On 7/30/2016 7:00 AM, Ted wrote:
On 07/29/2016 10:12 PM, wrote:
Suction cups are a joke when it comes to something made for safety. They
might work ok for a small gadget in the car, or a lightweight soap dish
in the bathroom. NOT for a safety device that may be holding 200lbs of
human body.


So true! Looking around I'd say that the majority of Walmart shoppers
tip the scale at over 300 lbs.


A good majority of Walmart shoppers are more than likely minimum wage or
below earners, and they need to buy stuff where ever they can afford to
shop.

The less money a person makes the less they can afford nutritional
foods, so they have to opt for high calorie/fat/carb foods because those
foods are cheap. The more money people earn the more likely it is that
they will buy and consume food that is better for them, less fattening,
and more nutritious.

--
Maggie

On 7/29/2016 7:35 AM, NEMO wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2016 07:13:16 -0700, "Colonel Edmund J. Burke"
wrote:

On 7/28/2016 4:07 AM, slate_leeper wrote:
I would like to install safety grab bars in the shower. I am afraid
installing the bars and squeezing the plastic [plastic wot?] tight
to the wall will cause it to break.
Any suggestions?

Have yer boyfriend grab yer hips to support yer weight whilst he's
sodomizing you. That should solve the problem.

Hay, it works for you and 'Pleasance'! LOLOK


Allow me to try it out on youse, Miss Recktum. Now uncork that
colostomy hole, you bitch!
LOL

On 7/28/2016 8:15 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On 7/28/2016 7:09 PM, Frank wrote:



I'd certainly want to have something solid if my life depended on it. I
was thinking of minor assistance.
How's this grab you?
http://www.wayfair.com/Grab-Bar-GB380-NDRR1067.html


Bar design is good. All depends on the adhesive and how well it is
applied. Good adhesive can be very strong and support a lot of weight,
improperly installed, no so much.

I read some reviews and some could not get it to stick. I'd be a little
leery myself as while adhesive tensile strength can be high shear
strength is usually lower and since boundary levels may be very thin a
small crack might become a big one.

I looked at my wife's suction support and it was very tight. I'd almost
be afraid I'd pull a tile off the wall before it failed.
Obviously the strongest bar would be screwed into the studs but I think
I will buy a suction one for use in may ceramic stall shower as I would
never put full body weight on it but might brace to soap a foot or
something where a little support is necessary.

On Sat, 30 Jul 2016 08:30:05 -0700, "Colonel Edmund J. Burke"
wrote:

On 7/29/2016 7:35 AM, NEMO wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2016 07:13:16 -0700, "Colonel Edmund J. Burke"
wrote:

On 7/28/2016 4:07 AM, slate_leeper wrote:
I would like to install safety grab bars in the shower. I am afraid
installing the bars and squeezing the plastic [plastic wot?] tight
to the wall will cause it to break.
Any suggestions?

Have yer boyfriend grab yer hips to support yer weight whilst he's
sodomizing you. That should solve the problem.

Hay, it works for you and 'Pleasance'! LOLOK


Allow me to try it out on youse, Miss Recktum. Now uncork that
colostomy hole, you bitch!
LOL

You kept, trying it out on 'Pleasance', KKKoloon...you finally got it
right, you black *******!

A simple solution is to use mounting screws that are 3/8" longer than what would be needed if the shower wall was tight against the studs. Put the mounting brackets onto shower wall, and just don't tighten the screws the last 3/8 inches. That way the same amount of screw is into the studs and holding the grab bar mounting material. If the whole area is then caulked or silicone-rubbered, it will still be waterproof and the grab bar should be just as strong as if the screws were fully tightened into the studs. If I were me, I would use the largest diameter screws I could get, assuming that the size would not be so large as to shatter the stud into which it is being screwed. The hardest part of this is to find the center of the studs.

On Sunday, July 31, 2016 at 10:14:20 PM UTC-4, wrote:
A simple solution is to use mounting screws that are 3/8" longer than what would be needed if the shower wall was tight against the studs. Put the mounting brackets onto shower wall, and just don't tighten the screws the last 3/8 inches. That way the same amount of screw is into the studs and holding the grab bar mounting material. If the whole area is then caulked or silicone-rubbered, it will still be waterproof and the grab bar should be just as strong as if the screws were fully tightened into the studs. If I were me, I would use the largest diameter screws I could get, assuming that the size would not be so large as to shatter the stud into which it is being screwed. The hardest part of this is to find the center of the studs.

Silly question...

