A Typical Annoying Problem Of Living Alone
I want to fit a grab rail in my bathroom and these pictures show the position and the rail.
I want to put it at an angle so that I can pull myself upright safely to get out of the bath.
The first problem is positioning it in the right place. The easiest way is to lie in the empty bath whilst someone else holds it tightly to the wall.
The second problem is that the tiles are very hard to drill, so I intend to use a strong epoxy to glue the grab rail to the wall.
Mixing the epoxy and getting it in the right position is definitely a job for at least three hands.
Perhaps we need a Rent-A-Hand Agency, where someone can help you out on a barter or mutual basis.
Where is my late wife, when you desperately need her?
The Anonymous Widower 
You could try using double sided sticky pads and position the handrail so that it sticks temporarily where it is needed. You could then mark through the holes and remove the handrail. Please do not try sticking it on the tiles, as that could lead to a nasty accident if the adhesion fails. Drilling tiles is not too difficult with the right drill and bits, but it is important to get the correct wall plugs and screws so that it is fixed to the wall behind the tiles. Special fixings are available for partition walls.
However, I have a better idea. Why not get a local one man builder to do it for you. I have a property that is rented out, and I rarely go near it. I have a good tenant and a good local builder. If there is a problem, he goes and fixes it and sends me the bill. He is worth every penny. I have a happy tenant who now knows and trusts the builder.
Once you get someone who is reliable you can form a commercial relationship with him that will be mutually beneficial and last a long time.
Comment by John Wright | March 21, 2015 |
I’ve stuck severa htooks to the tiles and the adhesive doesn’t fail. Drilling the eight holes to put up the towel rail and the other grab rail took eight drill bits with an experienced builder doing the work. And these were special ones from Franchi’s at nearly a tenner a time. The rail manufacturer has recommended using their own epoxy.
Comment by AnonW | March 21, 2015 |
What about those handles with suction fixtures? If the tile surface is suitable, they work well. They are easily removed and can be taken if travelling. I got one in a specialist shop for mobility aids etc but I also see them in mail order catalogues. If drilling into tiles, drill thru a piece of light cork which will protect the tile surface and stabilise the drill bit.
Comment by Anne | March 24, 2015 |