I’m hoping you can help me.
I’ve been asked to reinforce/repair a series of handrails that are attached to plaster & lathe walls (some of the walls were remodeled and are drywall) in the stairs of a fairly old house.
The challenge: Several of the clients are fairly large and have bad knees (including knee joint replacements). As a result, they use the rails, especially the ends, for support. As a result, the rails have begun to wobble as the fittings come loose.
Merely tightening them, or even using bigger screws definitely won’t do the job. And there are no studs near the ends.
I would be grateful for any and all suggestions.
Thank you.
Replies
I use toggle bolts into the lath and plaster and add heavy duty supports into the studs where possible.
I just did this in a 75 year old house and installed new railings because the tenants ripped(!) the old ones off the wall.
I got the Stanly Heavy Duty supports, only about $1.00 more than the regular ones, and in they went. Substitute toggle bolts & screws for the original ones and the wall will fall before the railings come out. If necessary, use Loctite.
Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the Handyman
Vancouver, Canada
Thank you for such a quick and practical reply.
Those are excellent suggestions.
To ensure that I get it right, I hope you won't mind a few additional questions.
It could be a U.S.-Canada translation issue, but I couldn't find "Stanly Heavy Duty supports" or "Stanley Heavy Duty supports." Can you provide any additional information? Maybe an internet link?
<<Substitute toggle bolts & screws for the original ones and the wall will fall before the railings come out. If necessary, use Loctite.>>
Which Loctite product?
Thanks again.
Try
http://www.stanleyhardware.com/default.asp?TYPE=CATEGORY&CATEGORY=HDW+HANDRAIL+BRACKET
Loctite? Iduuno, go to the speed shop or motorcycle shop & ask them. Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
are you willing to cut into the drywall?
If you are solid blocking will give you most sturdy results
Possibly run a piece of wood along the inside of the handrail brackets attached to the studs, and attach the brackets to the wood. Paint/stain to match with a decorative edge of some sort routed on.
Just a few quick ideas...
I think they want to hold off on cutting into the drywall -- at least for now.
Wood inside the rails attached to the studs could work well too. I'll have to run that past the residents. They have some fairly specific ideas about design.
Thank you for the ideas.
Wall anchors Will tear out, even if you use Loctite. ;-)
Runnind a board, as Cag suggested, is probably your best bet. Run it the entire length, past the ends of the rail to the next stud, screw and plug it to the studs.
You can route the edges of it and paint it in with the wall, or continue it as a chair rail.
Thank you.
I will discuss the solutions with the building's owners.
This forum is terrific.
I am grateful for everyone's generosity with their experience and expertise.