[jprinz99]

Anybody use those suction cup Grab Bars they now advertise? I saw them briefly on TV a while ago and can't recall the name. They were white with big suction cup on rear to hold them to tile, fibergalss showers etc. Does anyone know where to order them? Cost? etc

Do they work (hold)??? I have a prefab fibergalss tub/shower and cant drill into the walls. Well, I could but would need to hire a contractor to reinforce the wall behind the tub wall since the studs are so hard to find... I thought this might be a cheaper and easier alternative.

Opinions Pro/Con from anyone please. Thank you in advance

[hollym]

I bought one at Bed Bath and Beyond and it held pretty well to my tub surround, but after a few months, it kind of lost it's bottom suction. It still works OK as I don't hang on it, just use it for steadying. If you had to actually use it to pull yourself up, it would not be good, though.

For what it cost me, I'm happy and wouldn't mind replacing it a couple times a year. It was far cheaper than the real ones and didn't involve remodeling.

[SallyC]

My contractors told me that they didn't hold..

[Aarcyn]

The suction cups are not medically approved so you need to keep that in mind if you decide to purchase them.

I have a fiberglass walk in shower. I have used two of the suction cups but only to be able to keep my balance as I turn around in the stall. Every once in a great while, the bottom suction comes a little loose. I just snap it back.

I have used them for four years. I like them.

[Riverwild]

AMN had one attached to the one piece shower/bath in her hotel room at the MWGTG and I actually hung on it, and it didn't come off. I was impressed! At 6'2 and 230 lbs, I ain't no leetle chicken like that ol' DM and it held when I hauled on it!

I was actually afraid I would tear the tub/shower away from the wall. They must attach them units just so people like me don't damage them!

Too bad we couldn't say the same for the screens!

[AfterMyNap]

Yep, I have a couple of them and I drag them all over the place when I'm traveling.

As long as you're pulling on it away from the wall, you'll have the devil of a time trying to budge it.

If you're pulling down or sideways, along the wall, it can budge but it takes some doing.

Put as much pressure on the suction cups as you can muster before setting the clamp.

I had them in my dad's shower too and had the cleaning lady remove them every time, clean and dry the wall AND clean and dry the suction cups before replacing them. He was very satisfied with them for the 3 years he used them.

Honestly, Jane, the price is fair and it couldn't hurt to really put one to the test under controlled conditions. If you're not satisfied, there's your answer.

If you have textured tile, or any porous surface, they will be less reliable and I'd recommend against it.

[kicker]

Just be really careful. I'm in a chair, when I was falling before the chair, hauling my 100 lbs up from floor using the permanent grab bars that DH (the ex-carpenter) put in wood or reinforced walls, would probably pull suction cups off, especially since I was pulling from downwards off floor. For holding steady in shower, sounds good, for serious hauling up, think twice. Also on a tiled wall, might slide, hit a grout line and suction would be broken. They might be OK until they really aren't. Please be careful!!!!

[DM]

Hey Janie! AYUP, I can attest to it; RW put those handles to the test and they held like a charm. I actually got one after seeing how well AMN's worked and it has saved me from a slip or 2. I also attach it to my my whirlpool tub and steady myself as I get in and out.

I ordered mine from a magazine and they were pretty inexpensive.

AYUP RW!!! Much stronger than a window screen, but that is only .... if'n you don't take the screen out. DOH!

[SallyC]

Every time I see the title of this thread, my mind falls to the gutter...I don't know why..

[jprinz99]

JUst goes to prove how great NT and all the members are! Ask for some help or advice and you will get it; perhaps more importantly you get honest answers! THANK YOU everyone (well, still not sure what Sally is thinking about but it did make me chuckle!)

I think I will give a try since, for the most part, I need them to maintain my balance right now. Let's face it; when I am so weak and feeling crappy I don't even bother trying to take a shower (go ahead and say "Ooo, gross"). I may as well save my money on the regular, contractor installed grab bars for now. I don't plan on staying in thi house forever as it is 2 story and it is yelling at us to move in the next few years to a ranch. I'll hold off on the "real" ones as long as I can so it 1) won't cost as much and 2) not put off buyers (they are phobic around here and the 2 story townhouse market is made up of a lot of first time/young buyers)

Again, thanks a million! Now any clue where to order them from???