Tools and Materials
How to Remove Your Grab Bar From Your Wall
Removing a grab bar from your wall requires removing the screws that are holding it in place. You will see a round steel plate at the end of your grab bar attached to your wall. That’s called the escutcheon, which is placed to cover these screws. Try removing the escutcheon from the grab bar to access the screws behind it.
How to Remove the Escutcheon
The escutcheon is attached to the wall with the help of caulk. To pry it up and open, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- With a utility knife, cut through the caulk around the escutcheon. This will loosen the escutcheon to an extent.
- Use a flathead screwdriver and insert it between the gap of the escutcheon and the wall.
- Pry your way around the entire perimeter of the escutcheon and gently lever it forward.
- After the escutcheon is removed, slide it ahead on the length of the grab bar to reveal the screws.
How to Remove the Screws
You’ll notice that these screws are not directly drilled into your wall but are tightened in a circular flat metal plate called the flange. To loosen the flange, unscrew these screws.
- Inspect the screws carefully to know which kind of screwdriver you will have to use.
- For lag screws with a hex head, use a wrench to unscrew.
- For Philips screws, it is better to use a drill instead of a screwdriver.
- Repeat the unscrewing process for both ends of the grab bar.
- Once all the screws are removed, the grab bar will fall off easily.
Remove the Wall Anchors
Wall anchors are used to hold the screws and fit in the wall snugly. Remove these before you patch your wall holes to restore them to their original look. For toggle bolt anchors that are best for supporting heavier loads, here’s what you need to do:
- Use a screwdriver or a drill with the correct bit to unscrew the toggle bolt, until it is no longer fastened to the wall.
- Once the bolt is loose, simply pull it outward with the anchor.
If your wall anchors are of made plastic or they have been drilled in, use a flathead screwdriver or pliers to pry it out.
Restore Your Walls
Now that you know how to remove your grab bar from the wall, you need to patch your walls up. Most of the bathroom walls are either made of wall plaster or have tiles over drywall. Depending on the type of wall you have, here’s what to do:
- Use a vacuum or a cleaning brush to get rid of any wall debris that may have been left behind in the wall hole after the wall anchors are removed.
- Select a caulk that matches the color of your tiles or one that is paintable if you intend to paint over it later.
- Apply the caulk and make sure that it fills the space entirely.
- For drying time, check the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow it to dry completely and scrape away any excess with a blade.
- For plaster walls, use a spackling paste or a joint compound on a putty knife or trowel.
- Apply it evenly and allow it to dry according to the label instructions.
- Paint over the restored area if necessary to hide any imperfections.