The 5 Best Bathtub Safety Rails [Ranked]
Bathtub safety rails clamp on to the edge of your bathtub and then are securely tightened to help you or a loved one transition in and out of the tub.
Some like the Drive Medical safety rail adjust in height, while others have multiple grip areas to accommodate users of different stature (Source).
They come almost totally assembled, are pretty easy to install, unless the edges of your tub are sharply angled.
They grip most securely on completely flat-walled tubs. Make sure you measure your tub edge to make sure that the safety rail grips wide enough for it. (We list the width of the rail grip in the table below.) As well, these safety rails can't be used on fiberglass tubs (Source).
Another bit of safety advice users have shared is that you should always give the tub hand rail a tug before putting your weight on it. This way you can be sure it hasn't come loose. Let's take a look at our favorite option:
Contents
Our Top Pick: The Drive Medical Adjustable Bathtub Grab Bar
- Tub Grab Bar: Designed to fit just about any style of bathtub, the clamp-on safety grab bars for bathroom are exceptionally easy to install without tools
Drive Medical Safety Rail Product Specs:
- Is constructed from powder-coated steel
- Features a stainless steel locking mechanism and non-marring rubber pads so it doesn't scratch up your tub
- Will fits to most sizes of most tubs (though not to be used with fiberglass tubs)
- Tool-free assembly
- Clamp adjusts to tub lips 3" to 7" (measure your tub edge ahead of time)
- Handle height adjusts 14"-17"
- Weight capacity of 300 lbs
The Drive Tub Clamp Video Review
Let's take a look at 5 of the best-selling bathtub safety rails and see how they stack up.
| Bathtub Bars | Our Rating | Price | Grip Width | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | The Medline Bathtub Safety Bar | 4.6 | $ | 2.75" - 6.25" |
 | The Drive Medical Adjustable Height Bathtub Safety Rail | 4.6 | $ | 3" - 7" |
 | The MedMobile Molded Bathtub Grab Bar | 4.3 | $ | 2.5" - 6.25" |
 | The North Coast Medical Multiple Grip Bath Safety Bar | 3.8 | $$ | 3.5" - 5.25" |
| The Carex Tri-Grip Bathtub Rail | 4.0 | $ | 3.5" - 6" |
The Five Best Bathtub Safety Rails For 2023
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
This bathtub locking bar offered by Medline is practical, convenient and useful if you need help getting in and out of the tub. Users love that it’s stable and easy to install, but some do note that they had troubles tightening the bar.
This tub rail measures 8.2” x 6.5” x 20”, and it’s made of PVS plastic with stainless steel components and rubber-lined pads to protect the surface of your bath. It locks to the side of the tub, and you can adjust it to fit bathtubs from 2.75″- 6.25″. You don’t need any specific tools to install the bar, and it has a weight capacity of 250 pounds.
In general, users agree that the Medline bathtub bar is one of the best tub rails available and they praise its design and sturdiness. A buyer comments that since he has this tub bar he doesn’t worry about falling and that the quality is top-notch. As a rehab therapist, he highly recommends it.
Another satisfied customer shares that it’s very easy to attach the bath rail to the sides of your tub and that it supports his 250 lbs without bending. A purchaser adds that his elderly mother feels safe and doesn’t have any issues using the adjustable tub grab bar. However, some customers complained that the bath rail didn’t fit their bathtubs and that they had to return it.
Some also note that the bar moves even after they had it secured it to the tub.
Pros
- Easy to attach
- Sturdy
- Made of plastic and steel
- Rubber pads
- Adjustable
Cons
- Doesn’t fit all bathtubs
- Difficult to tighten properly
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
If you are looking for a safe way to get out of the tub, you might take a look at this bathtub grab bar offered by Drive Medical. Users love the quick installation, but some do note that the bar comes loose from time to time.
This adjustable bathtub grab bar measures 8.6 x 6.8 x 22 inches, and it has a stainless steel locking mechanism, 3”-7” clamps, white powder-coated finish, and non-wearing rubber pads. You can adjust the handle height from 14 to 17 inches, and the bar has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. However, be aware that it’s not suitable for fiberglass tubs.
A user shares that it took him less than five minutes to attach the rail to the bathtub and that the quality is exceptional. He also adds that the adjustable grab bar withstands his 300 lbs without moving an inch and that he will recommend it without a second thought.
A reviewer comments that his mother-in-law uses the Drive Medical bathtub lift bar regularly and she hasn’t had any accidents. The user also says that the bar won’t get loose with time and that it’s easy to detach it if there is a need. However, some customers have complained that it’s hard to tighten the screws and that they are afraid the bar would slip.
