[Garboplex]

I'm doing a shower remodel in an apartment, can the steel studwall support the large handles required for disabled access into the shower stall?

[amricca]

Typically blocking would be provided for the grab bars, if you can't do that just make sure you attach to the studs not just the drywall.

[Garboplex]

I'm doing a shower remodel in an apartment, can the steel studwall support the large handles required for disabled access into the shower stall?

Thx.
I'm ripping the old tile and wallboard off, so I can certainly block for the grab bars.

[hkstroud]

Here is my thoughts and the rest of the world can beat me up for it. If you are installing for a handicap or disabled person it is better to not have it than to have it and not have it well secured. They depend on it and generally put a lot of weight on it. If it gives or breaks they fall. The rest of us may be able to catch ourselves or regain our balance, but they can't. If it is not there, they aren't depending on it.

With that out of the way, here is what I would do, assuming you that by steel stud wall you mean a wall studded out with metal studs and not a plaster wall with metal lathe.

Rip approximately 1/4" off a full length 2x4. Put it in the cavity of the metal stud, secure it with both construction adhesive and corrosion resistant screws. Two screws 1/2" from each edge of the flat side every 18". One screw every 18" in the narrow side. I am assuming that you won't be able to secure these wooden studs to the top and bottom plates but this should make them as stable as you can get. If you can secure them to the top and bottom plates all the better. Put your cross bracing for the grab bar between the wooden studs.

[the1unv]

I absolutely 150% agree with Harold!! If you are not sure... call a pro!! Grab bars are a serious thing and can cause serious injury if not installed right!!
Mike

[Garboplex]

In this case I am the "Pro". I have seen a lot of so-called pro jobs fail because they cut corners or thought they knew how to do the job.
In this case I agree that overkill is probably the way to go.
Thanks for the ideas.