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A suction cup grab bar is the perfect solution for those of us who need just a little stability getting in and out of the tub or shower. They are not designed for someone who needs to put a lot of weight on them or need to pull themselves up. A handicap bar that is permanently installed to a sturdy wall is best for that. But if you just need something to help you keep your balance, these are great!
They can be installed without the use of any tools. That means anyone can install them. All you need is a flat surface. The beauty of them is they can be removed as easily as they were installed. So if you remove it, there will not be any holes left on your surface. You will never even know they were there.
Another perk is they are compact and portable so you can take them with you. Whenever I travel, mine goes with me. You can easily use them in most guest bathrooms or hotel rooms.
What kind of surface can you use your suction cup grab bar on?
Suction cup grab bars only work on smooth surfaces such as:
- glazed tile
- polished granite tile
- smooth and flat tub surfaces
- glass (mirror)
- polished stainless steel
This is very important. If your surface is not one of those listed above, the suction cup grab bar will not hold properly.
Make sure the mounting surface is flat and smooth and there is no texture on the wall.
If the surround of your tub or shower is tile, make sure that the tile is large enough to fit the suction cup. On most grab bars the suction cup is about 4 inches. Your tile must be slightly larger than the size of the suction cup.
The suction cup cannot be placed over grout seams. The grout between the tiles will break the suction and will not allow the grab bar to adhere to the wall.
Make Sure It Has a Visual Indicator
My biggest recommendation is to get one with a visual indicator on it. These indicators tell you whether the suction cup grab bar is secure or not. The indicator will be red if it is not secure and will turn green when it is secure. Tonight I noticed that one of the indicators on my grab bar was starting to get a thin line of red in it. This means it is starting to come loose. I need to release the grab bar right away and reattach it. A very simple task by the way.
If you purchase a suction cup grab bar without these indicators, the only way you know if it is working properly is to use it. If it is not secure it can come right off in your hand and that is not good. This can easily throw you off balance and you can fall.
Always keep an eye on the indicators and test your grab bar before each use!
Installation of Your Suction Cup Grab Bar
There are no tools required. YAY!
- Make sure that the rubber disks (suction cups) and the surface you are going to attach it to are clean.
- Make sure the area you are placing it in is completely flat. That is the biggest reason why your bar would not stay in place. Tubs are the hardest areas to place them on because there are so many areas that have a slight curvature to them. Just keep moving the bar around until you find a spot that is completely flat.
- Press as hard as possible against the wall until the green indicators show up.
- Press down on the flip-up easy release tabs. You will feel a negative pressure. The better the pressure, the better the suction.
That is all there is to it. Don’t forget to check to make sure the indicator is showing green each time before you use it. Be safe!
Recommendations
I am so adamant that an indicator is needed on these suction cup grab bars that I am only recommending ones that have them. I have searched Amazon and found suction cup grab bars that do have the indicators. As long as the indicator light is on green I find these suction cup grab bars to be very sturdy.
12 Inch Suction Cup Safety Bars
In most cases a 12 inch safety bar is all you need.
Carex Suction Shower Grab Bar – 12” Ultra Grip Shower HandleBuy on AmazonCarex Ultra Grip Shower Grab Bar – Shower Handle and Bathroom BarBuy on AmazonDrive Medical Suction Cup Grab Bar, White and Beige, 12 InchBuy on Amazon
Sets of Two Suction Cup Grab Bars
A suction grab bar that is 16″ will give you a little more flexibility. And having two of them really makes it safe in the tub or shower. These sets have two bars, a 11″ and a 16″.
Set of Two Suction Bathroom Grab Bars With Indicator Light, 11 x 16″Buy on Amazon16.5 ” 2 Pack Suction Balance Assist Grab Bar with IndicatorsBuy on Amazon
For even more flexibility there is this model that bends. See how it turns into different shapes.
Drive Medical Suction Cup Dual Rotating Grab Bar, 19 3/4Buy on Amazon
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