Grab bars: how to choose one for the bathroom
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- Moen Home Care 24 in Concealed Screw Grab Bar, Peened (R8724P). Best for: A wet-hand grip on a stud-mounted bar. See options on Amazon
- Delta 24 in Contemporary Decorative ADA Grab Bar, Chrome (41824). Best for: A smooth chrome bar that matches bath fixtures. See options on Amazon
- Moen Home Care Tub Grip, Glacier (DN7175). Best for: Renters or anyone who cannot drill. See options on Amazon
Where grab bars help
The National Institute on Aging's room-by-room falls checklist suggests mounting grab bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of your tub and shower, and putting nonskid mats or strips on surfaces that get wet. It also suggests a grab bar near the front door for balance while you lock or unlock it.
Three grab bars compared
| Spec | Moen R8724P | Delta 41824 | Moen DN7175 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount | Screws into a stud | Concealed; stud plus wall anchor | Tool-free tub grip |
| Rated load | 500 lb | 500 lb of force | 350 lb |
| Length | 24 in | 24 in | Tub grip |
| Bar diameter | 1.25 in | 1 1/4 in | Not listed |
| Grip finish | Textured peened | Chrome | White |
All three list ADA compliance. Each maker's figures are its own.
Mounting is what makes a grab bar safe
A grab bar is only as strong as what holds it to the wall. Moen describes SecureMount for installation into a stud at any angle. Delta includes a retrievable wall anchor for one end and recommends that at least one end be mounted into a stud with the included wood screws.
Follow the maker's installation sheet, and use a qualified installer if you are not sure about your wall.
What ADA compliant means on the box
All three picks list compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Delta notes that some people, and some local codes, require ADA-compliant fixtures, and it describes its 41824's 500 lb rating as twice the ADA requirement. Moen lists 500 lb for its R8724P and 350 lb for the DN7175 tub grip.
An ADA label tells you the product meets those specifications; the installation still has to be done to the maker's instructions for the bar to hold that load.
Size and grip
Both screw-mounted picks are 24 in long with a 1 1/4 in diameter bar. Delta lists 1 1/2 in of clearance between the bar and the wall. Moen's peened finish is textured for slip resistance; Delta's chrome is smooth.
Moen and Delta both sell other lengths and finishes, and the model number changes with each, so check the listing's model before you order.
If you cannot drill
Moen sells the DN7175 as a tub grip for the side of a bathtub. Moen lists tool-free installation, 350 lb and ADA compliance.
For a walk-in shower or beside the toilet, these makers offer wall-mounted bars, which need a proper installation.
Pair a grab bar with other bathroom safety steps
The National Institute on Aging's checklist pairs grab bars with nonskid mats, strips or carpet on surfaces that may get wet, and a night light in the bathroom. For a seat in the shower, see our shower bench guide. For wet floors, see our non-slip bath mat guide, and for seated rinsing, our handheld showerhead guide.
What to look for when you buy
Moen Home Care 24 in Concealed Screw Grab Bar, Peened (R8724P)
Best for: A wet-hand grip on a stud-mounted bar
Moen lists a textured slip-resistant peened finish, support up to 500 lb, ADA compliance, a 24 in length, 1.25 in diameter, stainless steel and SecureMount for mounting into a stud at any angle, with a limited lifetime warranty.
Watch out: Needs drilling and a solid mounting; the peened finish is one of several finishes with different model numbers.
See options on AmazonDelta 24 in Contemporary Decorative ADA Grab Bar, Chrome (41824)
Best for: A smooth chrome bar that matches bath fixtures
Delta lists support up to 500 lb of force (twice the ADA requirement), a 1 1/4 in bar, 3 in flanges, 1 1/2 in wall clearance, concealed mounting and included hardware, template and a retrievable wall anchor.
Watch out: Delta recommends at least one end be mounted into a stud with the included wood screws.
See options on AmazonMoen Home Care Tub Grip, Glacier (DN7175)
Best for: Renters or anyone who cannot drill
Moen lists easy tool-free installation, support up to 350 lb, ADA compliance, a white glacier finish and a limited lifetime warranty.
Watch out: It is for the tub wall, not the shower wall or toilet; check it fits your tub before you buy.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How much weight should a grab bar hold?
- Moen's R8724P and Delta's 41824 both list 500 lb; Delta says that is twice the ADA requirement. Moen's tub grip lists 350 lb.
- Do grab bars have to go into studs?
- Moen designs its bar for stud mounting at any angle. Delta recommends at least one end in a stud and includes a wall anchor for the other.
- Where should I put grab bars in the bathroom?
- The National Institute on Aging suggests near toilets and on both the inside and outside of the tub and shower.
- Are smooth or textured grab bars better?
- Moen's peened finish is textured for slip resistance; Delta's chrome bar is smooth. Pick by grip and look.
Sources
- Moen Home Care 24 in Concealed Screw Grab Bar (R8724P) (shop.moen.com), Moen
- Moen Home Care Tub Grip (DN7175) (shop.moen.com), Moen
- 24 in Contemporary Decorative ADA Grab Bar 41824 (deltafaucet.com), Delta Faucet
- Preventing Falls at Home: Room by Room (www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/preventing-falls-home-room-room), National Institute on Aging