Are you suggesting that the grab bar just basically float on the ends of the
screws with nothing more than caulk securing it to a wall that has no
solid support behind it?

If the shower wall currently moves inward 3/8" when he pushes on it, don't
you think that the grab bar is going to push the shower wall in when any
inward force is applied? The screw heads stay stationary, the bracket moves
away from them.

Oh, there will never be any inward force, you say? How about the fact that
wall around the mounting points will flex when force is applied in *any*
direction since there will be nothing solid behind the brackets?

Please note that I talked/wrote about using 3/8 inch longer screws going into the studs that were 3/8 inches spaced away from the back wall as described by the OP. The caulk/silicone rubber was to prevent water getting into the space between the shower wall and the studs so that there would be no water damage. If reasonable sized screws, such as those provided by the grab bar manufacturer, but 3/8 inch longer are used they will not break off if someone grabs the grab bar.

On Monday, August 1, 2016 at 11:09:07 PM UTC-4, wrote:
Please note that I talked/wrote about using 3/8 inch longer screws going into the studs that were 3/8 inches spaced away from the back wall as described by the OP. The caulk/silicone rubber was to prevent water getting into the space between the shower wall and the studs so that there would be no water damage. If reasonable sized screws, such as those provided by the grab bar manufacturer, but 3/8 inch longer are used they will not break off if someone grabs the grab bar.

I still don't see how the gasb bar is firmly attracted to anything. For the moment, let's make
believe the (flexible) shower wall isn't there, just open studs. Now insert the screws through
the mounting bracket and screw them in until 3/8" is left exposed. Isn't the grab bar loose since
it is not pulled flush to the studs? Can't it move in 3/8€� and flop side to side when used?

Now, imagine that the flexible shower wall is there. As far as I see it, not much has changed.
The flexible wall is not going to provide any support since there is gap between it and the
studs. The OP has already said that he can push the wall back to the studs. Therefore the
grab bar is still loose.

Please explain what I am missing (if anything).

I am assuming that the mounting brackets for the grab bar have holes thru which the screws are used to fasten it loosely to the wall with the 2/8 inch spacing. If a person is falling down and grab for the bar, the screws should be strong enough to keep the grab bar at the initial elevation. If the bar moves or goes down a half inch or so due to the 3/8 inch air spacing it will still prevent a fall.

On Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 12:23:53 PM UTC-4, wrote:
I am assuming that the mounting brackets for the grab bar have holes thru
which the screws are used to fasten it loosely to the wall with the 2/8
inch spacing.

Of course the brackets have holes for the screws. However, they are there to
attach the grab bar *firmly* to the wall, not loosely.

If a person is falling down and grab for the bar, the screws should be
strong enough to keep the grab bar at the initial elevation. If the bar
moves or goes down a half inch or so due to the 3/8 inch air spacing it
will still prevent a fall.

What about every day use? Grab bars are not only installed to catch a person
that is falling, they are also used to steady a person to limit the
possibility of a fall. Every time it moves, it is going to flex the wall,
the primary thing the OP is concerned about, and rightly so.

I won't even get into the visual clues and feedback loops that the brain uses
to control our bodies. I'll just say that it isn't good if the object the
brain wants to use in an emergency situation *moves* upon contact. Have you
ever lifted up or pushed something that you thought was really heavy but
was actually very light? The brain sure gets fooled when that happens. Imagine what could happen if a person with slow reaction time grabs a support object
that moves when they grab it. It might not be pretty.

Let me ask you 2 questions:

1 - If you were climbing into a hotel shower, put your hand on the grab
bar for support and discovered that the bar was loose, would you just
accept it as a proper installation or would you say to yourself "They
really ought to fix that"? Me, I'd be on the phone to the front desk ASAP.

2 - If your Mom/Dad or other elderly relative/friend asked you to install a
grab bar, would you be comfortable leaving the screws 3/8" out from the
studs so that the bar moved around every time they used used it? Me, no way
in hell.

The longer screws are on option I proposed. If it was my house, I would probably figure out something better. But, if I knew that the flexing would occur, I would not be upset when it happened if I took hold of it.

What do yo suggest based on the OP's information?

On Sat, 30 Jul 2016 10:25:10 -0500, Muggles
wrote:

So true! Looking around I'd say that the majority of Walmart shoppers
tip the scale at over 300 lbs.


A good majority of Walmart shoppers are more than likely minimum wage or
below earners, and they need to buy stuff where ever they can afford to
shop.

