October 17, 2023

What is a Knurled Grab Bar?

A knurled grab bar is a type of grab bar with a distinct, diamond-shaped pattern etched into its surface. This pattern, known as knurling, provides a strong grip, making it an excellent choice for areas where stability is crucial, such as bathrooms and showers.  

The deeper, more aggressive texture of a knurled grab bar offers superior traction compared to a smooth or peened grab bar. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with weaker grip strength or those who require maximum support.

Knurled grab bars are especially helpful for people with limited mobility or strength, as they can provide the extra support needed to safely get in and out of the shower or bathtub. They are also commonly used in commercial settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes, to help prevent slips and falls.

                    

What are the key features of a knurled grab bar?

• Deep, textured surface: The distinctive diamond-shaped pattern provides maximum grip.   
• Slip resistance: The aggressive texture offers superior traction, especially in wet conditions.   
• Durability: Typically made from stainless steel for strength and longevity.   
• Safety: The enhanced grip significantly reduces the risk of falls.
• Target audience: Ideal for individuals with weaker grip strength or those requiring maximum support.

Knurled grab bars are designed to provide exceptional stability, making them a popular choice in environments where safety is paramount.

Where and how are knurled grab bars typically used?

Knurled grab bars, with their aggressive grip, are primarily installed in areas where maximum stability is required, especially in wet environments.   

Typical Locations:

• Showers: Due to their superior grip, knurled grab bars are excellent for shower enclosures, providing support while showering or while transferring to and from a shower seat.   
• Bathtubs: They can be installed near the tub’s edge to assist with entering and exiting.
• Commercial settings: Hospitals, nursing homes, and other high-traffic areas often utilize knurled grab bars for enhanced safety.   

How They Are Used:

• Support: The strong grip of knurled grab bars offers exceptional support for individuals with mobility challenges.   
• Transferring: They assist with transferring in and out of the shower or bathtub.   
• Preventing falls: The aggressive texture minimizes the risk of slipping, especially when hands are wet or soapy.   

Given their superior grip, knurled grab bars are often considered the most secure option for those requiring maximum stability in wet environments.

     

Are knurled grab bars ADA-compliant?

Yes, knurled grab bars can be ADA compliant.  

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards focus primarily on the dimensions, mounting requirements, and weight capacity of the grab bar, not the surface texture. As long as a knurled grab bar meets these specifications, it can be considered ADA compliant.

However, it’s important to note that while the ADA doesn’t specifically require a textured surface, some local building codes or accessibility guidelines may have additional requirements. Always check local regulations to ensure full compliance.

All knurled grab bars on GrabBars.com are ADA-compliant and made from high-quality stainless steel. Take a look at them here: Grab Bars

Who can benefit from knurled grab bars?

Knurled grab bars, with their aggressive grip, are particularly beneficial for individuals who require maximum stability and support:

• Individuals with limited mobility: People with conditions affecting balance or strength can benefit from the extra security provided by knurled grab bars.   
• Seniors: As mobility and strength decline, knurled grab bars can significantly reduce the risk of falls.
• Individuals with disabilities: People with specific mobility challenges can rely on the strong grip offered by knurled grab bars.
• Caregivers: Knurled grab bars can assist caregivers in supporting individuals with limited mobility.
• Individuals with weak grip strength: The deep texture provides excellent support for those with weaker hands.

Due to their exceptional grip, knurled grab bars are often recommended for individuals who require the highest level of safety and support in the bathroom.

Is knurled the only textured grab bar option?

No, knurled is not the only textured grab bar option. While knurled grab bars offer a deep, aggressive texture for maximum grip, peened is another popular textured grab bar option. Peened grab bars have a finer, more gentle texture than knurled bars, providing good grip without being overly aggressive.   

Why should I choose a knurled grab bar over a peened grab bar?

Knurled grab bars offer superior grip compared to peened grab bars.   

• Maximum grip: The deeper, more aggressive texture of knurled grab bars provides exceptional traction, especially in wet conditions.   
• Ideal for weak grip strength: Individuals with limited hand strength can benefit from the extra support offered by knurled bars.   
• Safety-critical environments: In areas where falls pose a significant risk, such as hospitals or nursing homes, knurled grab bars are often preferred.

While peened grab bars offer a good level of grip, knurled grab bars provide an extra layer of security for those who require maximum support and stability.

However, it’s essential to consider user comfort. The aggressive texture of knurled bars might be uncomfortable for some individuals. In such cases, a peened grab bar might be a better option.

Check out a few videos of Knurled Grab Bars below:

• What are knurled grab bars?
• Standard grab bar – knurled

Overall, knurled grab bars are primarily known for their exceptional grip. The deep, diamond-shaped pattern on their surface provides maximum traction, making them ideal for wet environments and individuals with reduced grip strength. They are often considered the most secure option for those requiring the highest level of stability and support.

If you are looking for an extreme anti-slip grab bar solution to enhance the safety of your residential or commercial restroom or shower, grab bars in knurled finish are a great choice!

If you are also in need of shower seats, you can find those here: Shower Seats

                

As with any grab bar, it is highly recommended to hire a professional installer to ensure they are mounted properly and securely to your wall. If you are in need of a local professional installer, just fill out this form: Grab Bar Installation Request Form

If you have any questions or need help deciding which grab bar is right for your bathroom, email us at [email protected], live chat with us on GrabBars.com, or give us a call at 704-800-4629 and we’ll be happy to help.