I'm looking to install grab bars in my mom's bathroom, and I'm a bit puzzled about the right method since her condo has metal studs. I'm used to using lag screws with wooden studs, but I'm not sure what works best here. I've thought about using self-tapping screws, but I'm concerned they won't hold well in metal. My idea is to use snaptoggles for the ends of the grab bar. There are three mounting holes, so would it be okay to just use snaptoggles on the ends and skip the other two holes? Also, one bar would be outside the shower on drywall, which I can handle, but the other will be in a tiled area. I plan to drill small pilot holes through the grout to locate the studs and use ceramic bits for the tile. Should I caulk the holes afterward and use similar anchors for both bars? Is my approach sound?
3 Answers
Have you considered getting a free-standing grab bar instead? They don’t require drilling into the walls, which might make the whole process easier, especially with the concerns around metal studs and tile!
To start, it's great that you're thinking about safety! For your grab bars in the shower, using a marine board as a base plate with screws into the studs is a solid idea. That will give you extra stability. Just make sure to get quality hardware that can handle the load.
You're on the right track! Using snaptoggles for the grab bars is sufficient. When working with tile, make sure to drill a pilot hole in the grout to find the studs—you don’t want any cracked tiles! Just remember to caulk the covers after installation to keep moisture from getting behind the bar. Also, measure carefully; the angle may not match your initial thoughts even if it's a perfect fit on the studs. Measure thrice before drilling!
Exactly! That’s why it’s crucial to plan ahead with the angles. It can be tricky! I'd recommend using a level while installing to avoid that pesky angle issue.