Hello to all,
My MIL has asked that I install a grab bar in her tiled bath in order to help get my FIL into the bathtub. This is to help both of them. I’d like your help in finding drill bits and wall anchors for supporting the bar.
What is the best drill bit for the job and what type of hollow wall anchor would be best suited for this?
My MIL has also said that in Germany they use a “hoist” to get the disabled into the tub. Any ideas about this?
Thanks to all for the help, KaiserRoo
PS Happy St Patrick’s Day What’s the deal, are we going to have to pay to use this forum in the future?
Replies
To drill into tile you need carbide bits (sold as tile or glass bits in HW stores) if the tile is soft ceramic, or diamond bits for the harder porcelin.
Can't use hollow wall anchors for grab bars, need to locate the studs and anchor into those.
You cant always anchor to studs as the bars are conviently 24" or 36". If you have a good tile bed you should be okay with anchors (its worked fine for me in the past).
I've even used this method in jobs with just hardi behind the tile.
Dont forget the main stresses are not necessarily pulling away from the wall but more vertical.
What do you do when you cant get to a stud and its not feasible to install a backer board?
I've installed dozens because I used to contract for an architect that did strictly Barrier Free (handicap) remodels. ALWAYS ATTACH GRAB BARS TO A STUD. Studs are in there, use them. Would you hang a wall cabinet with 200#'s of dishes on a wall using anchors?If the bar is 24" or 36" then you angle the bar to catch the studs. There is no rule that the bar has to be parallel with the tub.If the studs are behind tile you check above the tile for stud locations. If the tile goes to the ceiling, you go to the room opposite that wall and check for the studs.
With sound tile (or a reasonably heavy fiberglass enclosure) the two styles of anchors mentioned here are completely adequate, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Wingits often proved stronger than screws into studs.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
I'm not saying you're wrong, i'm just saying that i've had no problems mounting with anchors.
Generally when I do hang a grab bar i'll bring the client into the tub (if they're able) and watch them get in and out to see where they need the bar.
Its never occured to me to hang a grab bar on an angle just to catch a stud. I'd probably sooner run blocking from behind and repair the wall.
My MIL is supposed to get this info from the OT that is working with my FIL. I might add that I asked her to do this before I do any of the work so that it will really help
>>> Dont forget the main stresses are not necessarily pulling away from the wall but more vertical.
Really? go tell that to someone loosing their foothold and slipping backwards trying to grab on to dear life.
To that i'd have to say it depends on which wall the bar is mounted on.
I concede, you're right.
Where can you get the diamond bits? Tried using carbide bits to drill holes into porcelin tile..the worst thing ever in construction.
Sorry I just saw this. Go online and search, Amazon carries them (through 3rd party) Also, lapidary houses (they seel all kinds of dimond tools, saw, core drills..)
http://estore.websitepros.com/1188279/Search.bok?category=Installation+Accessories
Thanks for the link..next time I'll get one.I did use a pump water bottle while first starting with a glass cut5ting bit and then went to a Bosch carbide bit and then a carbide hole cutter...still a tough job.
I use glass-cutting bits, starting with a small bit and working my way up to whatever size I need. You need to lubricate them with water while cutting or they will wear out before the first hole is finished in hard tile. One way is to lay a big bath towel down on the floor under the drilling location and have someone dribble water on the bit while you drill. Lowe's has a plastic Hitachi drip system for under ten bucks which works quite well.
As far as drilling the tile, I start with a small masonary bit being careful as to not let the bit walk. I then follow up with a 1/4" masonary bit and then use a masonary anchor and stainless screw to attach the rail.
There is a product I've seen (not used) that is exactly made for anchoring grab bars in situations with nothing but gyprock or cement board behind the tile.
Google for GRAB BAR ANCHOR and I'm sure you'll find it.
Edit: Here is just one type, from Moen.
View Image
Edited 3/12/2007 12:28 pm ET by Gene_Davis
Lowes handles those Moen anchors and bars..
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I'll see if I can locates these at Lowes
I used these in my MIL's bath worked great. Lowes sells a system that uses them.Wallyo
Check out wingits.com So long as you are on a solid tile job (ie-not soggy drywall for the backing), these things are totally stout.
Bill
I'll check this out on line.
Wingits are what you want. Just as cheap (expensive) as those other plastic ones illustrated, install into the same size hole, and made of solid stainless. Plus they're self-sealing -- no additional caulking or sealing of the holes required.
http://www.wingits.com/
I once had a grab bar made for me to line up with the studs. Might want to check into it at your local plumbing supply house. Would probably have more success there than at Lowes or Home Depot.
Bryan
"Objects in mirror appear closer than they are."
Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio
I've installed many of these lifts. These are the two we used to do:
http://www.horcher.com/us/products.php?Patient-LiftsQQCombinations&category=1&cid=33
http://www.guldmann.com/index.php?newlang=us
Is this what MIL was thinking of?
http://www.ezlifts.com/
Yes, infact one of the companies that you have here is from Germany.
Do a google on - independent living aids bathing - you will get all kinds of equipment.
Here are a couple.
http://www.rascalscooters.com/livingaids/aquajoy.shtml
http://www.maxiaids.com/store/prodList.asp?idCategory=242&idstore=0&category=Bath/Body_Aids
http://www.assistedlivingstore.com/search_results.asp?txtsearchParamTxt=&txtsearchParamCat=4&txtsearchParamType=ALL&iLevel=1&txtsearchParamMan=ALL&txtsearchParamVen=ALL&txtFromSearch=fromSearch&btnSearch.x=11&btnSearch.y=11
Locally look in the yellow pages for Hospital Equipment.
Also if he has had anykind of therapy ask the occupation therapist for recommendsations.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
You can also have a muffler shop bend tubing and weld end plates on and you can put all kinds together out of pipe and fittings.
I drill tile with Bosch masonry bits. To keep your bit from wandering at the start, tap a nail set or center-point punch lightly with a hammer to chip out a little bit of the glaze.
I'll pick up some Bosch Masonry bits today
I would like to thank all of you for your help in this matter. I wish that my MIL could use the computer to get this and other info. It will be another week before I return to see her in NH so I will try to let you know just how I made out.
Thanks again, KaiserRoo