How Safe Is A No Drill Grab Bar?

No matter how much we age, most of us don’t want to lose our independence. We want to be able to do things for ourselves, even if it takes a little longer. So, when faced with the task of choosing a grab bar for the bathroom, many people have questions about the no drill option.

Suction cup grab bars may seem like an easy and cost-effective way to ensure safety in the shower or bathtub, but their viability depends on a variety of factors.

These include surface type they will be adhering to, the user’s weight, and the length of time they’ve been installed. For these reasons, we recommend avoiding suction grab bars for optimal safety.

To help you make your own decision on whether suction bars are the perfect solution for your particular situation, let’s take a closer look at these no-drill options.

What Is A No Drill Grab Bar And How Does It Work?

A no drill grab bar is a home safety device for fall prevention that doesn’t require any complicated mounting system or professional installation.

Designed with a special suction function and quick-release system, the no drill grab bar can easily adhere to any dry and smooth surface like tiles or walls without having to actually drill into the structure.

This means it is not a permanent fixture.

This makes these safety bars particularly useful for those who need an aging-in-place bathroom, but don’t want to put holes in their walls or who rent their home and can’t make permanent changes.

Some types of no drill grab bars come with modifications to help make them a little safer.

These include installation warnings and tips to make them stick to the wall better, and indicators so you can see whether the bar is in danger of coming off the wall under pressure.

Pros And Cons Of Using A No Drill Grab Bar

Suction grab bars have some distinct benefits and can be a helpful addition to bathrooms, especially if you’re not as steady on your feet as you used to be.

No-drill grab bars offer super easy installation. They allow you to get some extra stability without leaving permanent marks or having to damage your walls or bathroom.

Because they use adhesion instead of screws, there’s no need for any intrusive drilling, special drill bits, or an adapter kit.

Plus, if you ever decide to take them down there’s hardly any mess; it only takes a matter of seconds.

The downside of no drill grab bars is that they’re not always as reliable or secure as you might think.

These grab bars attach to the wall with suction cups and are best used as a temporary measure, such as when traveling or while recovering from certain surgeries or injuries.

Forbes.com

While the suction cups hold the bar in place, if too much pressure is applied then they’re in danger of coming off the wall. You cannot depend on them to be sturdy grab bars that stay in place under someone’s full weight.

This can be a huge safety risk and could lead to serious injury or even death.

Additionally, suction grab bars are only designed for use on flat surfaces – any type of bump or bulge in the wall can prevent them from working correctly.

Even when used correctly and with care, these types of grab bars may not be able to support anyone’s full body weight, the way traditional grab bars can when they are installed using screws or anchors.

In short, no drill grab bars can provide some extra stability but should never be relied upon completely for total support.

If you’re looking for a safe and secure option, it’s best to use a bathroom grab bar with traditional screws or anchors. This will provide the most reliable support and peace of mind.

How Do You Install A Suction Grab Bar?

Installing a suction grab bar is one of the few DIY tasks that you can do at home with minimal tools and effort.

First and foremost, you’ll need to find a spot on the wall that is away from water sources such as the bath or shower, and then you’ll want to make sure it’s clean by wiping it down with rubbing alcohol.

Also, the majority of these safety grab bars require that you mount them on larger than 4 inch by 4 inch tiles (some require at least 5″ x 5″).

And, only attach them to hard surfaces, such as ceramic tile or marble.

This type of grab bar should never be applied to non-porous surfaces like natural stone or grout lines.

Next, activate the suction technology by pressing firmly against the back surface of each side.

After that, ensure that each suction cup has successfully attached itself to the wall by pulling on it from several different angles.

Finally, check for any gaps between the areas of attachment and if any seem visible, repeat the above steps until the bar has been successfully installed.

See? These bars really do install in no time and with minimal effort.

Here’s a video that walks you through the installation process step by step:

How To Properly Maintain A Suction Grab Bar

Being proactive when it comes to your suction grab bar is a great way to ensure that you get the most out of it.

To maintain its proper function and avoid accidents, you’ll have to give it regular checks so you know if it is still attaching properly to the shower wall.

Also, you’ll want to know if there are any cracks or defects that have come up since the last time you used it.

First, make sure that the bar has been installed properly – if it isn’t secured in place, there’s no point in using it.

Next, check regularly for dirty build up or mold on the suction cups as they can affect it’s suction effects.

Lastly, look underneath the base plate from time-to-time to make sure nothing is blocking its suction power.

All in all, these preventive measures should help keep your grab bar secure for years to come.

Where Can I Buy A No Drill Grab Bar?

Looking to install a no drill grab bar in your home or bathroom? You won’t have to look far to get yourself one.

Stores that carry medical supplies, home improvement centers and hardware stores across the country carry these safety devices.

You can also find them online in various colors and sizes, depending on the specific area you’re looking to install it.

When shopping for a no drill grab bar, it’s important to:

1.Make sure you’re getting one that is high-quality and meets all safety requirements.Look for ones made of metal (preferably stainless steel grab bars) or plastic, as this will provide better durability and corrosion resistance.

2.Check for any certifications from relevant organizations like the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), which indicate that these products have been tested and approved to meet certain standards.

3.If purchasing online, read reviews and pay attention to details and additional information, like how securely the bar has performed for others, as well as whether it has held up well or if it comes with any additional safety features.

I don’t really recommend suction or no-drill grab bars but if you are going to purchase one, some that you can look at are:

While a no drill grab bar may not be as safe as one installed directly into the wall, if you shop carefully and make sure your bar is of good quality, it can provide some degree of security and support.

Conclusion

Installing a no drill grab bar can be an easy and efficient way to make your bathroom safer.

Keep in mind, though, that while a suction grab bar can be a great option for balance assistance, they often cannot provide the support most people would want if they were relying on one to keep from falling in the shower.

To get the most mileage out of a no drill bar, older adults will want to make sure they install their shower grab bar correctly, maintain it regularly, and buy the best quality product out there.

Exercise some caution when buying yours – check reviews, manufacturer details, and look for good warranty packages.

This article has affiliate or sponsored links. If you buy something through those links I may earn a small commission. This won’t cost you extra. I only recommend things I really think are good, not just to make money. For more details, see my Affiliate Disclaimer.