Liberty Hardware Recalls Multi-Grip Tub Safety Bars Due to Fall Hazard

What was recalled

In late September 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a significant recall involving Multi-Grip Tub Safety Bars manufactured by Liberty Hardware. This action was taken because these specific safety devices, which are designed to assist individuals in entering and exiting bathtubs safely, were found to have a critical design flaw that compromises their stability. The recall targets products sold under several well-known brand names, indicating that this issue is not limited to a single label but affects multiple product lines distributed by the manufacturer. Specifically, the affected items include the Multi-Grip Tub Safety Bars sold under the Peerless brand (model number PL585), as well as those marketed under the Safety First brand (models SF585 and S1F585). Additionally, bars sold under the Delta brand with model number DF585 are included in this recall. Consumers who have purchased any of these specific models should take note, as they are part of the affected batch.

The physical characteristics of the recalled bars are quite distinct, which can help you identify whether your unit is among those at risk. The bars are constructed from powder-coated aluminum and were exclusively sold in a white finish. They feature a one-inch diameter tube, which provides a substantial grip for users. A key design element of these bars is the presence of two gripping surfaces located at approximately eight inches and fifteen inches from the base. These dual-height grips are intended to offer flexibility for users of different heights or those who prefer different mounting positions. The brand name and model number are clearly listed on a label attached to the product’s packaging, so checking your box or receipt is a good first step in verification.

While the official recall notice does not specify the exact total number of units sold nationwide, it highlights that this issue has already resulted in fourteen reported incidents of the plastic sticker grip pads becoming dislodged after installation. One of these reports involved a fall resulting in minor injury, underscoring the real-world consequences of this defect. The bars were installed on tubs with tapered side walls, where the adhesive grip pads failed to stay secure over time. If you have one of these bars installed in your bathroom, particularly on a tub with angled sides, it is crucial to verify its model number immediately. The lack of a specific unit count in the public record does not diminish the seriousness of the hazard; rather, it emphasizes the need for individual verification based on the model numbers provided by Liberty Hardware.

If you are unsure whether your safety bar is part of this recall, the best course of action is to inspect the packaging or the product itself for the labels mentioned above. The recall applies to bars sold under these specific brands and models, so if your unit does not match PL585, SF585, S1F585, or DF585, it may not be affected. However, given the potential danger of a fall in the bathroom, erring on the side of caution is always wise. Liberty Hardware has acknowledged the problem and is offering a remedy for those who own these specific units, but you must take the first step by confirming your model number and contacting them directly to initiate the return process.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, a tub safety bar seems like an impenetrable shield against gravity. We rely on these fixtures to provide stability in one of the most slippery environments in our homes, trusting that they will hold firm when we are wet, tired, or unsteady. However, the specific design flaw in this recall centers on the interaction between the hardware’s adhesive grip pads and the unique geometry of certain bathtubs. Liberty Hardware’s Multi-Grip Tub Safety Bars rely on plastic sticker grips to anchor themselves to the tub’s surface. While these grips work well on flat, uniform surfaces, they fail catastrophically when installed on tubs with tapered side walls.

Here is exactly what goes wrong physically: many modern bathtubs are not perfectly vertical; their sides angle inward or outward as they rise from the floor. When a safety bar designed for flat surfaces is mounted against this slope, the plastic adhesive pads cannot make full, uniform contact with the tub’s surface. This creates microscopic gaps and uneven pressure points along the length of the sticker. Over time, especially in the humid, temperature-fluctuating environment of a bathroom, these weak adhesion points degrade. The plastic grip pads eventually become dislodged or peel away from the wall.

Once those grip pads detach, the fundamental integrity of the installation is compromised. The bar is no longer anchored securely at its critical contact points. Instead of being a rigid extension of your body’s support system, the bar becomes loose and unstable. It can shift, wobble, or even detach entirely under weight. This instability transforms the safety bar from a protective aid into a dangerous trap. When you are already off-balance on a wet surface, reaching for a handle that gives way beneath your hand removes your last line of defense. The sudden loss of support often leads to a fall, which is particularly dangerous in a bathtub where the hard surfaces and water increase the risk of impact injuries.

