Installing safety bars in bathroom with plastic shower

[water-works]

Aging mom and I need to install grab handle bars. Bought some nice ones off eBay and installed some on the walls of the bathroom, but she needs a few in the tub too.

The tub is one of those dumb jacuzzi type tubs with controls, and it's part of a big plastic piece that makes up the whole shower.

The tub+shower is kind of shaped like this one. It's got two raised areas on either side of a center bar, and is against an exterior wall. I know the motor for the jacuzzi is on the same backwall of the tub.

My concern is finding a 2x4. I have a stud finder and it seems like there is nothing behind the left and right sections that protrude. I know there must be 2x4 back there, but is there a large gap between the protrusion of the wall, and the studs?

And what fastener would choose in this situation? Obviously these things have to be crazy sturdy, but I don't want to drill up the tub looking for the right connection points.

Seal with caulking?

 

[The Cobbler]

there's a lot of space between the tub walls & the framing of the house.

 

[ford33]

These may work but require a 1-1/4" dia hole in the shower wall liner made by WingIts with 4 inch screw. At $55 per pair make sure you order a pair. They are also sold individually.

Another option is the Moen SecureMount. It works with fiberglass walls.

There is a third option from a USA company that I purchased but I cannot find the online purchase receipt. Sorry.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/WingIts-Grab-Bar-Fastener-Standard-Stainless-Steel-WingIts-with-4-in-Screw-GBW40/202670710?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CG%7CBase%7CD25H%7CMulti%7CNA%7CPLA%7c71700000032394431%7c58700003837562549%7c92700030712663209&gclid=CjwKCAiAs8XiBRAGEiwAFyQ-em-6DNj5Y2mJCig1yLumoOn8SBeMRKKcn61EuR8TjJWpxYskItla3xoC9s0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[glentre]

Agreed. I'd go with Wingits or standard wingnuts that go through the hole and spring open behind the wall to provide a large surface area to spread out the force of a pull-out.

Glen

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Can you get to the back side of the wall?

 

[kbs2244]

Go to NAPA and get some of the double sided tape they use to hold on luggage racks.
(If will keep a luggage carrier on at 70 MPH it will take her weight.)
Clean the area with acetone to get any soap off.

It worked at my mother/sister's house for over 5 years.

 

[kd3pc]

get some 3M 5200 and use that to install the bars to the tub..no holes or drilling, just mask an area and use it, make sure to give it time to set up (couple of days) and you may need to use some tape to keep it in place

 

[Bobf]

I ordered two plastic handles (nothing to rust) with suction cups on each end from Amazon less than $10 @ They have been up over two months now, and neither has come loose.

 

[velocipede]

We have several of the suction cup grab bars and they help with keeping balance but are not designed to be weight bearing. They will support some weight but come unstuck suddenly when the suction fails. They are a risky alternative to a bar with more secure attachment. I'd try the NAPA double sticky tape option before I punched any holes in the fiberglass.