Machine Builders Network+ Forums Machine Builders Network General Discussion Back Again

Life has been difficult at The Ratsast Ranch lately. Wife broke her leg twice, same leg different places, my Cub blew up, plus half dozen other B/S things. Wife had her cataracts fixed smashed grille on car.

Thought I'd ask if anyone has suggestion(s) to assist in locating grab handles in a shower. Second fall broke leg just below knee. No walking for 6 weeks

Problem is that house is not ancient, but builder used wire mesh and cement to build walls. Can't use stud finder to locate studs. Everything is tiled. Exterior wall is brick.

I could drill thru the tiled window trim/sill to the wall cavity and insert a camera to look. Window sill is approx 5' high water entry is not a problem.

Also want to keep fix relatively cheap as bathroom will be redone in 2023. I don't know how in the hell I get my self into these fixes.

How strong is the mesh/cement? Can I drill thru the tile/mesh/cement and use those pull into place anchors? I've seen them, have no experience with them. Have no experience with the mesh/cement. Was the way to build a shower in the past.

Suggestions, questions

JLG

Glad to hear from you again! Sorry for your problems too!! Never heard of the wire mesh in walls so cant help on that one! all of the newer walls here are drywall stuff. Old ones were plaster over wood lath.
About the only way to find the studs would to start drilling small test holes til you find 1 then measure over from that to locate the next one.--- after you are done fill the test holes with waterproof calk.
dont hook to the mesh itself,---go for the studs! The mesh might tear out and things would go south REAL fast!
If the exterior is brick, you could drill all the way thru and run big all thread rods in and hook to them.---ya thats extreem but a possible way to get your handles exactly where you need them.
Now as to your cub,---do you mean Farmall cub?? I have 6 or more of them here! LOL!

if the walls are wire mesh enforced cement /or plaster then you should be able to get away with molly bolts, but I personally would shoot for a stud for a grab handle. if your going to remodel in the next year I'm sure you could survive some caulk plugs in the holes for the missed the stud search.