Understanding Hollow Wall Grab Bar Anchors
Hollow walls, commonly found in residential and commercial spaces, are constructed with a void space between the outer and inner layers. This construction method presents a challenge when it comes to securely fastening items to the wall, as there is limited material to hold onto. This is where hollow wall anchors come in, providing a way to distribute weight and provide stability by gripping both sides of the wall.
Although some of the fasteners covered in this article can be used in other applications throughout the home, but we are focusing specifically on use in the bathroom for grab bars and other accessories that are to be attached to walls.
Grab Bar Placement
There are specific guidelines for the placement of grab bars on walls around the toilet area, the walls of a shower as well as the walls above a bathtub that can be viewed at this government website: www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-6-bathing-rooms. Remember, these are ADA guidelines which can assist you in placement. But when installing grab bars to be used in a private residence the locations can be placed to accommodate a specific person according to his or her height or weight. This would at times include grab bars installed for children as well.
After choosing the most convenient place for the grab bar that will be installed, the location should be carefully marked (using a level to get the vertical or horizontal placement exact). Then before drilling large holes in the wall or tub or shower surround, a small hole can be drilled to determine whether a stud in available directly behind the area. If so, at least one end of the grab bar can be securely attached to a stud.
If a stud is not available, proceed to install a hollow wall anchor according to the manufacturer’s installation requirements. One final note: Several of the following hollow wall anchors require a minimum of 3 ½” hollow wall to insert the grab bar anchor properly. This should be normal in most applications.
This hollow wall grab bar anchor (2 per grab bar) provides a solution for installing bathroom safety accessories when no in-wall backing or only one wood stud is available for support. Best suited for use in 5/8 " sheetrock with no wood stud support or with 1/2" sheetrock with at least one wood stud support. According to the manufacturer’s Amazon listing on this anchor the multi-hole flange pattern is designed to fit most grab bar styles. Here is a link for some CSI Bathware grab bars.
The hollow wall grab bar anchor system comes in a set of two anchors and is made from rust-resistant 304 stainless steel to ensure long-lasting durability. (Note: Although these anchors appear to be very capable of being used to secure grab bars in fiberglass and acrylic tub or shower surrounds, this specific anchor has not been tested by the manufacturer for use in acrylic or fiberglass tub or shower walls with no support board backing. This support, such as O.S.B. or plywood, can be added if access is made available from an adjacent room by removing enough drywall to secure a backing board to accommodate the anchor.) A 1 ½” hole is required to insert the sleeve through the wall.
WingIts Fasteners
WingIts Fasteners are a line of advanced wall mounting grab bar anchors designed to provide unmatched strength and durability. Unlike traditional anchors that rely on friction within the wall to secure objects, WingIts Fasteners utilize a unique and patented technology to ensure a secure attachment even in challenging conditions.
The Innovation Behind WingIts Fasteners
At the heart of WingIts Fasteners' effectiveness lies their innovative design that doesn't compromise the structural integrity of the wall. Once the hole is made, a corresponding WingIts anchor is inserted. This grab bar anchor expands behind the wall, distributing weight and stress over a larger surface area. The result is a significantly stronger hold compared to traditional fasteners.
Key Benefits of WingIts Fasteners
1. Exceptional Strength: WingIts Fasteners are engineered to withstand substantial weight loads, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications such as shower rods, grab bars, and large mirrors. The expanded footprint of the anchor minimizes the risk of the fastener pulling out of the wall.
2. Versatility: Whether you're working with drywall, tile, marble, concrete, or other challenging surfaces, WingIts Fasteners can provide a secure mounting solution. Their compatibility with various materials makes them a versatile choice for different projects.
3. Long-Lasting Durability: WingIts Fasteners are constructed from high-quality materials that resist corrosion and wear over time. This ensures that your mounted fixtures remain securely in place for years to come.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: Unlike traditional anchors that may leave unsightly holes or require additional touch-ups, WingIts Fasteners result in a clean and polished finish. This contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of your interior spaces.
Applications of WingIts Fasteners
The versatility of WingIts Fasteners opens up a wide range of applications. We are focusing on the use of these fasteners for grab bar anchor installations. They are used for the fixtures below along with several WingIts products not listed in this blog.
Bathroom Fixtures: WingIts Fasteners are particularly popular for securely mounting towel bars, toilet paper holders, and shower caddies in bathroom spaces.
Wall Art and Mirrors: Hanging heavy artwork and mirrors becomes a breeze with WingIts Fasteners, ensuring that your decorative pieces remain firmly in place.
Grab Bars and Safety Rails: In areas requiring additional support, such as bathrooms and hallways, WingIts Fasteners provide a dependable solution for installing grab bars and safety rails.