Some users also complain that they don’t feel safe using the bathroom bar after they had a fall.
Pros
- Quick to attach
- A stainless steel locking mechanism
- Non-marring rubber pads
- Adjustable handle
Cons
- Hard to tighten screws
- Bar comes loose
- Might be slippery
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
The molded bathtub grab rail offered by MedMobile is safe to use, well-constructed and practical if you have mobility issues. Users love the light design, but some do note that it’s not suitable for fiberglass baths. This bathtub rail measures 8” x 7” x 21” and it extends 16 inches above the tub wall.
It has a textured, contoured handle and non-marring clamps that hold the bar securely to the wall. This grab rail is suitable for tub walls from 2 1/2 inch to 6 1/4 inch thick, and it has a weight capacity of 250 lbs.
As a whole, buyers are extremely satisfied with the construction and sturdiness of the MedMobile bathtub lift bar. A customer comments that he was impressed by the quality of this grab bar and that the instructions for installation were easy to follow. The reviewer adds that it’s important to measure the width of your tub correctly to make sure that the bar would fit.
A user also adds that the rail doesn’t slip and that it’s a piece of cake to attach it to the tub. Another happy buyer states that this bath rail provides her the needed stability to get safely out of the tub and she feels more confident now than before. However, some users have complained that the bath rail doesn’t fit their bathtub and that they don’t feel safe to use the bar.
A customer also complains that the handle broke quickly.
Pros
- Light
- Sturdy
- Adjustable
- A contoured handle
- Non-marring clamps
- Safe
Cons
- Not suitable for all baths
- Might be difficult to attach to certain baths
- Problems with the handle
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
The multi-grip safety rail for tubs offered by North Coast Medical is uniquely designed, secure and easy-to-install. Users love the sturdy, reliable construction, but some do note that they had problems with the clamps.
This multi-grip safety bath rail has a textured grab area, molded plastic handles, bars clamps for toolless installation, non-skid pads to prevent scratches and white, rust-proof finish. It’s suitable for bathtubs with walls from 3.5 inches to 5.25 inches, and it offers grips at 7 inches (low) and 18 inches (high). The recommended weight capacity is 250 lbs.
Buyers have a favorable opinion of the North Coast multi-grip safety bar, and they are pleased with its design and functionality. A user comments that this bathtub rail is strong, sturdy and easy to attach to the tub. But he warns that you should check if the clamps are tightly fastened to your bathtub to avoid accidents.
Another customer says that her 80-year-old mother doesn’t have any problems using the safety rail and that she doesn’t worry about falling in the shower. A happy purchaser also states that he likes that this bath rail offers two gripping positions and that his 90-year-old father uses it with no issues. However, one customer has complained that the North Coast grip bar didn’t meet his expectations and that it’s was unsafe for use.
Another user also notes that you might have problems securing the bar if your tub has an inside or outside angle.
Pros
- Multi-grip areas
- Sturdy construction
- Molded plastic handles
- Non-skids pads
- Rust-proof finish
Cons
- Expensive
- Complaints that it’s unsafe
- Problems with the clamps
- Might not fit all baths
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
This tri-grip bathtub bar offered by Carex Health is stable, well-balanced and safe to use. Users love the toolless installation process, but some do note that it’s hard to tighten the screws. This safety grip bar measures 7.5 x 18 x 16 inches, and it has a weight of 3 pounds, rust-resistant chrome finish, three textured gripping areas, and adjustable steel spring clamps.
It also features non-marring pads so that you don’t have to worry about the surface of your tub, and it would fit most bathtubs. Overall, this is an excellent choice for those that want a well-made tub rail.
A customer mentions that this safety rail for bathtubs is well-constructed, stable and safe to use. The reviewer also adds that it’s easy to install the tri-grab bar and he is very impressed with its quality. Another buyer shares that this bath bar is great for anyone that has mobility issues and that the bar is easy to grip even with wet hands.
He would recommend it to anyone that wants a reliable bathtub rail. A happy user adds that the bath rail fits his tub tightly and he hasn’t had an accident since he bought it. However, some customers have complained that the bar didn’t fit their bathtubs. One user states that this rail is not suitable for a 6-inch wide tub and that he had to return it.
Pros
- Quick attachment
- Light
- Rust-resistant
- Three gripping areas
- Adjustable clamps
- Non-marring pads
Cons
- Doesn’t fit all bathtubs
- Screws are hard to tighten
What Are Buyers Saying?
