Cant find a suitable non electrical forum

[Pete999]

You all saw mypost about a volunteer job I did yesterday, there were two grab rails I was reluctant to fit as the walls were plasterboard and stud work, simple fix you will say, but the rules of the game are "try not to damage the building fabric" and explain to the client why you can't do this particular job.

I have a stud finder, but the rails don't match the stud positions, recently decorated and brand new shower cubicle fitted, with a waterproof enclosure, of coure there would be the option of fitting a wooden sstrip to the studs and fit rail to that, didn't like that idea, now comes the question, as it's a grab rail for a rather large gentleman, to get in and out of the shower, and a rail for getting on and off the WC, anyone got any ideas, apart from the ones I have mentioned? Would be grateful for any input, mickey taking, will be tolerated up to a point.

 

[Pete999]

Hi Pete,

you could ask the authority to supply a rail which can fix from the floor to the ceiling, a long rail admittedly but it would be fixed securely and it would do the job.

Regarding your comment about you will tolorate any mickey taking to a point, if you need me to bust anyone open for you just ask, I won't mind the typing lol

Cheers Mate

GripIt Blue Plasterboard Fixings 25 x 20mm 8 Pack - https://www.screwfix.com/p/gripit-blue-plasterboard-fixings-25-x-20mm-8-pack/7518J?tc=BT1&ds_kid=92700023382283773&ds_rl=1249484&ds_rl=1245250&gclid=Cj0KCQjwn-bWBRDGARIsAPS1svsS8bPL-JyiOqbhfh6xOIULznaeKUmzzQd9rkUSnUnVNMTi9EKSr9kaAtm1EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CJjDr9G8yNoCFVcw0wodbZwM2w

Good for 225 kg's allegedly

Thanks

 

[static zap]

The client has no intention of doing pole dancing, I think.

Are you sure , a valid technique for getting off the floor when having a bad day !

 

[Wilko]

My dear old Dad would've had the plasterboard off and some new studding in. Probably destroy the bath, but that grab handle would be solid

 

[Dave OCD]

I have visions of the large elderly gentleman hoisting himself off the bog only for the grab handle to break free and him dropping back becoming firmly wedged in the toilet bowl. Sorry Pete !

 

[Pete999]

My dear old Dad would've had the plasterboard off and some new studding in. Probably destroy the bath, but that grab handle would be solid

Agree, but when you are working for free and Mrs Houseproud doesn't want any mess, or disruption?

 

[NDG Elecs]

Is it tiled Pete? I didn't read any mention as to whether it was...
Spring toggles are likely the strongest type of fixing for pboard, but with the downside of the size of hole needed.
If I had your situation I would possibly fix a short grab bar (~300mm) at an angle with the higher part firmly into the stud timber - although would need to get all three screws into the stud.
I think that if the fella is a portly type then whatever is done will not be the best solution, largely due to it not being a solid wall. Pboard, even with thick tiles on it, moves and cracks generally along the grout lines.

EDIT: a longer 600mm rail fixed at an angle could hopefully find two upright timbers perhaps?

 

[dean.diy]

If asked I would want to use 10g or 12g screws of three inch
length. Putting extra studding to meet the other end would
either be unfair on someone working for free, or not possible
if new style metal studwork.

 

[SparkieD]

2x galv dome covers, bit of galv tube & a pipe vice?

 

[Pete999]

Is it tiled Pete? I didn't read any mention as to whether it was...
Spring toggles are likely the strongest type of fixing for pboard, but with the downside of the size of hole needed.
If I had your situation I would possibly fix a short grab bar (~300mm) at an angle with the higher part firmly into the stud timber - although would need to get all three screws into the stud.
I think that if the fella is a portly type then whatever is done will not be the best solution, largely due to it not being a solid wall. Pboard, even with thick tiles on it, moves and cracks generally along the grout lines.

EDIT: a longer 600mm rail fixed at an angle could hopefully find two upright timbers perhaps?

No not tiled NDG it's a short angled one, for the Loo and a longer one for the shower which is not, exactly tiled, it has a sort of waterproof wall covering, been told to leave it by the owners so end of really, thanks for your input.

 

[Rpa07]

I know there’s been a stop on this Pete but you can get a frame that sits around the toilet that has a rail either side to allow a person to help themselves up. Easy solution and no work done.

For the shower thing - ‘Care and Repair’ - May have some ideas. Occupational therapists use them to get people home from hospital so I bet they’ve seen it all.