exterior handrail mounting

[kj_mustang]

Did a search but didn't find much so looking for ideas. Mounting cast iron handrails to the side of my house. Hardieboard siding over about 1/2" OSB. Chances of me hitting a wall stud with a lag bolt is pretty slim. Need some strong anchor options for a good sized bolt/screw. Saw some 1/4" toggle bolts rated over 100 lbs but they require a 3/4" hole and drilling that big a hole into the wall concerns me.

 

[Jackfre]

Get a rare earth bar magnet and see if you can pick up the studs. I’ve not had to do this on hardi, but it is my preferred method for interior stud location.

 

[nadogail]

Consider using Molly Bolts. The hole size is minimal and they have a metal threaded socket in the wall. Toggle bolts loose their “spring wings” when you take out the screw.

 

[kyrbz]

I used to work for an architecture firm that often used the fiber cement siding. It ***** attaching anything to it. It cracks easy and is often difficult to repair. We often used “Zip Toggles” to attach hand rails. I would recommend using a small diamond core bit to drill through the siding to prevent cracking or breaking the siding. I’d then use a smaller regular drill bit to go through the osb. If I hit a stud, I’d use a wood screw. If it was hollow, I’d drill the osb out to 1/2” to accommodate the zip toggle. For the smallest zip toggle you’ll still need a 1/2” hole

 

[readhead]

Put a post next to the wall and not attach to the building.

 

[billconner]

If I had to attach to house, I'd cut it - buzzer - and install a wood plinth and flash it. A plinth one lap high and wide could be anchored pretty well to sheathing. Just my way.

 

[CTyankee]

If I had to attach to house, I'd cut it - buzzer - and install a wood plinth and flash it. A plinth one lap high and wide could be anchored pretty well to sheathing. Just my way.

X 2 That's the proper way IMO.

 

[kj_mustang]

Put a post next to the wall and not attach to the building.

Can't do that. Stacked stone steps up against the house. No solid way to attach a center handrail on the steps either so they have to attach to the house.

 

[Walkers]

Got a picture?