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Anyone use a suction cup grab bar?

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Posted 9/30/2010 12:39 PM (GMT 0)
I picked up a suction cup grab bar at Walgreen's the other day, but I haven't opened it yet. I would prefer something for the tub/shower that fits on the side and comes up higher, so I can use it getting in and out. But I was wondering if any of you have used one of these suction cup grab bars for the wall? I don't want to put it on our tile, since its a very thin tile. Does it work in the plain wall? Suction seems a little iffy as far as strength. I'd hate for it to give out. I'd just be using it for stabilization and not for holding my entire weight.
Anyone use one of these?
Thanks.
Posted 9/30/2010 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
Cathy I have never tried one of these, but I would be a little scared to depend on suction cups even just for support. You can get the kind that is installed at wal-mart or k-mart and they arent that expensive. I always think better safe than sorry.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 9/30/2010 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
I know I wouldn't use it.  Boy, if it let go, that could be horrible...and some broken bones, too.  We have a little device called a SunPass that has three suction cups on it and you stick it to your windshield and it gets you through the toll roads easier.  Anyway, I can't tell you how many times that has fallen off the windshield and no one has touched it!  So, I would re-think this. 

 

Any type of handle you would use needs to be in a stud, at least or you can end up ripping a hole in  your wall.  If you are really unsteady, either use a cane or one of those plastic patio chairs they sell at Walmart and you can stabilize yourself on something like that.  I have a shower stall and have been thinking what I will use when I need more stability and this is all I've come up with so far.

 

Sherrine

Posted 9/30/2010 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
Our neighbor who is a contracter put our grab bars in so I know that they are done right. He also put up a wall for us so that Charles wouldn't have to worry about falling over the railing that went along our basement steps. He is a great neighbor. I hope you find someone who can install them for you. Sherrine is right I wouldnt trust the suction ones at all. Oh wait I think I already said that lol.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 9/30/2010 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Shirley and Sherrine!
Posted 10/1/2010 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
CathyA,

I actually have one of those suction cup grab handles and I love it.  I got it at Bed,Bath & Beyond.  I was a little hesitant I will say, but it's worked great for me.  When we remodeled our bathroom I wasn't at a point where I thought I would need one.  But very quickly I figured out that it would be necessary.  I bought the chrome looking version, the suction cups are huge and very strong.  I'm about 165 lbs and it feels very solid when I pull on it to get up.  I actually had a hard time taking it off the tile to reposition it.  That said, I do place it ON the tile, not on the wall.  Yes, a permanent version, installed into studs would be ideal but if you don't want to rip up your tile/bathroom or go to the expense this works.  I'm going to get a second one so I have 2 different angles to help me up. 

Tk care,

Deb

Posted 10/1/2010 12:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Deb,

Actually, this one was only $10.00 and I got tired of trying to decide if I should return it or not, and just took the chance and opened it. There were lots of good reviews of it on the net.
I tried it on the wall, and it didn't hold. So then I put it on the tile, and its amazing how firmly it grasps. It also has 2 indicators, when the suction isn't good enough. Its actually very hard to break the suction.
I'm not using this to hold my entire weight, but just balance me a little as I step out of the tub.
At least if I end up not liking it, I'm only out $10.
Thanks again for your input.
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