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Built in an ISO 13485:2016 Certified Medical Manufacturing Facility


Installation

EXTEND-A-HAND GRAB BAR

Installation, Use, Care & Warranty
Professional installation is recommended  |  Made in the USA

What's in the Box

  • 1 pre-assembled Extend-A-Hand grab bar
  • 4 stainless steel screws (2½")
Your grab bar arrives pre-assembled to ensure quality and correct pivot torque.
You will need: stud finder, level, pencil, tape measure, drill, 3/16" drill bit, #3 Phillips screwdriver, safety glasses.
For tile: carbide or diamond drill bit. For masonry: rated masonry anchors.

Know Your Hardware — Safety Lock

Your grab bar has a two-button safety locking mechanism on each end plate.

Safety lock photo showing Black Release button on left and Locking Button to its right
  • Black button (left): Release — press to lower the arm.
  • Button to its right: Locking button — locks arm in raised position.
DO NOT alter, tape over, or block this safety-locking feature. Extend A Hand LLC is not liable for any injury resulting from modification of this mechanism.
Tested to withstand 600 lbs of sustained weight when properly installed.

Stud Spacing Installation Guide

Choose the right bar for your wall. Measure stud centers before purchasing or installing.

Stud spacing installation guide showing correct bar size for 12S 16S 24S and 32S models

Installation — Wood Stud or Drywall

Confirm stud location with a stud finder before drilling. You should see wood shavings when drilling into a stud — if you do not, stop and relocate.

Step 1 — Locate Studs and Mark Holes

  1. Use a stud finder to locate wall stud centers that match your bar's hole spacing.

Step 2 — Drill Pilot Holes

  1. Pre-drill 3/16" holes 2" deep at all four marked locations.
  2. Confirm you are drilling into wood — you should see wood shavings. If not, stop.

Step 3 — Mount the Bar

  1. Hold the bar over the pilot holes and hand-start all four screws.
  2. Use a #3 Phillips screwdriver only — do not use a power drill to drive the final screws. Drive snugly; do not overtighten.
  3. Confirm the bar does not rock and that end plates sit flush against the wall.

Step 4 — Test the Lock

  1. Raise the arm by hand — it should automatically lock into position.
  2. Press both left and right buttons simultaneously to lower the arm.
  3. Pull-test firmly in all directions. If any movement is felt, remove bar, inspect studs, and reinstall it with proper backing.

Installation — Tile

IMPORTANT: You must drill through tile into solid wood studs or rated wall backing. Do not mount into tile alone or into a bath/shower insert without solid backing.
  1. Locate studs and mark hole positions as described in Steps 1–2 above.
  2. Use a 1/4" carbide-tipped drill bit to drill through tile only — use low speed, light pressure, and water cooling. Tape over the drill spot to reduce wandering.
  3. Switch to a 3/16" wood bit and drill 2" deep into the stud behind the tile. You should see wood shavings.
  4. Fill all pre-drilled holes with silicone sealant or waterproofing compound.
  5. Place the bar over the holes and hand-start the screws.
  6. Apply a bead of silicone around each screw before driving it fully. This seals water out of the wall cavity.
  7. Drive all four screws snugly with a #3 Phillips screwdriver. Confirm zero movement.
  8. Test the locking arm per Step 4 above.

Alternative Mounting — 12S or Non-Standard Stud Spacing

If your stud spacing does not match your bar's hole spacing, use 2×4 wood blocking:

  • Cut a 2×4 to span from stud to stud (edge to edge).
  • Fasten the 2×4 firmly to both studs with screws or lag bolts.
  • Mount the grab bar to the 2×4 blocking. The 2×4 must be solid — no movement before mounting the bar.
The 12S model always requires blocking. Its 12" hole spacing is designed to bridge the gap between studs of any spacing.

Cleaning and Care

  • Clean with mild soap and water. Dry thoroughly after each use.
  • For stainless steel, use a non-chloride stainless steel cleaner.
  • Do not use bleach, abrasive pads, or cleaners containing chlorides — these cause pitting and corrosion.
  • Inspect mounting screws every 6 months. Tighten if any movement is detected.

Troubleshooting

ProblemSolution
Bar feels loose Remove end plates, tighten screws. If screws won't tighten, reinstall with proper blocking or rated anchors.
Screws pull out or spin You missed the stud. Relocate to solid framing or use correctly rated hollow-wall anchors.
Tile cracks while drilling Use the correct carbide bit, lower speed, add water cooling, apply tape over the drill spot, and do not force the drill.
Arm does not lock Do not use the bar. Contact support immediately — do not alter the locking mechanism.
Important Safety Notices

This product is an assistance device only. Do not hang, sit, swing, or stand on it.

Not intended for children. Not a substitute for medical devices.

Do not install in a bath/shower insert or any wall without solid stud or backing support.

Extend A Hand LLC is not liable for injury from misuse, improper installation, or any use other than as an assistance grab bar.

Failure to follow all instructions could result in serious injury.