Self adhesive shower grab bar needed

bighatnohorse wrote:

jdc1 wrote:
Why not remove the paneling on the opposite wall and put real wood backing where you want the grab bar? Safest long-term thing to do, IMO.

Thats worth looking into.
For a person with balance issues ANYTHING besides a smooth wall would help.
This one: Adhesive Grab Bar is rated at something like 250 pounds.
(the suction cup type are rated at 5 pounds)

Did you read the reviews from your link?

Here's just the first page of reviews..


"We've been using this grab bar for years but twice in the past 6 months I've had to replace the mounting hardware. I follow the directions exactly so not sure why one side or the other comes loose.

I installed a shower bar and a short while later it detached
I called Customer Service, they were extremely accommodating and understanding.
In discussion with them it was apparent that I did not prep the wall appropriately
They sent out a new mounting kit
I followed the directions exactly

The installation instructions were very easy to read and understand. As long as you follow the provided instructions, installation is very simple. The key to a successful installation, is the surface prep. I allowed the adhesive to cure for 48 hours before installing the bars, and their performance has exceeded my expectations.
However, 60 days later, the 36-inch bar fell off on one end. Innovative Products sent out a new Mounting Hardware Set, under warranty. Upon examination of the failed installation photos, it was determined that the wall was not perfectly flat / on the same plane.

After being installed for about 3 weeks, one end of my 36" grab bar failed.

One applies the mastic through a hole in baseplate and 3 weep holes let you know mastic is flowing. To be sure of good adhesion, let plenty of mastic flow to insure a tight bond. Also, make sure the surface has been thoroughly cleaned with alcohol/ acetone. Something went wrong for me but the company provided excellent support and I had a very successful installation."

Not trying to be a jerk, but pretty much every review say's something to the effect of how great the customer service is, some list the failures for the need to contact customer service, some do not.

No matter just how great the customer service may be, it will be well after the fact when the device you installed that was supposed to keep one safe failed unexpectedly.

Not to mention, I highly doubt any of those installs were in a RV (moving, flexing home on the road) with paper thin RV materials.

Heck, I have had car rear view mirror mounts fall right off the window glass more than once. I wouldn't wish to bet my life on anything stuck together solely with adhesives.

Can't beat mechanical fasteners.

OPs best way is to find a way to get sufficient supporting wood behind the surround and drill and screw right on through the surround. Sealants can be applied to provide water tight seal.

OP may need to get creative and find a spot they might be able to remove the wallboard to gain access to the back side of the surround.