get at least one screw at each end into a stud. Wall anchors can be used where you cannot drill into a stud.

Also as suggested... you need a ceramic drill bit to drill the hole. A second pair of hands is handy to hold the bar in place while you mark where the holes should go. In the event you don't have a helping hand, or there is no room... use duct tape to hold the bar temporarily in place while you locate the screw holes. Use a felt tip or permanent marker to show up on the tile easier.

Let the drill bit do the work... do not push the drill thru, or you will crack the tile. Once you have the hole thru the tile, switch bits to drill a pilot hole in the stud itself. Do not use a drill bit that is too large.... only one large enough to make a pilot hole for the screw to follow (size will depend on the screws you are using, so I can't tell you which to use here -- note -- the tile drill bit should be large enough to let the screw pass thru it... its the wood drill bit that should only be large enough to act as pilot... so the ceramic bit will be larger than the pilot bit)

Now for something the packages DONT tell you.... caulk those screws before you run them in ! This will help seal them, and prevent water from getting in behind the tile :)

Use a tile bar that is comfortable for your mother to grip. There are 2 basic sizes... one with about a 3/4" to 1" diameter handle, and another thats about 2" diameter. I find that the larger diameter is easier to grip.

Often it is a good idea to use more than one safety bar. If a transfer bench is used in the shower, put one at a good height for that, to help pull across the seat on ... another a bit higher to facilitate standing. I like to run these mostly horizontal, with just a slight rise... running up towards the shower head... easier on the hands to grip, than straight vertical bars, or straight horizontal bars. Also... place a bar, if necessary on the wall outside the shower, to help get in and out. These bars are also very handy to help get up and down from the toilet. (handicap toilet if possible... or at least a seat riser, which you can find for about $20 at WalMart... much easier to stand up when you're not so low to begin with.)

Think about other places you can put these bars, too.... like outside entry doors, etc. They REALLY do help.

I commend you on doing this for your mother.

Good Luck

Answer 2

first get a bar that is rated as a grab bar.
the most important part is how the bar is mounted.
if possible, screw the bar into a wall stud, it may be necessary to mount the bar at an angle.
This is difficult in a ceramic tile wall, can you open up the wall in the room behind the tub?
there are some manufacturers that make a bar that has mounting hardware included - i know that Moen make such an item.
Good luck

Answer 3

You have to find the studs to mount it to, use a stud finder above the tile to find them and go to the hardware or big box store and buy a glass cutting drill bit to drill the holes and install the handle with the screws in the studs. I put one in my parents house.

Answer 4

Phone / write and ask him. You never know he may well say yes without any further pleading being necessary. At least by asking the question you know what you're up against. Hope you get your shower :-)