The less money a person makes the less they can afford nutritional
foods, so they have to opt for high calorie/fat/carb foods because those
foods are cheap. The more money people earn the more likely it is that
they will buy and consume food that is better for them, less fattening,
and more nutritious.

--
Maggie

All food of the future will be factory made from Vitamin and Nutrient
enriched extruded styrofoam pellets containing artificial flavor and
color. Farmers will no longer be needed, so everyone will spend all
their time playing computer games or using Facebook on their
smartphones, except for those who work at the Styrofood factories.

This "future" will occur by the year 2025.....

On Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 10:52:45 PM UTC-4, wrote:
The longer screws are on option I proposed. If it was my house, I would probably figure out something better. But, if I knew that the flexing would occur, I would not be upset when it happened if I took hold of it.

I see that you did not answer either of my questions. I'll reduce it to one:

Would you install a grab bar in the manner you suggested for an elderly/unsteady loved one?


What do yo suggest based on the OP's information?

First off, without seeing the shower wall, I do not know if flexing the wall back to the
studs is even an issue. That would be the first thing I would look at. It might not be a
problem at all.

The next best solution offered was the insertion of a backer board between the studs and
the shower wall. I don't know if that is possible, but if this were my house or if I was doing this
for a loved one, I would not hesitate to consider opening a wall and see what other solid
means of attachment I could come up with. Maybe opening a wall is not possible...only the
OP can tell us that.

Bottom line is that I would never install a safety device that flopped while around in use.

On 8/3/2016 7:23 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:


Bottom line is that I would never install a safety device that flopped while around in use.

Happens often with condoms and they still get the job done.

On Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at 9:49:26 AM UTC-4, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On 8/3/2016 7:23 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:


Bottom line is that I would never install a safety device that flopped while around in use.

Happens often with condoms...

Speak for yourself.

...and they still get the job done.

After the 4th kid we chose a more permanent solution. We couldn't be
"more satisfied".

On 8/3/2016 2:37 AM, wrote:
On Sat, 30 Jul 2016 10:25:10 -0500, Muggles
wrote:

So true! Looking around I'd say that the majority of Walmart shoppers
tip the scale at over 300 lbs.


A good majority of Walmart shoppers are more than likely minimum wage or
below earners, and they need to buy stuff where ever they can afford to
shop.

The less money a person makes the less they can afford nutritional
foods, so they have to opt for high calorie/fat/carb foods because those
foods are cheap. The more money people earn the more likely it is that
they will buy and consume food that is better for them, less fattening,
and more nutritious.




All food of the future will be factory made from Vitamin and Nutrient
enriched extruded styrofoam pellets containing artificial flavor and
color. Farmers will no longer be needed, so everyone will spend all
their time playing computer games or using Facebook on their
smartphones, except for those who work at the Styrofood factories.

This "future" will occur by the year 2025.....



Darn. I guess all the time I've spent having my own organic gardens was
time spent in vain! ;-)

--
Maggie

Ed Pawlowski posted for all of us...



On 8/3/2016 7:23 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:


Bottom line is that I would never install a safety device that flopped while around in use.

Happens often with condoms and they still get the job done.

Are they radial reinforced re-vulcanized?

--
Tekkie

On Thu, 28 Jul 2016 07:07:55 -0400, slate_leeper
wrote:

I would like to install safety grab bars in the tub/showers of the
house I just bought. However I found that when I press on the side of
shower wall, the plastic (fiberglass?) is about 3/8 inch away from
the wall. I am afraid installing the bars and squeezing the plastic
tight to the wall will cause it to break. Any suggestions?

-dan z-

Wow. This seems to have ignited some controversy. Thanks for all your
suggestions. I think I am going to combine solutions.

1) Use a suction type temporarily.
2) I was considering remodeling the bathroom anyway with this:
http://www.tubtoshower.com/

That will definitely solve the problem.


PS: I am 72. No real balance problems but I do have a really bad ankle
so slip recovery is pretty iffy.

Thanks again,
-dan z-





--
Protect your civil rights!
Let the politicians know how you feel.
Join or donate to the NRA today!
http://membership.nrahq.org/default....ignid=XR014887

Gun control is like trying to reduce drunk driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars.

On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 6:58:15 AM UTC-4, slate_leeper wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2016 07:07:55 -0400, slate_leeper
wrote:

I would like to install safety grab bars in the tub/showers of the
house I just bought. However I found that when I press on the side of
shower wall, the plastic (fiberglass?) is about 3/8 inch away from
the wall. I am afraid installing the bars and squeezing the plastic
tight to the wall will cause it to break. Any suggestions?

