Is this some sort of suction cup thing? I'm not sure what you mean by OVER THE TUB. Does it expand from side to side and lock with a lever? Is there anyone around who can look at it for you. It's probably a simple fix.
CWillie, thanks; I'm really not familiar with these kinds of grab bars, unless it's the kind of U-shaped bar that one holds onto while getting into the tub. Help, is that what it is?
I've seen those and had one once. I'm wondering if you could create something that gave more leverage to tighten it, such as using a pair of pliers?
it is over the tub bar on the tub. it has a lever with a screw i have to turn around with my hand to tighten. it is so hard to do. i don't know what to do. i rent where i live. i cannot put anything on there permanetely
GA, I may be mistaken but I assume that "over the tub" means one of those portable grab bars that sit over the edge of a bathtub and clamp to the tub, not something screwed into the wall.
Help, I can think of 2 possibilities that caused this:
1. The grab bars were not properly installed in studs in the first place and aren't properly anchored.
2. Over the years the threads have become stripped. This happened to me, despite the fact that a carpenter installed them directly into the studs. This particular grab bar is angled parallel to entry steps, and it's one I frequently hold onto when I'm pulling up heavy stuff or bringing heavy things inside. So there's more pull on the top end than on the lower end.
You state that it's hard to retighten. Does the screw just move around and around w/o tightening, or is it just not moving at all? If the former, the threads are probably stripped, or if it's not in a stud, there's nothing holding it from the inside. Or it could have worn loose from tension, pulling and stress.
If the latter, I'm really not sure how to loosen a tight screw (I think I used to use some household oil but it's been years since I've worked with tight screws), but apparently it wouldn't need tightening if it hadn't become loose in the first place.
This is about the extent of my knowledge on this issue, but WindyRidge is an engineer and if he comes along and sees your post, he can offer better advice.
You should invest in some proper, wall mounted (into the studs) grab bars, they really are the best solution. As for the slipping tub bar, these usually have foam where the bar attaches to the tub to help them grip which can wear out over time. I have had some success cutting foam pipe insulation (cheap, looks like a grey tube) to fit. If the actual nuts and bolts are loosening try a dab of locktite threadlocker on the bolts.
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I've seen those and had one once. I'm wondering if you could create something that gave more leverage to tighten it, such as using a pair of pliers?
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1. The grab bars were not properly installed in studs in the first place and aren't properly anchored.
2. Over the years the threads have become stripped. This happened to me, despite the fact that a carpenter installed them directly into the studs. This particular grab bar is angled parallel to entry steps, and it's one I frequently hold onto when I'm pulling up heavy stuff or bringing heavy things inside. So there's more pull on the top end than on the lower end.
You state that it's hard to retighten. Does the screw just move around and around w/o tightening, or is it just not moving at all? If the former, the threads are probably stripped, or if it's not in a stud, there's nothing holding it from the inside. Or it could have worn loose from tension, pulling and stress.
If the latter, I'm really not sure how to loosen a tight screw (I think I used to use some household oil but it's been years since I've worked with tight screws), but apparently it wouldn't need tightening if it hadn't become loose in the first place.
This is about the extent of my knowledge on this issue, but WindyRidge is an engineer and if he comes along and sees your post, he can offer better advice.
As for the slipping tub bar, these usually have foam where the bar attaches to the tub to help them grip which can wear out over time. I have had some success cutting foam pipe insulation (cheap, looks like a grey tube) to fit. If the actual nuts and bolts are loosening try a dab of locktite threadlocker on the bolts.