September 29, 2023
Can you Use Toggle Bolts for Grab Bars?
Yes, toggle bolts can be a good option for installing grab bars, especially in hollow walls where there is no stud behind the mounting location. However, for walls with studs, you won’t need toggle bolts as you can install the grab bars directly into the studs. It’s important to determine which type of wall you are installing the grab bars onto so that you can use the appropriate installation method. Proper installation will ensure the correct level of strength and reliability for your grab bars.
How do toggle bolts work?
Toggle bolts work in a clever way to provide a secure hold in hollow walls like drywall, where there’s no solid backing like a stud. Here’s the breakdown:
The parts:
- Screw: A threaded metal screw, similar to a regular screw.
- Toggle: A metal piece that looks a bit like a butterfly with folded wings. This toggle slides onto the screw and has a slot for a screwdriver.
The installation process:
-
Drilling and Inserting: You’ll pre-drill a hole in the drywall according to the size of your toggle bolt. Then, with the wings folded shut, you push the screw-and-toggle assembly through the hole.
-
Wings Spread Behind the Wall: Once the toggle is through the hole, the wings hit the back of the drywall and spring open. This “toggles” the wings to spread out flat behind the drywall.
-
Tightening the Screw: With the wings spread out, you tighten the screw using the screwdriver slot on the toggle. As you tighten, the screw pulls the toggle tight against the back of the drywall, and the spread wings distribute the holding force over a larger area.
The key benefit of using toggle bolts:
By spreading the load behind the wall, toggle bolts can hold a surprising amount of weight in hollow walls, making them ideal for hanging heavier objects or installing grab bars where there are no studs.
How can I determine whether or not my wall has studs?
1. Use a Stud Finder: This is the most accurate and reliable way to find studs. Stud finders are electronic devices that detect the density difference between the hollow space and the solid wood of the stud behind the drywall. Here are some things to keep in mind about stud finders:
- Types of Stud Finders: There are basic stud finders that just beep when they locate a stud, and there are more advanced models that can indicate the center and edges of the stud as well.
- Calibration: Some stud finders require calibration on a nearby wall surface before use to adjust for the specific density of your wall.
- Not Perfect: While stud finders are very helpful, they may not be perfect, especially around electrical wires or plumbing pipes. It’s always a good idea to double-check with other methods like the “knock” method described below.
2. The Knock Test: This is a simple, low-tech way to locate studs. While not as precise as a stud finder, it can give you a general idea of where the studs are located.
- Tap Gently: Gently tap on the wall with your knuckle or a hammer in a light, controlled manner. Listen for the sound.
- Solid vs. Hollow Sound: A hollow-sounding area likely indicates no stud behind it. A more solid sound with a higher pitch suggests you’ve hit a stud.
- Move Slowly: Move slowly along the wall, tapping every few inches. This will help you map out the location of the studs behind the drywall.
Why are toggle bolts the best choice for grab bar installation on hollow walls (walls without studs)?
- Spreading the Load: When tightened, the wings of a toggle bolt spread out behind the drywall, distributing the weight of the grab bar over a larger area. This is important because hollow walls themselves can’t support a lot of weight on a concentrated area.
- Easy Installation in Hollow Walls: Toggle bolts are specifically designed to be used in hollow spaces. The collapsed wings can be inserted through a pre-drilled hole in the drywall, and then expand behind the wall to create a secure anchor This is especially helpful for grab bar installations where you may be working overhead or in a confined space, and won’t have a second person to hold something in place behind the wall.
- Strong Holding Power: Toggle bolts, when properly installed, can hold a significant amount of weight. This is crucial for grab bars, which need to be secure enough to support a person’s weight in the event of a slip or fall.
- Stability and Safety: Grab bars are critical for safety in the bathroom, especially for individuals with mobility challenges. It’s crucial to use an installation method that will provide the necessary stability to avoid any safety risks.
- Building Codes and Standards: Many building codes and industry standards specify the appropriate methods and materials for installing grab bars in areas where they are needed for safety. It’s important to be aware of these guidelines so that you know which installation method is needed for your bathroom or shower wall.
Keep in mind that it is highly recommended to install grab bars into studs whenever possible. If your bathroom wall is a hollow wall without studs, we highly recommend installing grab bars using toggle bolts.
Take a look at our specialty hollow wall anchoring devices.
Can I use toggle bolts for grab bar installation on stud walls?
No, toggle bolts are not the recommended fastener for installing grab bars on stud walls. While toggle bolts can hold a significant amount of weight, they are designed specifically for hollow walls and won’t provide the most secure installation on a solid stud wall.
Here’s why toggle bolts aren’t ideal for stud walls:
- Unnecessary Mechanism: The toggling mechanism of the bolt relies on collapsing wings to expand behind a cavity to create a grip. In a stud wall, there’s no cavity for the wings to grip onto, reducing the effectiveness of the bolt.
- Stronger Fasteners for Studs: Studs are the strongest part of your wall and can support much more weight than a toggle bolt. There are other fasteners, like lag screws or bolts, that are specifically designed to grip the wood of the stud and provide a much stronger and more reliable hold for grab bars.
How can I ensure the safest and most secure installation of my grab bars?
- Use the right fasteners:
- Studs: If you located studs behind the drywall, use lag screws or grab bar bolts specifically designed for stud mounting.
- Hollow walls: If there are no studs behind the mounting location, use toggle bolts with a weight capacity exceeding 250 lbs.
- Drill holes according to instructions: Make sure to use the correct drill bit size for the fasteners you’ve chosen. Follow the instructions that come with your grab bar and fasteners for proper hole placement and depth.
- Secure the grab bar: Tighten the fasteners securely following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some grab bars may have torque specifications for tightening the screws.
- Double-check stability: Once the grab bar is installed, give it a firm tug in all directions to ensure it’s secure and doesn’t wobble.
- Consider professional help: If you’re not comfortable installing the grab bar yourself, consult a professional handyman or contractor experienced in bathroom safety installations.
Safety should always be the top priority when installing grab bars, especially in bathrooms where individuals may rely on them for support and balance. If you are unsure about the best method for installing grab bars in your specific situation, we highly recommend you consult with a professional who has experience in bathroom safety modifications. They can assess your needs and ensure that the grab bars are installed securely and in compliance with applicable building codes and standards.
GrabBars.com has a huge network of over 500 independent professional grab bar installers all across the United States. We make it extremely easy for you to find a local professional installer – just fill out this Grab Bar Installation Request Form and within a few hours our installer will get in touch with you!
If you are in need of grab bars, take a look at our wide variety of ADA-compliant grab bars here: Grab Bars
If you are in need of specialty anchoring devices, take a look here: Grab Bar Anchoring Devices
If you have any additional questions, give us a call at 704-800-4629, live chat with us on GrabBars.com or email us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help you out.
704-800-4629
