Hi I am trying to give the Father inlaw a shower bar (grip) The bathroom has tile and the wall studs I figure are steel. The bar should screw into the steel studs. I think I have found one with a "Zircon"multiscanner but the other studs a faint in detection. What do you think the likeley hood that the studs are on 16 inch centers? Is there a scanner that is much more accurate. And or is there a different bar installation method to inslall with the existing tile so I don't drill any needless holes?
The studs should be about 16" apart, key word is "about". Most residential construction in my area is done with wood, not steel. Have you tried multiple passes with the stud finder? The ones I am familiar with require you to place it against the wall and then turn it on. This helps calibrate it so it knows what the wall surface density alone is vs. the wall density plus the stud. If you start out with the finder over a stud it screws it all up. Try starting with the stud finder in multiple areas and then moving it around until you get consistent reads from several starting locations. Does the tile go all the way to the ceiling? If not you can try the stud finder above the tile and/or measure off the wall and then use a nail to find the studs. You'll make a lot of holes that way but drywall is easier to patch up then tile. As far as alternate methods of mounting the bar I would say no. A grab bar needs to be firmly anchored into the studs if it is going to be relied on to support a persons weight. The last thing you want is for a person to be holding on to it for support and have it come of in his hand. Good Luck.
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