-dan z-

Wow. This seems to have ignited some controversy. Thanks for all your
suggestions. I think I am going to combine solutions.

1) Use a suction type temporarily.
2) I was considering remodeling the bathroom anyway with this:
http://www.tubtoshower.com/

That will definitely solve the problem.


#2 sounds like a good idea. #1, not so much.

I would be really concerned about the ability of the suction cups to retain their hold on a
wall that flexes.

On 8/4/2016 7:04 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 6:58:15 AM UTC-4, slate_leeper wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2016 07:07:55 -0400, slate_leeper
wrote:

I would like to install safety grab bars in the tub/showers of the
house I just bought. However I found that when I press on the side of
shower wall, the plastic (fiberglass?) is about 3/8 inch away from
the wall. I am afraid installing the bars and squeezing the plastic
tight to the wall will cause it to break. Any suggestions?

-dan z-

Wow. This seems to have ignited some controversy. Thanks for all your
suggestions. I think I am going to combine solutions.

1) Use a suction type temporarily.
2) I was considering remodeling the bathroom anyway with this:
http://www.tubtoshower.com/

That will definitely solve the problem.


#2 sounds like a good idea. #1, not so much.

I would be really concerned about the ability of the suction cups to retain their hold on a
wall that flexes.


I went out and bought one of the suction devices from HD for my shower.
My wife says hers is real solid for the tub where she uses it.
I tried it yesterday. I have no real problem but at 76 don't have the
agility of when I was younger. I might hold it to soap a foot and it
does appear very solid. Also has the advantage of testing it out where
you might want to place it. I had it on what I thought was the best
wall but it ended up feeling better on another.

On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 8:08:36 AM UTC-4, Frank wrote:
On 8/4/2016 7:04 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 6:58:15 AM UTC-4, slate_leeper wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2016 07:07:55 -0400, slate_leeper
wrote:

I would like to install safety grab bars in the tub/showers of the
house I just bought. However I found that when I press on the side of
shower wall, the plastic (fiberglass?) is about 3/8 inch away from
the wall. I am afraid installing the bars and squeezing the plastic
tight to the wall will cause it to break. Any suggestions?

-dan z-

Wow. This seems to have ignited some controversy. Thanks for all your
suggestions. I think I am going to combine solutions.

1) Use a suction type temporarily.
2) I was considering remodeling the bathroom anyway with this:
http://www.tubtoshower.com/

That will definitely solve the problem.


#2 sounds like a good idea. #1, not so much.

I would be really concerned about the ability of the suction cups to retain their hold on a
wall that flexes.


I went out and bought one of the suction devices from HD for my shower.
My wife says hers is real solid for the tub where she uses it.
I tried it yesterday. I have no real problem but at 76 don't have the
agility of when I was younger. I might hold it to soap a foot and it
does appear very solid. Also has the advantage of testing it out where
you might want to place it. I had it on what I thought was the best
wall but it ended up feeling better on another.

It should be clear from my earlier discussion with Mr. Pawlowski that, in
general, I am not a fan of suction cup grab bars, but to each his own.

However, the OP has the added issue of a shower wall that apparently
flexes when pressure is applied. Since suction cups typically prefer
a flat, solid surface to ensure a good seal, I'd be really concerned
that the flexing of the wall will create a gap behind the suction cup
at the most inopportune time.

On 8/4/2016 9:00 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 8:08:36 AM UTC-4, Frank wrote:
On 8/4/2016 7:04 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 6:58:15 AM UTC-4, slate_leeper wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2016 07:07:55 -0400, slate_leeper
wrote:

I would like to install safety grab bars in the tub/showers of the
house I just bought. However I found that when I press on the side of
shower wall, the plastic (fiberglass?) is about 3/8 inch away from
the wall. I am afraid installing the bars and squeezing the plastic
tight to the wall will cause it to break. Any suggestions?

-dan z-

Wow. This seems to have ignited some controversy. Thanks for all your
suggestions. I think I am going to combine solutions.

1) Use a suction type temporarily.
2) I was considering remodeling the bathroom anyway with this:
http://www.tubtoshower.com/

That will definitely solve the problem.


#2 sounds like a good idea. #1, not so much.

I would be really concerned about the ability of the suction cups to retain their hold on a
wall that flexes.


