Solid Mount grab bar anchoring system 

How to install grab bars to fiberglass tub or shower walls.

NOTE: The Solid Mount is the fastening system only. It does not include a grab bar. Quality installation is a critical component of this project requiring a skilled craftsman qualified to do the job.

Installing grab bars to existing shower and tub fiberglass walls is a challenge but can be accomplished. Most prefabricated units use a thin fiberglass plastic wall material that is not strong enough to support grab bar installation. The big problem is the space between the fiberglass and stud wall. The Solid Mount solves this by filling the void (7/8" to 2-1/8") between the prefabricated shower tub surround and the wall studs, providing a solid attachment point for the bars. The Solid Mount anchors must mount (lag bolt) to wood studs or blocking. Before you order the Solid Mount anchoring system, we recommend that you locate the existing studs or wood blocking to determine the available options you have for grab bar length and location.

The Solid Mount allows the installation of typical grab bars with 3" diameter flanges into existing fiberglass shower and tub units. It installs through the face of the fiberglass using a patented mounting assembly that attaches to the stud, sealing the hole and leaving a mounting surface to which a standard grab bar can be safely attached. If the distance from the outside of the fiberglass shower wall to the stud wall drywall measures from 7/8" to 2-1/8", the Solid Mount will work for you. When properly installed, this product meets or exceeds ANSI and ADA requirements.

What's included:

• 2 each mounting plates with threaded cup.
• 2 each threaded mounting shaft.
• 2 each lag bolt.
• 6 each self tapping screws.
• 2 each fender washer.
• Solid Mount detailed installation instructions.

Tools you'll need:

• drill.
• phillips head screw driver.
• 5/32" & 3/8" drill bit.
• 2" hole saw.
• stud finder.
• level.
• hacksaw.
• 1/2" socket & ratchet.

Locate the existing studs:

1. Use a stud finder to locate the existing studs above the fiberglass shower wall.
2. Mark the center of each stud.
3. Use a level and draw a vertical line on the fiberglass wall to show the stud center lines.

Tip: Although an electronic stud finder can make it easier, there are other methods of locating the studs. Tap the wall until you hear a solid sound. Use a nail to penetrate the wall board about 2" above the fiberglass to insure the stud location. Missed it? Keep trying, wall board is easy to repair.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE "SOLID MOUNT"

DETERMINE LOCATION OF STUDS
1. By using a stud finder or nail locate the existing studs at the wallboard above the fiberglass shower wall where the grab bar is to be installed. Mark the center of each stud.
2. Using a level, draw a vertical line on the fiberglass wall to show the stud centerlines.

DETERMINE LOCATION OF MOUNTING BRACKET
1. Align center of the mounting flanges on the end of the grab bar with the stud centerline.
2. Keeping the grab bar in place, draw a circle around one end of the mounting flange.

INSTALLATION OF MOUNTING BRACKETS
1. Mark the center of the drawn circle.
2. Using the center mark from step 1, drill a 1/8" hole to verify stud location. With the stud location verified, drill a 2" hole in the fiberglass wall with a 2" hole saw.
3. Measure the distance from the stud to the outer surface of the fiberglass wall to determine where to cut the threaded mounting shaft. Cut the threaded mounting shaft to size.
(7/8" to 1-1/8" cut off all spacers, 1-1/8" to 1-3/8" cut off 3 spacers, 1-3/8" to 1-5/8" cut off 2 spacers, 1-5/8" to 1-7/8" cut off 1 spacer, 1-7/8" to 2-1/8" leave all spacers).
4. Using a 3/16" drill bit, drill a starter hole into the center of the stud making sure you are centered in the 2" hole and the stud.
5. Insert the lag bolt with washer into the threaded mounting shaft then into the starter hole and tighten.
6. Apply a bead of silicon caulking around the 2" hole. Screw the mounting bracket onto the threaded shaft that is attached to the stud. Tighten the mounting bracket down until it makes contact with the fiberglass shower wall. Wipe off any excess silicon.
7. Hold one end of the grab bar on the installed mounting bracket and align the center of the other end of the grab bar mounting flange with the stud centerline on the fiberglass wall.
8. Keeping the grab bar in place, draw a line around the mounting flange to show location of the next mounting bracket.
9. Repeat steps 1 through 6 for the other grab bar flange.

INSTALLATION OF THE GRAB BAR TO THE MOUNTING BRACKETS
1. Hold the grab bar against both mounting brackets and mark the screw holes.
2. Using a 5/32" drill bit, drill all the marked holes. While holding the grab bar in place secure the grab bar to the mounting plates using the self tapping screws provided. HAND TIGHTEN ONLY! (No Power Tools)! Once screws have been installed, DO NOT REMOVE THEM AND INSTALL IN THE SAME HOLES!

CAUTION: Grab bars are safe only when installed properly and securely. The Solid Mount and grab bar must be securely attached to the stud to provide safety in use.