The seriousness of this mechanism is underscored by the reports Liberty Hardware has already received. Among fourteen reported incidents of grip pads failing or needing replacement, there was at least one confirmed fall resulting in minor injury. While "minor" might sound reassuring, it highlights a critical truth: these failures are not just inconveniences; they are active hazards that have already caused physical harm. The risk is compounded by the fact that the failure may not be immediate. A bar might look secure for weeks or months before the adhesive finally surrenders to the tension of tapered walls, leaving users with a false sense of security right up until the moment it fails.

In broader terms, this class of hazard illustrates why proper installation is just as important as the product’s quality. Even the strongest metal bar is useless if its connection to the wall cannot withstand the specific angles of your bathroom. The taper of the tub wall acts as a lever, pulling against the adhesive with more force than it was designed to handle. Without a flat surface to distribute that load evenly, the bond breaks down, turning a safety feature into a fall hazard.

Who is most at risk

While the Liberty Hardware Multi-Grip Tub Safety Bars are designed as a protective measure for everyone, the individuals who stand to lose the most from their failure are typically those who rely on them for basic mobility and stability. The primary group at heightened risk includes older adults, particularly seniors who may be dealing with age-related declines in balance, muscle strength, or joint flexibility. For many elderly users, the bathroom represents a high-stakes environment where a slip can lead to fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine—injuries that carry significant long-term health consequences and financial burdens. When these bars are installed on tubs with tapered side walls, the instability caused by dislodging plastic grip pads removes the very foundation of support they were counting on, turning a safety device into a potential trap.

Individuals with physical disabilities or chronic conditions that affect mobility also face substantial danger. People who use walkers, canes, or other assistive devices often have less room to maneuver and depend heavily on fixed anchors for transfer between standing and sitting positions. If the bar wobbles or shifts unexpectedly because the adhesive grip has failed, it can cause a sudden loss of equilibrium. This is especially critical for those with limited upper body strength, as they may not be able to quickly grab an adjacent surface to prevent a fall. The risk is compounded by the fact that these bars are often the only point of contact in a slippery, wet environment where traction is naturally reduced.

Caregivers and family members who assist with bathing also share in this vulnerability. When helping a loved one step into or out of a tub, they may lean on the bar for their own stability while supporting the other person. If the bar detaches under combined weight, both individuals could fall, leading to serious injuries for the recipient and potential strain or injury for the caregiver. Additionally, households with young children who are learning to navigate bathroom spaces independently should be cautious; while less likely to bear full weight, a child’s unpredictable movements can exacerbate the instability of a loosely attached bar. The recall highlights that fourteen incidents have already been reported, including one fall resulting in minor injury, underscoring that this is not just a theoretical risk but an active hazard for anyone depending on these specific models for daily safety.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you recently installed a new tub safety bar or are looking at an older one that has been sitting in your bathroom for some time, it is crucial to verify whether your specific unit is part of this recall. Because these bars look nearly identical to many other standard safety products on the market, visual inspection alone isn’t enough to guarantee safety. You need to check the specific details printed on the packaging or the product itself against the official list of recalled items. The recall issued by Liberty Hardware on September 26, 2024, targets a very specific set of Multi-Grip Tub Safety Bars. If you do not see the brand names and model numbers listed below, your bar is likely safe from this particular defect.

First, check the box or manual where the product was originally sold. The recalled bars are sold under three distinct brand names: Peerless, Safety First, and Delta. You must match both the brand name and the corresponding model number to confirm if your item is included. Specifically, look for the Peerless brand with model number PL585. If you have a Safety First branded bar, check for either model SF585 or S1F585. Finally, if the bar is branded as Delta, the only recalled model is DF585. If your model number ends in anything other than 585, it is not part of this recall.

