Installing bathroom grab bars

[GagHalfrunt]

Need to install at least two at my parents house to aid my father getting around.
One will be 18-20" and the other 30", so it's obviously impossible to hit two studs at those lengths. And yes, I checked, they're standard 16" apart. They'll be installed through ceramic tile over drywall.

A few q's for anyone experienced in doing it.

Given a choice is it preferable to use a stud at one end and a specialty fastener like Moen Secure Lock or Winglits at the other end or is it equally secure to use the fasteners at both ends? Asking because mom might want a 3rd 12" bar in a small location and I can't get to a stud on either side.

Any preference between Moen's Secure Lock system and the generic Winglits?

Are screw patterns unique or standard? i.e. Is going to Moen bars forcing me to use Moen Secure Lock fasteners or can I use Winglits? If I go with a non-Moen bar can I then use Moen fasteners?

Preferred make/model/size of drill bit for installing the fasteners through ceramic tile? Got a recommendation for an Apache 200 from a friend, that a reasonably choice?

 

[Humpy]

First, the rigidity of tile can make it seem like wall surface is still sound even though the drywall backing has potentially been getting wet and decaying for years. Because of this you in general always want to fasten into a stud if at all possible, unless you have confirmed that it isn't necessary.

Then, using a Moen Secure Mount, or equivalent, type fastener fastener is a better method. A lot of grab bars use three fasteners per end. Drilling three closely spaced holes can easily blow out the back of the drywall and weaken the area. The secure mount system only has the one hole, with one larger fastener, leading to a better likelihood of success.

 

[boomerang]

What's a winglet? Never heard of it and Google is failing me. (Or, I'm failing Google.)

One thing I might add is that I typically see retrofitted grab bars installed on an angle. I assume that is so it can be anchored in a stud on each end. I also think that on an angle can be preferable to a horizontal mounting. Especially a bar mounted to assist getting out of a bathtub. Lower end is used to help rise out of the tub and the higher end is used once the person is standing. Obviously the two stud mounting won't work with a 12" grab bar.

 

[highland145]

+1 for angle.

 

[Stopsignhank]

I agree on the angle. For the 30" grab bar, can you put in a 32" grab bar?

 

[Humpy]

Angled grab bars tend to function best in one direction though, so it depends on the user.

There are really no rules with these things, any orientation between horizontal and vertical can be useful.

I guess the only certainty is that a grab bar that pops of the wall when needed is worse than no grab bar at all.

 

[pcgeek11]

The best method if possible is to go into the back side of the wall and screw in 2X6 blocking boards between the studs in the required locations for both ends of the grab bar. Patch the drywall. Then drill the tile and install the grab bars to the 2X6 braces through the tile.

That would be the correct way. I would not trust any of the other methods to be safe for anyone much less aging parents.

See this link scroll down a bit: http://www.brainright.com/OurHouse/Construction/Showers/

It is pre construction, but if you have access to the back side of the tiled wall it can be done after.

 

[Micrornd]

We went with angled here to make sure and hit studs.
Used 1/4" diamond hole saw (Lowe's or HD) on the tile, #12 3" screws, solid as a rock.

Don't assume, actually sit in the tub or on the toilet and see where you can reach or need to reach, to determine where to put the bars, and bear in mind the limits of old age.
What looks good in a guide or directions, doesn't necessarily work in the real world.
People are different sizes, weights and strengths.

Don't be afraid to put in too many grab bars, safety is cheap.
Remember getting up is only part of the problem, stepping out of the tub or shower when wet needs support also, as does getting off the toilet.
Old legs tend to fall asleep when sitting on a toilet for long periods.

Go with textured grab bars in the bathroom, easier to hold on to with wet hands.
Go with plain aluminum, (colored) powder-coated bars cover up too much of the texture and are actually harder to grab securely when wet.