Tools and Materials
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How to Remove a Grab Bar From a Wall
While some grab bars mount to a non-porous surface with suction cups, most secure to the wall with screws. In this project, we give you steps for removing a common type of screw-mounted grab bar from a tile or drywall wall. Your grab bar might be different, but the basic removal steps are similar for many types.
Screws secure mounting flanges on each end of the grab bar. In a tub or shower area, they might run through tile. In other areas, they likely run through drywall. The screws should secure the bar to a wall stud, ideally on both ends. In some cases, one end might use heavy-duty wall anchors to fasten the bar to the wall board. Decorative cover plates — known as escutcheons — often cover the screws and mounting flanges.
Here are the basic removal steps. We’ve got details below:
- Remove the decorative covers.
- Unscrew the fasteners securing the mounting flanges to the wall.
- Remove any wall anchors.
- Repair the mounting holes.
Surfaces in a bathroom might be slippery. Before beginning work, ensure the area is dry and you have stable footing.
Wear work gloves and safety glasses when using a utility knife. Wear safety glasses when using a drill/driver.
Step 1: Remove the Decorative Covers
There are several possible ways to remove the decorative covers, depending on the installation. Work carefully to avoid damaging the wall or tile.
- If caulk holds the covers in place or if there’s caulk around them for waterproofing, use a utility knife to cut it away.
- If the covers snap into place, use a flathead screwdriver to pry each of them away from the mounting flange.
- If the covers fasten in place with set screws, loosen the screws and slide the covers away.
The decorative covers might be integrated with the bar. Set screws likely secure this type of bar to the mounting flanges. Removing the set screws allows you to remove the bar, leaving the mounting flanges secured to the wall. Follow the instructions in Step 2 to remove the flanges.
Step 2: Remove the Mounting Screws
With the covers out of the way — or if there are no covers — you should see the screws that fasten the grab bar mounting flange to the wall. While you support the grab bar, use a screwdriver, wrench or drill/driver and screwdriver bit to back the screws out of the wall. Apply firm, even pressure and be careful to not strip the screw heads. If the screw head is stripped, use a screw extractor to remove the fastener. See our guide to removing stripped and broken screws for tips and additional methods. Remove the grab bar and set it aside.
Step 3: Remove Wall Anchors, if Necessary
Ideally, both ends of a grab bar should be secured to a wall stud, but if a second stud isn’t available, one end of the bar might fasten to the wall with wall anchors. If anchors are necessary, they’re typically toggle bolts or toggle anchors. When you remove the mounting screws, the toggle component often falls behind the wall, so you don’t need to remove it from the wall.
Some wall types require different anchors. If the anchor remains in the wall, you need to remove it to repair the wall or to replace the anchor when you install a new grab bar. See our guide to removing unwanted wall anchors for instructions on getting rid of several common types of anchors while minimizing wall damage.
Don’t reuse wall anchors or grab bar mounting hardware.
Step 4: Repair the Wall
Removing a grab bar leaves screw holes in your wall. If anchors supported one end of the bar, these holes are likely larger. To repair the holes, first clean away any residue from the area and remove loose debris.
If you’re patching holes in drywall:
- Fill small holes with spackling compound. Sand and paint the repair.
- For larger repairs or extensive damage, see our guide to repairing drywall.
If you’re patching holes in tile, you have options:
- Fill with color-matched or paintable silicone caulk. Apply a second time to fill the depression if the caulk shrinks.
- Patch with a waterproof epoxy putty suitable for tile. Paint to match the surrounding tile with waterproof touchup paint.
- If the tile is cracked, see our guide to repairing broken tile.
Follow the repair product instructions for use, drying times and safety.
If you’re installing a new grab bar, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Our grab bar DIY project has general steps. Don’t have time to do it yourself? Shop for grab bars with installation available. Just add installation to your cart when you check out.
Removing a Grab Bar From a Wall
If you need to remove or replace a loose or damaged grab bar, start by ensuring you’ve got secure footing. Remove the decorative covers to access the mounting screws. Use a screwdriver or drill/driver to remove the mounting screws and uninstall the grab bar. Next, remove any wall anchors. Patch holes in drywall with spackling compound. Patch holes in tile with silicone caulk or waterproof epoxy putty. Repaint the repair areas as necessary.
Shop Lowes.com for the tools and materials you need to remove and replace a grab bar. Or get help from a Red Vest associate at your local Lowe’s. They can help you find everything you need to remove a grab bar, help you find a replacement and give you tips for installation.