If you have thrown away the original packaging and cannot find the label, you can inspect the physical safety bar itself. The recalled Multi-Grip Tub Safety Bars are made of powder-coated aluminum and come exclusively in the color white. They feature a tube with a one-inch diameter, which is a standard size for many grab bars, but the distinguishing feature is the grip configuration. Look for two distinct gripping surfaces located at approximately 8 inches and 15 inches along the length of the bar. This "Multi-Grip" design allows users to hold on higher or lower depending on their needs, but in this recalled version, the plastic sticker grip pads attached to these surfaces are prone to becoming dislodged.

When examining the product, look for a label that clearly states the brand name and model number. This label is typically affixed to the side of the tube or near one of the mounting brackets. It is important to note that while the physical appearance of these bars is consistent (white, powder-coated aluminum), the risk lies in the installation method on certain tubs. If you have a bar with tapered side walls and the plastic grip pads are already loose or falling off, stop using it immediately. However, even if the pads seem secure right now, if your model matches the ones listed above, we strongly recommend following the remedy steps to ensure your long-term safety.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that you own one of the recalled Liberty Hardware Multi-Grip Tub Safety Bars, the good news is that the company has established a straightforward and generous remedy to resolve the issue. Liberty Hardware is not asking you to keep a potentially unsafe product, nor are they expecting you to cover the costs associated with returning it. Instead, they have designed a process specifically aimed at making it as easy as possible for you to get your money back. The primary option available to consumers in this recall is a full refund of $35 per unit. This amount reflects the purchase price of the safety bars, ensuring that you are not financially penalized for a defect that was beyond your control.

To initiate this process, you will need to contact Liberty Hardware directly through one of their designated channels. You can call their toll-free number at 844-811-4541. It is important to note their hours of operation: they are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or wish to have a record of your inquiry, you may also send an email to recall@libertyhardware.com. For those who prefer navigating the issue online, Liberty Hardware has set up specific pages for this recall. You can visit www.libertyhardware.com/recall-notices/tub-safety-bar directly, or go to their main homepage at www.libertyhardware.com and look for the "RECALL NOTICE" link located on the bottom right of the website.

A particularly helpful feature of this remedy is that Liberty Hardware is providing all necessary shipping materials at no cost to you. When you contact them, they will send you a pre-paid return label along with free packaging. This means you do not need to go to the post office or a shipping store to buy boxes or tape, nor do you need to pay for postage. The company handles the logistics of getting the unsafe bars back from your home, which significantly reduces the burden on you during what should be a simple administrative task.

The "why" behind this specific remedy is rooted in the nature of the hazard. Because the plastic sticker grip pads can dislodge on tubs with tapered side walls, the safety bars become unstable. Unlike some recalls where a manufacturer might offer a free repair kit or a replacement part to fix the issue, Liberty Hardware has opted for a complete refund and return. This suggests that the design of these specific models (Peerless PL585, Safety First SF585/S1F585, and Delta DF585) may not be easily adaptable with new grips in the field, or that the safest path forward is to remove the entire unit from your bathroom. By offering a $35 refund, they are encouraging you to replace the bars with a different model or brand that does not have this specific installation vulnerability.

Please remember that while the recall notice mentions returning the bars for a refund, it does not explicitly state that they will send you a new bar to replace it. The remedy is focused on taking the product off your hands and reimbursing you. Therefore, if you need a safety bar for your tub, you will likely need to purchase a different product separately after completing the return process. Do not attempt to modify the bars yourself by gluing down the stickers or using other adhesives, as this has already proven ineffective in many cases and could lead to serious injury.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to follow through with the recall process. The Multi-Grip Tub Safety Bars may look perfectly secure when you first installed them, and the inconvenience of repackaging an item, printing a label, and waiting for a refund can feel like a significant hurdle. However, ignoring this recall is not merely about missing out on a $35 reimbursement; it is about leaving a critical safety mechanism in your bathroom that has been proven to fail under specific conditions. The core issue lies in the design of the plastic sticker grip pads. These adhesive pads are intended to provide friction and stability between the metal bar and the wall. When installed on tubs with tapered side walls, the geometry of the installation creates uneven pressure points. Over time, or even immediately upon use, this stress can cause the adhesive bond to weaken and the pads to dislodge.

