On Tue, 12 Jun 2007 08:41:55 -0400, "Robert Green"
wrote:

I've got to install some grab bars in the shower for mom. I've seen the
kind that mount with suction cups but we need something sturdier.

Can anyone who has installed some give me pointers? I am thinking what I
will need would be a:

level
drill
caulk
stud finder
measuring tape

and that I should look for the kind with long screws that will bite into the
(hopefully) wooden studs that should be mounted on 16" centers. I'd
appreciate any thoughts or input and/or sources for the grab bars. Not sure
if the local Home Depot or Lowe's handles such things. I bought clamp on
tub bars there, but don't recall seeing screw-in bars.

TIA

I saw several heavy-duty grab bars at a salvage place for
cheap--better than the $60 ones at the BORG. Get the 4 or 6 foot ones
(you never know where/how you're gonna fall). Each end of the grab
bar typically has three holes--two of the three must go into a stud.
If need be, cut a hole on the other side of the wall and install a 2x4
against the shower wall--yes, this does add another job of patching
the wall but if you cut the hole along the middle of the stud you can
replace the removed piece fairly easily. The grab bar should be able
to handle a 300-pound force. Use silicone caulk.