Little project in the household required doing. Installing a Grab Bar for the mother. Something which helps for shower baths. She is getting older so figured I would post this because people may have similar questions themselves or research that they need to answer
One of the main concerns I had when it comes to this is a strong fitment. Last thing I want is for my mam to use it and for it to collapse due to poor anchors. Firstly, it worries me, and second I’d blame myself. So I spent the time doing the research for it
What you will need for fitting grab rails yourself?
- Croydex 300mm Grab Bar
- Fittings for mounting (not included) – I purchased M5 x 300 Pan head Machine Screws, and 6 x 30mm Fischer Wall Plugs
- Drill
- Spirit Level
- 6mm Drill Bit
- Screwdriver, or Philips Bit
When mounted to solid objects like bricks, ideally you should use Anchor Bolts, but that’s overkill. They’re actually hard to find in this size (although I did manage to find some at a later date at a local market, so I bought some). You never know when they’re useful
The choice of Grab Bar was a Croydex 300mm with hand grip (£7.48 for 1 without fixings) from Toolstation
I decided to use Wall Plugs. I opted for the 6 x 30mm Fischer wallplugs from Toolstation (£4.90 for 100 pack).
These plugs are rated to a limit of 0.5 kN per plug when securely fitted (0.5kN is 50kg), given that the handle has 5 mounting points on both top and bottom you could spread the weight out over 5 screws at each end. The handle is only rated to 100kg, so realistically the handle is going to fail before the screws and plugs do. I also purchased some washers to spread the load out over the mounting
In theory the 5 wall plugs can support 250kg in each end if all holes were used. In theory though, because realistically you have to have a certain level of spacing between the points to evenly distribute the weight through the material, for this purpose however it doesn’t matter, it’s just proof that they’re strong enough for the mounting required.
I’m using M5 x 40mm pan head machine screw by Forgefix for mounting again from Toolstation (£2.51 for 25 pack).
These are strong and won’t break under load (M5 machine screws) even at the weakest strength class have a proof load that far exceeds the weight limit needed on the Grab Bar. The exact amount is around 3200N (3.2kN or 320kg), so 5 screws meant up to 1600kg of weight could be supported at each end before these fails. The weak point is always going to fail first, but I decided to make sure the weak point was the handle, and not the mounting points.
The Fischer wall plugs can use either 4mm or 5mm screw maximum. They won’t support anything bigger, unless you choose a bigger wall plug. The grab handle was installed at angle to spread the load of the force needed too. Instaling at an angle also increases breaking force required due to the way the load is transferred
The grab handle has a cup which covers up the screws themselves. Just as a note you COULD fit 6mm screws (or M6 machine screw), but it’s tight and you’d have to cut threads into the handle as you screwing them in. Personally I wouldn’t bother, M4 and M5 is more than enough for use.
It’s recommended using pan head screws because they’re a flat surface. Countersink screws have a angled head which can damage the plate which mounts them.
How I mounted the Croydex grab rail in the bathroom
First, ask mother where she wants the handle mounted, after all she will be using it
Mounting instructions are provided for the Grab handle, just not screws and mounting hardware. I think this is more due to a liability thing. If the manufacturer provide them and you screw up, they’re liable for any failures or backlash that may happen. By not providing them, it removes the liability. Maybe it’s just the way grab handles are meant to be
Place the grab handle against the wall. Mark the wall with dots into the spaces to identify where your holes need to be drilled. I decided to use 3 screws each end (supporting 150kg)
Using a 6mm drill bit, drill a hole to 40mm deep
Insert the Fischer wall plug flush with the wall with a hammer if needed
Place the grab bar over the mounting points
Screw the machine screws so they’re flush with the mounting bar, as you can see in the below picture. I had a problem with the wall. It was about 1″ thick of plasterboard rather than brick that I was expecting, and some of the holes went wonky and the wall plugs wouldn’t go in. Eventually got them in under new holes though. The surface behind wasn’t brick so it damaged the holes, still worked however
The only other thing I may possible suggest would be using screws rather than bolts. The screws have a point which meants they taper the wall plugs properly when screwing into it. Which probably makes them bite into the wall better
Cover it all up so it looks neat and professional. I’ve given it some wiggles and tugs to make sure it fits tight. After all, it’s a family member who is using it, so I want to feel comfortable that my mother is safe with it.
Job done.
