• Overview



  • In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to install a tub grab bar.


    Steps:

    1 Mark mounting holes on tub wall using a level; choose a location 33 to 36 inches above floor.
    2 Drill pilot holes through wall with 3/16-inch-diameter carbide-tipped masonry bit.
    3 Bore holes for hollow-wall fasteners with 1 ¼-inch-diameter carbide-tipped hole saw.
    4 Peel off protective paper from back of fasteners to expose adhesive.
    5 Press hollow-wall fasteners into holes, then turn the center screw counterclockwise to release the wall-grabbing fingers.
    6 Once fingers pop open, turn screws clockwise to tighten the fasteners.
    7 Place grab bar in position over wall fasteners, then tighten the mounting screws.
    8 Slide the escutcheons into place to conceal the mounting screws.
    • Difficulty: Easy
      Careful layout of the mounting holes is critical, but the rest of the installation is a breeze

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    Video Directory

    Selected Topic/Section

      Tools List

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      • 30-foot tape measure
        Tape measure
      • four-foot level
        4-foot level
        used to mark level mounting holes
      • drill
        Drill/driver
      • 3/16 masonry bit
        3/16-inch-diameter carbide-tipped masonry bit
        used to bore pilot holes
      • keyhole saw
        1¼-inch-diameter carbide-tipped hole saw
      • Phillips screwdriver
        Phillips screwdriver

      Shopping List

      Close
      1. Grab bar

      2. Grab bar hollow-wall fasteners

      two required to secure grab bar to wall



      3. Wet/dry vacuum

      used to clean up after drilling holes