This one is the supreme grab bar anchor fastener in the industry. The manufacturer touts it as the “World’s Strongest Fastener.” It is expensive and, as all these fasteners, requires two, one for
each end, for the grab bar installation. But it is rated for 800 pounds in drywall with tile. So it can provide very exceptional support when needed.
There are 3 different options on the “Beast”: The GBW40 for standard framed walls, the GBW50 which is identical except it includes a 5” stainless steel screw which is 1” longer than the GBW40 and is used for thicker walls, and the SRGBW40 which is used for walls framed with 2 x 3’s. The screw is reversed on this model and must be used with a hollow tube grab bar. Here is a link to some WingIts grab bars.
The following technical data sheet explains the “Beast” in detail.
This grab bar anchor is quite versatile. Although not as strong as the “Beast”, this grab bar anchor exceeds all ADA strength requirements and again is another fastener made by WingIts that they guarantee not to loosen.
These are less expensive than the “Beast” and require only ¾” holes to secure the fastener. It requires one of these fasteners on each end of the grab bar being installed and are usually 2 in a package.
Again, here is a link for some WingIts grab bars.
Below is a technical data sheet on this particular fastener.
Below is an installation video for the RESGBW35 fastener:
Toggler SnapToggles
The non-stud mount feature of the SnapToggle by Toggler helps you install a grab bar or assist bar when you can only secure one end of the bar into a stud. This anchor requires only a ½” diameter hole for installation and pre-installs without a bolt for easier installation. This Snap Toggle Anchor is quite amazingly strong featuring a patented strap design that won’t break prematurely, adjusts more precisely and will snap off flush against the wall.
These may show as the weakest of the grab bar anchors that we are listing on this blog, but are very strong anchors. .
Although the reviews are good on these anchors and some people have installed both ends of a grab bar using these, the manufacturer says that one end of the bar must be installed attached to a stud.
Some strength test results on this type anchor are shown below:
3/16" bolts 1/4" bolts
1/2" drywall 67# tensile force 74# tensile force
106# shear force 137# shear force
5/8" drywall 107# tensile force 120# tensile force
137# shear force 209# shear force
Considering three fasteners on each end of the grab bar that is being installed this gives a very strong pull rating that should be very sufficient in a home setting.
This Toggler SnapToggle anchor is sold by Delta through Liberty Hardware. The mounting installation instructions are shown below:
Mounting instructions follow:
Toggler SnapToggle Installation Video:
Another competing brand that is designed much the same is Titan Anchors which can be compared for quantity packaging and pricing.
Titan Anchor Installation Video:
A final competing brand to the two above is the Cobra FlipToggle. Please note that their directions do not indicate the fact that these anchors should not be used on a wall thickness less than 1/2". We would recommend using the Toggler SnapToggler product as first choice of the three we have listed. Check out the reviews before proceeding.
Check that one out here:
The Delta Grab Bar Anchor provides quick and easy grab bar installation. The Delta Grab Bar Anchor can support up to 500 pounds, exceeding ADA standards. This grab bar anchor is retrievable and removable, and features a rotating flange for grab bar installation at any angle. A neoprene gasket is used for water sealing instead of adhesive and the hardened T5 Aluminum is used instead of plastic for added strength. The Delta Grab Bar Anchor does not require a stud, and does not require any clearance to a stud or precision wall location, and it can be used with a maximum wall thickness of 2½”. Once again, a link for some Delta grab bars.
Features
Crafted of durable steel and T5 aluminum
Simple installation with included instruction sheets and hardware
Provides support for up to 500 pounds, twice the ADA standard
Perfect for installation where no stud is available
Neoprene gasket used for sealing and strength comes from hardened T5 aluminum
Unique design is removable and retrievable
Rotating mounting plate allows for installation at different angles
This is Moen’s grab bar anchor. It is limited for use in a standard hollow wall minimum 3 ½” space. Although it is an unusual design it has very good reviews from those who have installed grab bars with this device.
It is rated for 300 lbs which exceeds the ADA requirements of 250 lbs strength minimum.
It requires drilling 1 ¼” holes for each end of the grab bar. Here is a link for some Moen grab bars.
You Tube videos are sometimes available for your specific product as well.
Conclusion:
As much as possible, always match the grab bar anchor and the grab bar from the same manufacturer.
If for some reason it is not available, then it would be advisable to purchase the grab bar anchor that best meets your need before purchasing an appropriate grab bar, making sure that the mounting hole configuration on the grab bar that you do purchase will match the grab bar anchor hole configuration.
If you are able to determine that several fasteners are suitable for your application, then you price and availability can help your purchase decision.
Appropriate bits will be needed for drilling through porcelain (diamond hole saw bits are necessary) and ceramic tile (diamond bits or carbide minimum). Take time to thoroughly check the hollow wall depth requirements and mark and level the exact locations for the holes.
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If you need help with installation in the Dayton Area, please reach us at :
937-990-7517
or send us an email at: productassemblyservices@gmail.com
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