The Medline
The first bathtub bar we took a look at was the Medline bathtub bar. This is a USA-made product that doesn't require any tools to assemble.
- It is designed to adjust to tubs with lips that are 2.75" to 6.25".
- Medline says that it will securely lock onto the side of your tub helping you or a disabled loved one get in and out.
- This is a crank-style bathtub bar, locking to tub walls that measure up to 6 inches in width.
- Rubber padding ensures that the tub walls are protected from scarring and marking.
- It has a 250 pound weight capacity.
- One buyer we spoke with said that it took under 10 minutes to get installed. They say that it was easy to fasten to the side of the bathtub, providing secure support for an elderly relative to move in and out of the shower.
- One buyer advised to give the bar a tug before putting all their weight on it and transferring into the bath top- this helps to prevent an accidental spill if the bar has become insecure.
- Another buyer that suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, spinal and knee weakness after surgeries says that this bathtub bar has been essential in accommodating their strength and balance issues as they transfer in and out of there bathroom's shower tub.
The Drive Medical
The second option we took a look at was the drive medical bathtub grab bar. This bathroom safety rail has an adjustable handle height of 14" to 17" with a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
- Drive Medical says that it is specifically designed to accommodate a range of different bathtub styles.
- As well, they have engineered it to be an attractive complement to most bathrooms.
- Its white powder-coated frame is made of steel and they promise it's an aesthetically pleasing and durable option for your bathroom fall prevention and safety needs.
- One buyer we spoke to was a senior citizen. They told us that it was easy to install, arrives almost totally assembled. All you have to do is place it on the side of your tub and then use the attached knob to tighten it by hand.
- Another buyer recommended this adjustable height bathtub grab bar because it was able to fit their wider than normal tub lip, instead of using a shower transfer bench.
- Because her elderly relative had lost some spring in her step and had become increasingly frail with old age, using an adjustable height safety rail was one of several ways they increased the safety of her home for her independent living circumstances.
- Another reviewer describes suffering from multiple sclerosis that causes severe balance, coordination and range of motion complications.
- Because of her medical difficulties, she and her family has outfitted the bathroom so that it helps prevent her from taking a dangerous topple- this Drive Medical bathtub grab bar is a great complement to suction hand grips strategically arrayed on the bathroom tile walls.
- Be sure to heed the warning that most of these grab bars should not be used on fiberglass tubs-they could shatter and break if too much pressure is applied to them.
The MedMobile
The MedMobile bathtub grab bar was the third option we took a look at.
- One buyer advised measuring the width of your tub edge prior to purchase to make sure that the grab bar you buy can accommodate your needs.
- One buyer described to us purchasing it for her father who needed a little bit of support as he lifted his legs one at a time into the bathtub for a hot shower.
- Some elderly relatives who have these bathroom safety assistive devices installed for them were initially a little bit skeptical that they needed them, but over time they came to appreciate their utility.
- Another buyer cautioned that while the bathtub bar is great for providing support and stability as individuals transfer into the shower, if you put all of your weight on it it is likely to shift around.
- Another buyer was particularly impressed that they were able to get so much stability from the bath tub clamp bar without having to drill or glue anything.
The North Coast Medical
The North Coast Medical multiple grip tub safety bar was another option we examined- its design is a little bit different than the other models we have taken a look at.
- It supplies a different handle heights, rather than being adjustable, and works on a bathtub walls that measure 3.5" to 5.25".
- Its molded plastic handles have two different heights- 7" at the lower end and 15" at the higher end, accommodating individuals that weigh up to 250 pounds.
- One buyer cautioned that this particular bathtub clamp rail is really best used for tubs that have vertical faces- if there are any angles on the outside or inside of the tub, it will not clamp as securely as you need.
- To be sure, always test the rail before you or your loved one use it to transfer into the tub.
The Carex Chrome
The Carex bathtub rail was the last option we examined- it has a chrome finish and texture of the gripping areas, a unique design amongst the other options.
- The manufacturers say that it provides three separate gripping areas and the textured finish of each helps to enhance the control individuals have when they are transitioning in or out of the bathtub.
- Buyers we spoke to endorse it as a sturdy rail that can accommodate wide tub edges, securely tightening to them without marring the surface.
- Again, if your bathtub wall is angled, you might have some issues installing this and other tub handrails-it's best used with straight wall tubs.
- Other buyers were impressed by the steel build, saying that it is superior to plastic options, but some users did say that it is a little bit challenging to tighten the screws for the best possible fit.