I went out and bought one of the suction devices from HD for my shower.
My wife says hers is real solid for the tub where she uses it.
I tried it yesterday. I have no real problem but at 76 don't have the
agility of when I was younger. I might hold it to soap a foot and it
does appear very solid. Also has the advantage of testing it out where
you might want to place it. I had it on what I thought was the best
wall but it ended up feeling better on another.

It should be clear from my earlier discussion with Mr. Pawlowski that, in
general, I am not a fan of suction cup grab bars, but to each his own.

However, the OP has the added issue of a shower wall that apparently
flexes when pressure is applied. Since suction cups typically prefer
a flat, solid surface to ensure a good seal, I'd be really concerned
that the flexing of the wall will create a gap behind the suction cup
at the most inopportune time.


I would agree with you that his shower could be a problem. I was in a
hotel a couple of weeks ago in a flexible tub shower and it felt
unstable. Mine is ceramic and had to be replaced many years ago as
builder had used regular drywall instead of water proof dry wall or
cement board. The suction cups appear so solid that I might be afraid
of pulling a tile off a wall before suction failed.

My next door neighbor with aged parents had bought the house that had
just had bath redone, ripped it out and put in a new one with all the
senior bells and whistles. Too bad all showers aren't built with this
in mind because all of us become seniors.

On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 9:24:03 AM UTC-4, Frank wrote:
On 8/4/2016 9:00 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 8:08:36 AM UTC-4, Frank wrote:
On 8/4/2016 7:04 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 6:58:15 AM UTC-4, slate_leeper wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2016 07:07:55 -0400, slate_leeper
wrote:

I would like to install safety grab bars in the tub/showers of the
house I just bought. However I found that when I press on the side of
shower wall, the plastic (fiberglass?) is about 3/8 inch away from
the wall. I am afraid installing the bars and squeezing the plastic
tight to the wall will cause it to break. Any suggestions?

-dan z-

Wow. This seems to have ignited some controversy. Thanks for all your
suggestions. I think I am going to combine solutions.

1) Use a suction type temporarily.
2) I was considering remodeling the bathroom anyway with this:
http://www.tubtoshower.com/

That will definitely solve the problem.


#2 sounds like a good idea. #1, not so much.

I would be really concerned about the ability of the suction cups to retain their hold on a
wall that flexes.


I went out and bought one of the suction devices from HD for my shower.
My wife says hers is real solid for the tub where she uses it.
I tried it yesterday. I have no real problem but at 76 don't have the
agility of when I was younger. I might hold it to soap a foot and it
does appear very solid. Also has the advantage of testing it out where
you might want to place it. I had it on what I thought was the best
wall but it ended up feeling better on another.

It should be clear from my earlier discussion with Mr. Pawlowski that, in
general, I am not a fan of suction cup grab bars, but to each his own.

However, the OP has the added issue of a shower wall that apparently
flexes when pressure is applied. Since suction cups typically prefer
a flat, solid surface to ensure a good seal, I'd be really concerned
that the flexing of the wall will create a gap behind the suction cup
at the most inopportune time.


I would agree with you that his shower could be a problem. I was in a
hotel a couple of weeks ago in a flexible tub shower and it felt
unstable. Mine is ceramic and had to be replaced many years ago as
builder had used regular drywall instead of water proof dry wall or
cement board.

Soon after moving into my first house 30+ years ago, I was doing some
landscaping in my backyard and stepped back to admire my handy work. My
joy was short lived as my eyes drifted to the basement window and I saw
water dripping down *inside* the window, along the wall directly below
the 2nd floor bathroom.

SWMBO was taking a shower so I opened the access panel in the hallway
and saw water coming through the side wall of the shower. These were 3/4"
thick walls, with a 3/8" gypsum board and 3/8" of plaster, then the tile.

The grout had gone bad in the shower and the water was seeping through to
the wall itself. When SWMBO was done with her shower I pushed on the tile
and the wall felt like mush. We showered with a plastic drop cloth covering
the wall until I was able to rip it out and do it right.

The suction cups appear so solid that I might be afraid
of pulling a tile off a wall before suction failed.

Yet another reason I don't like suction cups. It doesn't matter what
fails, the suction cup or the tile. From a safety perspective the result
is the same. From a repair perspective, it's never good to rip a tile off
of a shower wall. ;-)


My next door neighbor with aged parents had bought the house that had
just had bath redone, ripped it out and put in a new one with all the
senior bells and whistles. Too bad all showers aren't built with this
in mind because all of us become seniors.

I don't disagree with you, but...

