What are these two pieces of metal for under my bathtub?

[Alecstar]

Hello all, I am new to this site. I need some help. I just bought an American Standard Solar enameled steel tub. It arrived today and unfortunately was damaged. I have ordered a new one but in the meantime can anybody tell me what these two pieces of metal (and somewhat flimsy at that) are for??? There is one on each side of the tub on the drain end. Thank you.

 

[Jadnashua]

Maybe just some reinforcements. FWIW, an enameled steel tub would be my last choice unless maybe if I was flipping the house. They dent fairly easily, and that can crack or chip the paint, and then they rust.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Alecstar]

I don't think they are reinforcements. They are spot welded in 3 spots, and the whole thing bends pretty easily.... not to mention the odd shape of the whole piece. I am actually replacing a 3 year old (new home build) acrylic tub because it lost its luster real fast. I like enamel finish because they stay clean and new looking. I realize that its a tradeoff for some durability.

 

[Sylvan]

Yikes metal TUB?? You are possibly looking to sell with in a few months

 

[Alecstar]

Yikes metal TUB?? You are possibly looking to sell with in a few months

 

[Alecstar]

I don't know why some people do not like metal tubs. We bought a two year old home in 1991 that had a steel tub and never had an issue with it. I am getting one for the finish. I have never seen an acrylic tub that did not look dull after a few short years. Unless there is an acrylic tub with an enamel finish, then I am forced to go with a steel one.

 

[Reach4]

I would think putting piles of mortar under a steel tub, similar to what is done with acrylic, would be good. Steel is not as flexible as the acrylic, but its bottom is a lot more flexible than cast iron.

 

[LLigetfa]

No need to overthink it. Those are just for the robot to hold the tub during the manufacturing process.

 

[Alecstar]

Thanks for the answer. You can see why I would want to know before I install it. It would be nice if there was a notation about them in the installation instructions.

 

[Jadnashua]

Yes, I'd set the tub in piles of mortar to help support the bottom and to ensure it sits level.

 

[hj]

Sylvan: Don;t you know/remember that cast iron tubs ARE METAL?

 

[Chuck The Plumber]

Hello all, I am new to this site. I need some help. I just bought an American Standard Solar enameled steel tub. It arrived today and unfortunately was damaged. I have ordered a new one but in the meantime can anybody tell me what these two pieces of metal (and somewhat flimsy at that) are for??? There is one on each side of the tub on the drain end. Thank you.

I think they are for holding the tub during factory production procedures.