B-6806 Grab Bars

A standard in commercial restroom safety, the B-6806 Series is engineered from heavy-duty 18-gauge, Type-304 stainless steel with a 1-1/2" (38mm) diameter. Its signature snap-flange covers click securely into place to conceal all mounting hardware, ensuring a clean, professional, and vandal-resistant finish.

Safety & Performance 

Slip-Resistant Surface: Bobrick specifies the standard B-6806 with a satin-finish, slip-resistant surface. A peened surface is also available by adding suffix .99 to the model number.

Exceptional Strength: When properly installed with a standard 1-1/2" (38mm) wall clearance, these grab bars are engineered to support loads in excess of 900 lbs (408 kg), far surpassing standard ADA requirements.

Sustainability Note: Bobrick stainless steel products may contribute to project sustainability goals; confirm recycled-content and LEED documentation with current Bobrick submittal materials.

Professional Installation & Care

Mounting Height: Horizontal grab bars must be installed so the top of the gripping surface is between 33" and 36" (840–915mm) above the finished floor.

Reliable Fastening: Grab bars should be anchored into adequate structural backing. Where structural backing is not present, approved specialty grab bar fasteners may be used where permitted by the wall condition and manufacturer instructions.

Maintenance: To prevent surface rust or pitting, wipe regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Caution: Avoid cleaners containing chlorides, bleach, or hydrochloric acid, as these will damage the stainless steel's protective chromium film.

Length Selection Guide for ADA Compliance

Selecting the correct length is vital for meeting 2010 ADA Standards and ensuring user safety:

• 12”–18” Lengths: Common for vertical applications near entrance points, showers, tubs, and lavatories.
• 24” Lengths: Primarily used in select layouts, including certain rear-wall installations where specific ADA exceptions apply.
• 36” Lengths: The standard minimum required for rear-wall grab bars at accessible water closets.
• 42” Lengths: The ADA minimum required for side-wall grab bars at accessible water closets.
• 48” Lengths: Often selected where additional bar length is desired or where the project layout/specification calls for a longer side-wall grab bar.

Satin vs. Peened — Which Finish?

Both finishes use the same 18-gauge Type 304 stainless steel construction, concealed mounting system, and 900 lb load rating. Finish is purely a surface choice based on application.

Which B-6806 Size Do You Need?

ADA Standards specify required grab bar lengths by application. Use this guide to find the right size for your project.

All mounting heights are AFF (above finished floor). Consult your applicable building code — local codes may exceed ADA minimums.

Frequently Asked Questions — Bobrick B-6806 Grab Bars

Q: What size grab bar do I need for an ADA toilet stall?
ADA §604.5 requires two bars per accessible toilet stall: a 36" minimum rear-wall bar (§604.5.2, mounted 33"–36" AFF) and a 42" minimum side-wall bar (§604.5.1, positioned 12" max from the rear wall and extending 54" min from the rear wall). The B-6806x36 and B-6806x42 are the standard specifications for these positions.

Q: How many grab bars does an ADA toilet stall require?
A standard ADA-accessible toilet stall requires a minimum of two grab bars: one rear-wall bar (36" minimum) and one side-wall bar (42" minimum). Both must be mounted between 33"–36" above the finished floor. Additional bars may be specified for enhanced accessibility or by local code.

Q: What is the difference between the satin (B-6806) and peened (B-6806.99) finish?
The satin version has a smooth brushed surface — easy to clean and suitable for standard commercial restrooms. The peened version has a textured dimpled surface that improves grip when hands are wet or soapy — preferred for showers, pool facilities, and wet-area applications. Both versions are identical in diameter, gauge, load rating, and mounting system.

Q: What is the difference between 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" diameter grab bars?
The B-6806 series is 1-1/2" diameter — the heavy-duty commercial standard preferred for healthcare, high-traffic, and institutional facilities. The B-5806 series is 1-1/4" diameter, typically used in lower-traffic commercial or light institutional settings. Both diameters meet ADA §609.2 graspability requirements (allowable range is 1-1/4" to 2").

Q: Does the Bobrick B-6806 come with mounting hardware?
No — mounting hardware is not included because wall construction varies widely (concrete block, steel stud, wood framing, tile backer). We recommend #14 sheet metal screws or 1/4" wood screws appropriate for your specific backing material. ADA requires grab bars to be anchored into structural backing capable of supporting 250 lbs minimum — never into drywall alone.

Q: What is the load rating of the Bobrick B-6806?
The B-6806 is rated at 900 lbs (408 kg) of downward load when installed into proper structural backing — exceeding the ADA minimum structural stress requirement. This rating applies to all sizes and both finishes (satin and peened).

Q: Is the Bobrick B-6806 made in the USA?
Yes. Bobrick manufactures the B-6806 series domestically. The bars are constructed from 18-gauge Type 304 stainless steel and contain approximately 65% recycled content. Replacement flanges and mounting hardware are available separately for long-term serviceability.

Q: Does ADA require a peened or textured grab bar finish?
No — ADA Standards do not specify or require a textured finish on grab bars. The peened finish is a specification choice made for wet-area and healthcare applications where enhanced wet-hand grip is a priority. The smooth satin finish fully satisfies ADA requirements in all applications.