CaptainPolaroid t1_irejlct wrote on October 7, 2022 at 1:44 PM

Reply to comment by Peopletowner in Foam/paste that can be injected into a hole and when it hardens, it's as strong as hardwood? by flying-benedictus

Oh. Right. Good point. I assumed metal stud as he has plasterboard.

CaptainPolaroid t1_iree0l2 wrote on October 7, 2022 at 12:56 PM

Reply to comment by flying-benedictus in Foam/paste that can be injected into a hole and when it hardens, it's as strong as hardwood? by flying-benedictus

What is your native language?

If there is metal behind the wall, this means it's a 'metal stud' wall. As a whole, the wall has a lot of sturdiness because of all the connecting components. But I have no experience mounting something as important as a handrail to it.

Personally, I would opt to get backing in there: https://www.google.com/search?q=metal+stud+backing&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwij5oyUlM76AhXjgv0HHQE8AqQQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=metal+stud+backing&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEOgQIIxAnUNIGWOIKYNgLaABwAHgAgAFEiAGcApIBATaYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=qyBAY-PkJ-OF9u8PgfiIoAo&bih=937&biw=1920&rlz=1C1VDKB_nlNL982NL982

But this requires ripping out a section of wall.

I think as an alternative you could mount a backboard to the front of the wall that follows the handrail (example). That way you can secure to the studs where possible and get more screws in there. This will spread the load. But since I have no experience with metal stud, I would prefer it if someone corroborates this.

CaptainPolaroid t1_ire0kf7 wrote on October 7, 2022 at 10:22 AM

Reply to Foam/paste that can be injected into a hole and when it hardens, it's as strong as hardwood? by flying-benedictus

Filling it with a harder material wil just result in ripping a large hole because the rest of the wall is still soft AF.

I'm going to be blunt. Anyone that says anything else than put in some proper bracing should be banned from ever installing a hand railing. People hang on these with their full weight pulling themselves up stairs. If you fall. What do you grab? The railing! That's a dynamic load that can exceed your body weight. Even though there is "no safety issue"with falling down a 5cm gap. You can still fall down the stairs when the handrail gives and you lose your grip.

Don't muck about with this stuff. Broken bones can be the least of your worries after a good tumble down the stairs..

Find the studs and screw your rail holders there. Reposition all of the rail holders to studs. You can then fix the hole normally with putty, filler or whatever.

Another solution would be to rip out a section of drywall and get some wood or plywood behind / in-between fastened to the studs. After replacing the drywall, you can then safely use bolts or plenty screws to secure the handrail in the same spot.