Obviously there's the added expense involved for homeowners that don't
know if they will grow old in the house. In addition, while some senior
issues are consistent, different folks have different needs. You said it
yourself:

"I had it on what I thought was the best wall but it ended up feeling
better on another."

One size does not fit all.

On Sun, 31 Jul 2016 19:14:16 -0700 (PDT), wrote:

A simple solution is to use mounting screws that are 3/8" longer than what would be needed if the shower wall was tight against the studs. Put the mounting brackets onto shower wall, and just don't tighten the screws the last 3/8 inches. That way the same amount of screw is into the studs and holding the grab bar mounting material. If the whole area is then caulked or silicone-rubbered, it will still be waterproof and the grab bar should be just as strong as if the screws were fully tightened into the studs. If I were me, I would use the largest diameter screws I could get, assuming that the size would not be so large as to shatter the stud into which it is being screwed. The hardest part of this is to find the center of the studs.
Very bad advice on several levels. Last first. A GOOD studfinder
will accurately locate the edges of the stud. When the edges of the
stud are properly located, finding the center is childs play. Then to
the basics - a screw has virtually no strength in "shear" Not having
the handle screwed tight to the back is just begging for the screw to
break Also, leaving the handle "loose" and gluing it to the plastic
shower liner/tub liner is just begging for the plastic to break around
the handle. Just screw it in tight, pulling the plastic back "where it
belongs". Finally - using a bigger screw, requiring the holes in the
handle bracket to be drilled out MASY weaken the bracket - which added
to the stress from not being properly mounted, is liable to crack the
bracket in a short time.

I hope your personal liability insurance is adequate and up to date -
and if you are a "proffessional" or anyone who ever gives advice for a
fee, I hope your "errors and omissions" insurance is also paid up.

On Thu, 4 Aug 2016 09:23:43 -0400, Frank "frank wrote:

On 8/4/2016 9:00 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 8:08:36 AM UTC-4, Frank wrote:
On 8/4/2016 7:04 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 6:58:15 AM UTC-4, slate_leeper wrote:
On Thu, 28 Jul 2016 07:07:55 -0400, slate_leeper
wrote:

I would like to install safety grab bars in the tub/showers of the
house I just bought. However I found that when I press on the side of
shower wall, the plastic (fiberglass?) is about 3/8 inch away from
the wall. I am afraid installing the bars and squeezing the plastic
tight to the wall will cause it to break. Any suggestions?

-dan z-

Wow. This seems to have ignited some controversy. Thanks for all your
suggestions. I think I am going to combine solutions.

1) Use a suction type temporarily.
2) I was considering remodeling the bathroom anyway with this:
http://www.tubtoshower.com/

That will definitely solve the problem.


#2 sounds like a good idea. #1, not so much.

I would be really concerned about the ability of the suction cups to retain their hold on a
wall that flexes.


I went out and bought one of the suction devices from HD for my shower.
My wife says hers is real solid for the tub where she uses it.
I tried it yesterday. I have no real problem but at 76 don't have the
agility of when I was younger. I might hold it to soap a foot and it
does appear very solid. Also has the advantage of testing it out where
you might want to place it. I had it on what I thought was the best
wall but it ended up feeling better on another.

It should be clear from my earlier discussion with Mr. Pawlowski that, in
general, I am not a fan of suction cup grab bars, but to each his own.

However, the OP has the added issue of a shower wall that apparently
flexes when pressure is applied. Since suction cups typically prefer
a flat, solid surface to ensure a good seal, I'd be really concerned
that the flexing of the wall will create a gap behind the suction cup
at the most inopportune time.


I would agree with you that his shower could be a problem. I was in a
hotel a couple of weeks ago in a flexible tub shower and it felt
unstable. Mine is ceramic and had to be replaced many years ago as
builder had used regular drywall instead of water proof dry wall or
cement board. The suction cups appear so solid that I might be afraid
of pulling a tile off a wall before suction failed.

My next door neighbor with aged parents had bought the house that had
just had bath redone, ripped it out and put in a new one with all the
senior bells and whistles. Too bad all showers aren't built with this
in mind because all of us become seniors.
All of so far except stomy - he died too young.

*** Top-posted in memory of Stormy ***

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6MqUqtTlLI



On 8/7/2016 8:16 PM, wrote:
On Thu, 4 Aug 2016 09:23:43 -0400, Frank "frank wrote:

My next door neighbor with aged parents had bought the house that had
just had bath redone, ripped it out and put in a new one with all the
senior bells and whistles. Too bad all showers aren't built with this
in mind because all of us become seniors.
All of so far except stomy - he died too young.