Replies

1. 
   calvin | Feb 11, 2013 01:52pm | #1

   Most would say..........

   and eighth?  don't worry about it.

   You mention porc. towel bar------on tile? or plastered wall?

   Either one-put up your oak, seal it and caulk the gap.

   Look at the oak board a bit closer-does it have the curve or the wall?   If it has a bit of bow, flip it over.  When fastened, it should pull (now both ends away) up tight to the wall.

1. 
   smitch | Feb 11, 2013 02:04pm | #2

   Grab bar on outside wall

   The wall is actually drywall. They made some sort of trough to cement the supports onto. I just didn't want to make a mess fixing the gap as the drywall has a glossy wallpaper over it. I'll try your suggestions. Looks possible. I'll also have to notch out this wood for some of the window sill as one support was very close to it. I want to cover the tear-out from the removal process (did the best I could but still some wallpaper damage). I was hoping I wouldn't have to use caulk. What kind would you recommend?

1. 
   calvin | Feb 11, 2013 02:48pm | #3

   smitch

   I use Phenoseal adhesive caulk quite a bit-if white works for you -  there is translucent also.

   It's a Dap owned product, so whereever that's sold.

   There are colored caulks from Titebond that are good-exterior-Weathermaster-you might find a color to match the paper.............

   But do try to find a board with a dip to it and use it so the dip nestles in the gap .

   or, plane the ends of what you got so it fits in the dip.

1. 
   smitch | Feb 11, 2013 03:06pm | #4

   Thanks a lot for all your help. No job is as simple as it seems at the start.

1. 
   calvin | Feb 11, 2013 05:56pm | #5

   smitch

   Now that's not the way to look at it.

   All the jobs are damn hard-the trick is to make it easier.

   But really, for the safety of your mother and moderate concerns for pleasing look, I think you're doing this right.

   Be great if you find that pc of oak with a little whoop to it.   Usually you're looking for straight, and can't find it.

2. 
   smitch | Feb 11, 2013 11:26pm | #8

   Confirmed - it's actually the drywall that's curved. If I could find some curved wood that might be a great solution. I'll actually give that a try.

2. 
   DanH | Feb 11, 2013 08:32pm | #6

   Have you considered just using a couple of "medalions"?

   Or perhaps one of the Wingits fasteners would work for you.

1. 
   smitch | Feb 11, 2013 11:22pm | #7

   After removing the ends to the old towel bar, I have to cover the existing damage. I just didn't know that I could "trust" anything but the security of a stud. I have heard these fasteners can hold up to 300 lbs. Just didn't want to trust my first use of these with my mother. Figure studs are for sure. Given this, I plan on using a board about 33 inches long or so. 

3. 
   oops | Feb 12, 2013 01:21pm | #9

   In your post I  you said, "the old towel bar used as a grab bar".   I hope for for your mom's sake, your planing to use a real grab bar.  The instructions that come with the grab bar may help answering some of your mounting questions. Good luck.

1. 
   smitch | Feb 12, 2013 01:56pm | #10

   Used inappropriately as such. Yes the replacement will be a "real" grab bar.

1. 
   smitch | Feb 16, 2013 04:36pm | #11

   One more thing....

   I'm going to screw a 1 X 5 1/2 red oak board to studs. Would you say two screws are sufficient or would you  say divide the 5 1/2 inch dim in fourths and use three. I then plan to use #12 stainless steel screws to fasten the grab bar to the oak board.

   Thanks for all your help again. 

1. 
   calvin | Feb 16, 2013 05:55pm | #12

   Smitch

   I'd probably use 4-  in two pairs-top/bottom area of the 5-1/2" board.

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