Moen Home Care Bathroom Safety 18 Inch Stainless Steel Handicap Grab Bar for Bathtub and Shower, Elderly Assistance Product with Concealed Screws, Polished Brass, R8918

These are high-quality grab bars. I spent a lot of time looking at various brands, and in particular how they mount. The mounting plates of these bars are welded to the bar, so you can attach them solidly with the supplied screws, and then slide the covers into place. The mounting plates have holes alternating with curved slots all the way around, for more mounting options. Some other brands I looked at appeared to only have four holes, 90 degrees apart.The instructions for these Moen bars recommend using three screws at each end (six screws are supplied with each bar), two on the top side of the mount and one underneath. I mounted two of the 24" bars vertically, offsetting the top center screw hole maybe 1/4" from where my studfinder showed the center of the stud to be. That allowed me to put a second screw through the slot just below and to one side of the first screw, and a third screw in the bottom slot just to the same side of the bar as the second screw (not much clearance to get a screwdriver in there, but it worked) . I repeated that on the other end, and all six screws hit the stud. VERY secure mount.The peened surface on the middle portion of the bar provides a secure hand grip. I wish they sold a 16" version, to be able to install it horizontally with 16"-center studs. As it is, the 18" version would have to be installed at a slant. I used a 4mm ceramic/glass drill bit to drill through the tile, then a 1/8" regular bit (as specified in Moen's instructions) to drill a pilot hole into the stud.

Spend the money and use the wall anchor kit. You will not be disappointed. Simple installation. Just make sure to pull the sconce back to mark center of each end.High quality product and beautiful after installation.

I just love the stability and security this bar gives me to aid in stepping in/out over my tub to shower, especially after a pedicure or using conditioner when my feet and tub are very slippery. It is VERY strong and secure if installed properly. I couldn't be happier.

These are really good hand bars, good finish and reliable. I have used one for many years and it still looks good.

Summary: Adding a few grab bars to dad's shower. I used a lot of products for this project, so including all related products in this review.Recommendation:1) When mounting grab bars, it's always easier if you can find the stud to attach to. In this vertical install, I decided to use a stud and Wing-Its anchors; partially because I wasn't sure I could hit both, and didn't want to put two fasteners vertically (on either the right or left only), but that would also position the bar in the shower a little too far in (towards the shower control).2) The WingIts requires a 3/4" hole through the mounting material. For tile, this can be especially challenging. I used the SHDIATOOL diamond 3/4" bit, with the DRILLAX adapter to get through the tile, and then used the 3/4" BOSCH bit to finish through the dry wall. Also used the BOSCH bits for the other small hole. Having the right tool for the job is the difference between project completion, and a messy, disaster.Related Products:Moen R8924P Home Care 24-Inch Concealed Screw Bath Safety Bathroom Grab Bar, Peened ~ $30Pros: Moen name, includes stainless screws.Cons: None.Conclusion: 5-starshttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EI0TJ4Moen R8936 Home Care 36-Inch Concealed Screw Bath Safety Bathroom Grab Bar, Stainless ~ $30Pros: Moen name, includes stainless screws.Cons: None.Conclusion: 5-starshttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00084RP0GMoen LR8716P Home Care 16-Inch Grab Bar, Peened ~ $27Pros: Moen name, includes stainless screws.Cons: None.Conclusion: 5-starshttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UP536YStructural Grab Bar WingIts, PK2 ~ $14Pros: Heavy duty, highly rated.Cons: Cost ($7/anchor).Conclusion: 4-stars (cost)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CCRJWOSHDIATOOL Diamond Core Drill Bits 3/4 Inch ~ $13Pros: Right tool for the job, looked brand new after drilling two holes (with proper technique, including cool water).Cons: None.Conclusion: 5-starshttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07213KCN9Drilax Core Drill Bit Arbor Adapter ~ $15Pros: Allows SHDIATOOL bit to be used with drill (instead of angle grinder).Cons: Cost (a little expensive).Conclusion: 4-stars (cost)https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0737H7CMXBOSCH GT3000 Carbide Hammer Drill Bit Set ~ $25Pros: Cuts great; carrying case.Cons: None.Conclusion: 5-starshttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GNC8RS

This review is for the 18" Peened Grab Bar. The bar seems to be well made and the peened grips work as designed. The "SecureMount" mounting flange gives plenty of choices to insert the screws. The end covers fit nicely & goes on easily.CONS: Hey Moen, supply screws that don't strip! Many reviewers have noted this same problem. I stripped the 1st screw also. Ignore the instructions that say to use a 1/8" drill bit for a pilot hole. This little hole will strip your screw. I used an 11/64 drill bit and did not strip any more screws.I did not use a drill on the screws. It strips them. I used a screwdriver to prevent stripping them. I first completely screwed each screw into its hole w/o the flange. This made screwing it in with the flange easier and prevents the possibility of stripping it even further.This made the job a bit longer but I did not strip any more screws after the 1st one.Hope this helps.

Heavy duty and solid product.Multiple weight bearing screw mounts and welded product make trusting this with your weight easier. Do mount into studs and not just wall anchors.Peened finish provides a good texture to prevent sliding.