Once those grip pads come loose, the structural integrity of the safety bar is compromised. What remains is a metal tube that is no longer firmly anchored against the wall in the way it was designed to be. In a bathroom environment, where surfaces are often wet and slippery, this instability becomes dangerous very quickly. The recalled bars pose a direct fall hazard because they can shift, wobble, or even detach entirely when you put your weight on them for support. You might rely on the bar to steady yourself while stepping out of the tub, but if the grip pads have failed, that reliance turns into a risk. The bar may not hold you as expected, leading to a loss of balance.

The consequences of this failure are not theoretical. According to reports received by Liberty Hardware and the CPSC, there have already been fourteen documented instances where the plastic sticker grip pads became dislodged after installation or required replacement due to instability. More critically, among these reports, there is at least one confirmed incident involving a fall that resulted in a minor injury. While "minor" might sound reassuring, falls in the bathtub are unpredictable. A slip on a wet surface can lead to sprains, fractures, head injuries, or bruises that require medical attention and cause significant pain and disruption to your daily life. The risk is particularly acute for older adults, individuals with mobility issues, or anyone who uses these bars specifically because they need extra support to navigate the tub safely.

If you choose to ignore the recall, you are essentially betting that the adhesive will never fail. However, the data suggests that this is a known defect affecting multiple models sold under different brands, including Liberty Hardware, Peerless, Safety First, and Delta. Continuing to use the product means continuing to expose yourself and your family to an avoidable danger. The $35 refund is a small price to pay for peace of mind and the assurance that your bathroom safety equipment actually works as intended. By acting now, you eliminate the risk of a preventable accident entirely.

Staying safe: broader tips

A bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in a home for older adults and individuals with mobility challenges, primarily because wet surfaces drastically reduce friction. While this recall highlights a specific failure in one brand’s safety bars, it serves as an important reminder that fall prevention requires a holistic approach to bathroom design and maintenance. Safety is not just about having a grab bar; it is about ensuring that every element of your bathing environment works together to support stability.

First, consider the installation quality of any hardware you use. Grab bars must be anchored directly into wall studs or with heavy-duty anchors specifically rated for dynamic loads. A bar that feels solid when you press it gently may still fail under the sudden, twisting force of a slip. If you are unsure about the integrity of your current installations, have a professional contractor or plumber inspect them. They can verify that the mounting hardware is secure and appropriate for the type of wall material you have, whether it is drywall, tile, or fiberglass.

Beyond hardware, daily habits play a crucial role in risk reduction. Keep essential items like soap, shampoo, and towels within easy reach to minimize the need to stretch or balance while standing on a wet surface. Use non-slip bath mats both inside and outside the tub or shower; these provide critical traction when your feet are wet. Additionally, regular maintenance of your bathroom environment is vital. Check for loose grout, cracked tiles, or worn caulk that could create unexpected slip hazards. Replace any slippery bath mats immediately if they lose their grip on the floor.

It is also wise to stay informed about product recalls in general. Many consumer products have safety features that may be updated after they are sold. You can sign up for email alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.CPSC.gov, which will notify you of new recalls affecting items in your home. For older adults living alone, consider installing a medical alert system or a simple pull-cord emergency button in the bathroom. These devices do not prevent falls, but they can significantly reduce the severity of injuries by ensuring help arrives quickly if an accident occurs.

Finally, remember that safety is personal. What works for one household may not work for another. If you are assisting a family member, ask them directly about their comfort level and any specific fears they have regarding bathing. Their feedback can guide you toward the right combination of equipment and environmental changes. By combining proper installation, regular maintenance, and proactive awareness, you can create a bathroom environment that supports independence and minimizes the risk of serious injury.