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Grab bars are essential for the safety and well-being of the elderly because they help to avoid injuries from falls. There are different types of grab bars on the market, including no-drill ones. But since these grab bars aren’t drilled into the wall, you might be wondering whether or not they’re safe.
No-drill grab bars are generally safe if installed correctly. However, the level of safety will also depend on the specific grab bar you purchase. For example, a grab bar that utilizes suction technology won’t be as secure as a grab bar that uses glue and other adhesives to stick to the wall.
Learning about no-drill grab bars is crucial if you want your elderly loved ones to be safe in their home. This article will discuss the safest no-drill grab bar, how to install it, the safety differences between a no-drill and drill grab bar, and how many grab bars you should install in a bathroom.
What Is the Safest No-Drill Grab Bar?
The safest no-drill grab bar is the “no drilling required” bar, the only one of its kind that is ADA-compliant, meaning it’s suitable for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, the bar isn’t sold on Amazon, but you can buy it from places like Home Depot.
This no-drill bar uses strong adhesive to stick to surfaces and can hold up to 250 lbs (113 kg) of body weight. You can install it yourself once you follow the instructions carefully, but if you’re concerned, you can always hire a professional.
The installation process will depend on the type of grab bar you’re using, so you should follow the instructions that come with it. Although you don’t have to drill anything into the wall, you may need to apply some screws to help mount the bar to the wall (like with the no-drilling required bar).
Below are some tips to consider when installing a no-drill grab bar:
- Clean and disinfect the area where the bar will be. You want to ensure no dirt or debris will get in the way of the bar and adhesive, as this may hinder its performance.
- Go over the instructions before starting. Knowing how the installation works is good because you might realize it’s too challenging for you to do it alone. In that case, you may need to get help or call a professional for assistance.
- Ensure you have everything you need. Before beginning, check that you have all the tools and equipment. You don’t want to be halfway through installing the bar and realize you’re missing a component!
Safety Difference: No-Drill vs. Drill Grab Bars
You might wonder if there are any significant safety differences between no-drill and drill grab bars. Below, I’ll discuss this in more detail.
No-Drill Grab Bar Safety
No-drill grab bars are generally safe if installed correctly, particularly ones that use adhesives because they’re stronger and more reliable than other no-drill bars. No-drill grab bars usually hold plenty of weight and are unlikely to fall off the wall once the adhesive has cured.
While no-drill grab bars are unsafe to use right away, drill ones are safe because they don’t have any adhesive that needs to dry and cure. If you try to use the adhesive bar before the glue has cured, it won’t hold well and might not work correctly, which is a safety concern.
But this shouldn’t be an issue once you give it at least 24 hours to cure.
Drill Grab Bar Safety
Standard drill grab bars are also highly safe when installed correctly. A drill is used to secure the bars in place, keeping them tight and unmoving. Over time, however, the screws can become loose (especially if not installed tightly enough), so you need to keep an eye on them and may need to tighten them from time to time.
Is a Suction Grab Bar Safe?
A suction grab bar is safe, but it won’t be as secure as other grab bars, nor will it last as long. They can hold less weight because the suction mechanism isn’t as powerful as adhesive or screws in the wall. But if you install them properly and don’t misuse them, they are helpful and safe. You should also read my guide on making suction bars stronger to learn a few tricks that let your suction grab bar handle more weight. How to Make Suction Grab Bars Stick Better
Suction grab bars are cheaper and easier to install than other types. Plus, there are many options to choose from.
For example, you can find this Safe-er-Grip Suction Grab Bar on Amazon.com. The installation is super easy–all you need to do is press it onto the wall or bathtub, applying lots of pressure to ensure it sticks. It’s designed to assist elderly people in the shower and bathtub, as they can easily grab onto it.
How Many No-Drill Grab Bars Do You Need in a Bathroom?
The amount of no-drill grab bars you need in a bathroom will depend on your elderly loved one’s needs.
For example, if they have a lot of trouble with balance, it’s good to install multiple grab bars. You could have the following:
- 1-2 in the bath/shower
- 1-2 by the toilet
- 1-2 by the sink
But let’s say their only issue is entering and exiting the shower – in that case, you may only need to install one or two no-drill grab bars in the shower and nowhere else. It’s up to you and your loved one to decide precisely how many grab bars they need in their bathroom.
Is It Safe To Install a No-Drill Grab Bar at the Stairs?
It is safe to install a no-drill grab bar at the stairs, and it’s an excellent idea if your elderly loved one has mobility issues. However, it likely won’t be possible because these bars usually don’t stick to certain surfaces, including wallpaper and painted surfaces.
Both suction and adhesive grab bars are unlikely to stick to the wall at your stairs. No-drill grab bars work best on bathroom materials (like tile or acrylic), so it’s best to install a wall-mounted grab bar (using a drill) at the stairs. Are Adhesive Grab Bars Safe? What You Need to Know
Conclusion
No-drill grab bars are safe once installed correctly. If you’re looking for a no-drill grab bar that’s safe and long-lasting, consider an adhesive grab bar (like the “no drilling required one). But if you’re looking for something more affordable (yet still reliable), consider a suction grab bar.
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