Kitchen ranges can tip forward if they’re not properly secured, especially when weight is placed on an open oven door. This creates a serious safety risk, particularly in homes with young children who might try to climb or hang on the door.
Installing an anti-tip bracket like the GE WB2K20 takes just a few minutes and helps keep your range from tipping.
What Does an Anti-Tip Bracket Do?
Though rare, range tip-overs can cause serious injuries within seconds. Most incidents involve children under five and happen with freestanding or slide-in ranges.
The anti-tip bracket is designed to stop the appliance from tipping forward. It attaches to the wall or floor and holds the back of the range in place. If weight is applied to the front, the bracket limits movement. Once in place, it works automatically without the need for manual activation.
Most GE gas ranges come with anti-tip hardware. If you have an older model, retrofit kits like the WB2K20 are available.
Why Anti-Tip Brackets Matter More Than People Think
Many homeowners aren’t aware that tipping incidents can happen under ordinary circumstances. Knowing the risks and reasons for installing the bracket helps keep your household safer.
- Children may treat an open oven door like a step, especially when unsupervised.
- A pot or dish placed heavily on the door can shift the appliance forward.
- Even when built-in ranges feel secure, they might lack rear anchoring.
- Remodeling or moving the appliance for cleaning can affect how it’s positioned.
- A bracket adds extra stability that can prevent avoidable injuries or damage.
- Some home insurance claims involving kitchen accidents are rejected when appliances aren’t anchored.
- Apartment units and rentals often skip safety accessories unless owners request them.
- Anti-tip brackets meet safety standards recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What You’ll Need
Included in the GE Anti-Tip Kit:
- Anti-tip bracket (WB2K20 – check that it matches your range model)
- Mounting screw
- Installation guide
- Safety instructions
Additional Tools Required
- Power drill (corded or cordless)
- 1/8-inch drill bit
- 5/16-inch nut driver bit
- Measuring tape or 90-degree ruler
- Pencil
- Safety glasses and gloves (optional)
Safety Tips Before You Begin
- Turn off and unplug the appliance. If it’s a gas range, shut off the gas supply.
- Clear the space behind the range so you have room to work.
- Allow time for the appliance to cool down if it’s been used recently.
- Avoid rushing—working slowly helps prevent accidents.
- Good lighting helps you see clearly and work more accurately.
- Keep children and pets out of the area.
- Refer to your appliance’s manual for any specific instructions.
- Use care when handling metal parts, as edges may be sharp.
- Safety glasses and gloves can offer added protection, especially when drilling or working near debris.
Before You Start
The bracket can be mounted to the wall, the floor, or both—depending on your kitchen’s layout. A few things to note before you begin:
- Choose a spot free of pipes, wires, or obstructions.
- GE recommends placing the bracket 2 1/8 inches from the back corner of the range to the side edge of the bracket. Adjust the measurement if there’s a countertop overhang.
- Slight differences in cabinet dimensions or uneven floors might require minor changes to the placement.
- Review all instructions and check your installation site before drilling.
How to Install the GE Range Anti-Tip Bracket
Here are the steps to properly install the anti-tip bracket and secure your range in place.
Preparation
- Turn off the range.
- Unplug it from the wall outlet.
- Move the range away from its original position.
- If it’s a gas model, turn off the gas supply.
Mark the Bracket Location
- Use a ruler to draw a vertical pencil line on the floor to guide the bracket alignment.
- Measure 2 1/8 inches from where the rear corner of the range will be positioned.
- Use this measurement to locate the side edge of the bracket.
- Place the bracket on the floor at the measured location, lining it up with the vertical pencil mark.
- Mark the mounting screw hole through the bracket onto the floor.
Drill the Pilot Hole
- Use a 1/8-inch drill bit in a power drill.
- Drill into the marked spot at a 20-degree downward angle.
- Drill slowly to avoid cracks or going too deep.
Attach the Bracket
- Line up the bracket’s mounting hole with the hole you drilled.
- Keep the bracket aligned with the vertical pencil line.
- Use the included screw to secure the bracket to the floor.
Final Positioning
- Plug the range back into the outlet.
- Turn the gas supply back on if it’s a gas model.
- Slide the range back into place so that the rear leg goes under the bracket and locks into it.
Read More: How to install GE range anti-tip bracket WB2K20
Maintenance Tips After Installation
Once the bracket is in place, a few simple habits can help you keep everything working properly over time.
- Re-check the bracket every few months to confirm the range is still anchored.
- Avoid sliding the range out forcefully for cleaning or repairs, which could knock the bracket loose.
- If you’re moving or remodeling, plan ahead and reinstall the bracket afterward.
- Keep an eye out for rust or wear on the bracket if you’re in a humid area.
- If you hear creaking or notice the range rocking slightly, inspect the bracket for movement.
- Make it part of your seasonal home maintenance checklist.
- Let guests or tenants know not to use the oven door for support or storage.
- Keep the installation manual in a safe spot for reference if adjustments are needed later.
To Recap
Most people don’t think much about their kitchen range tipping forward until it actually happens. It’s quick and dangerous. A child climbs the door or a heavy dish pulls it forward—and just like that, someone could get hurt. What’s surprising is how easy it is to prevent. The GE WB2K20 anti-tip bracket takes just a few minutes to install. One screw and a small bracket help keep your oven from moving.
Many skip this step, thinking it’s extra. It isn’t. If your range didn’t come with a bracket or if you’re unsure it’s installed right, it’s worth checking. This small fix can stop a serious accident from ever happening in your kitchen.