[mgb]

About a year ago, my co-worker and I installed an ovalised 1.5"x 2" handrail. On both sides of the stairwell running up 4 flights.

The top flight runs along a pony-wall on both sides. The rail wraps 90* at the top of the flight and returns after 1'. There was no backing installed here. Instead of cutting open a finished wall, I notched the top plate of the pony wall and slid backing down. Unfortunately this did not hold up.

I'm thinking of trying some hilti zip-toggles. Or wanted to see if anyone else has opinions on a suitable anchor.

I have a feeling I'm going to have to cut thru wallpaper that was applied 1 month ago and a painted wall.

 

[B.D.R.]

Not sure if this fits your situation or not .
Sometimes we fasten a medallion onto the end of the railing and fasten that with wall anchors, then cover the screws with little mushroom caps.

 

[B.D.R.]

Hopefully you won't have to cut the wallpaper

 

[mgb]

I know I worded it poorly, but its actually the brackets centered on the 1' return that are of most concern. I like that idea, but it would require me to re-work some of the railing.

Found a picture, it doesn't show the exact area. But you can see the LH side up top butts to the wall. Right side is 1' over then returned. Brackets are centered on both.

 

[Bearded Wonder]

Every time I've had a loose handrail and tried to fix it with wall anchors in the drywall, I would describe the results as temporary. Some lasted 6 months, one maybe a year.

I quit doing it. Bite the bullet and fix it right. A handrail anchored to Sheetrock ain't worth crap.

Only exception is if you can put a plate behind it big enough that it will get you to a stud that you can screw to.

 

[B.D.R.]

With a sharp Japanese saw you should be able to cut the railing in place.
Maybe I am not getting what it is that you are after.
Sorry

 

[mgb]

Was looking at the railing, and something wasn't right. The 1' return's were almost a 1/2" out of level.

Turns out the wallpaper guys removed the railing on the left. They broke a few miter's, re-installed it in the wrong spot. Missed backing e.t.c. Forgot the remove some fasteners, forgot to install others.

Was able to fix everything, was annoyed because everyone immediately thought it was my error/fault. Had to correct a few ppl (not realizing I built the railing) that thought the installer was an "idiot". Not to mention the general public who used the railing in the past week who would've figured I did a crappy job. :wallbash:

 

[B.D.R.]

Glad it worked out for you

 

[tsbrewers]

I had a similar situation. I got a call from the Job Supe, telling me the code rail was loose and I did a bad job. I got there and checked it out, he basically started yelling and screaming about quality, yada, yada, yada. I started looking at it and started to pull drywall screws out of the brackets that were screwed in to the drywall only, etc. I asked him who were the last ones in the home and he said the painters were. Then I told him to go look in my truck to see if he could find a single black drywall screw in the entire thing. Finally it clicked for him and he did apologize.