Handrail brackets secure your handrails to the wall. If the brackets aren’t properly installed they will pull off leaving your wall with unsightly holes. To avoid this, you should ensure that you install the brackets the right way. To help you out here is a guide on how to install the brackets properly.
How To Install Handrail Brackets
You should start by marking a location on the wall. For ideal results, you should ensure that the location is 36 inches from the front edge of the bottom riser and 6 inches from the end of the railing area. To prevent the markings from showing on your wall you should use a pencil.
You should then place the brackets in position and using a pencil mark the location for the screw holes. You should then drill the pilot holes using a 1/8 inch drill bit and install the screws through the holes in the brackets.
You should place the handrail in place and mark the screw holes in each bracket, and then remove the handrail and drill the pilot holes. You should note that the screws go in on an angle. It’s usually hard to get the alignment right; therefore, it’s important that you first make the starter openings.
After making the starter openings you should install screws through the bracket and attach the handrail to the bottom and bottom brackets.
To install additional handrails you need to measure the space between the top and bottom brackets. For a great look and avoid weakening your wall, you should ensure that the handrails are 36-48 inches apart.
Tips To Consider When Undertaking The Installation
Before you drill holes into the wall always first search for the wall studs. All you need to do is to gently tap the wall using a hammer and listen for the hollow or solid sound. When you hear a solid sound you should mark the area using a nail.
To ensure that the handrail doesn’t pull off every now and then you should install the right brackets. This calls for you to consider the pressure the handrail will be supporting. For example, if the handrail will be handling high pressure you should use large brackets.
To protect your wall you should use the right drill. For example, if you are installing the brackets on a masonry wall you should use masonry drill to drill the pilot holes.