SH-05Fit the brackets to the wallUse the fixing that matches the wall behind each mark. Into a timber stud, drill a 3mm pilot hole and drive a wood or coach screw at least 60mm long into the centre of the stud. Into a metal stud, use a self-drilling metal-stud anchor or toggle fixing rated for the load – never a plain plug or wood screw, which strips straight through 0.5mm steel – and remember a handrail takes a pulling, twisting load every time someone grips it, so a metal stud alone isn't enough: fit a timber noggin between the studs at each bracket point, or fix through to solid masonry behind where one exists. Into solid brick or block, drill a 10mm hole to 60mm depth, fit a matching wall plug, and drive in a coach screw. Into dot-and-dab, use a fixing long enough (typically 90mm or more) to pass through the plasterboard, the air gap and the adhesive dabs, reaching solid masonry behind. Into lath and plaster, locate the timber stud or joist behind the laths and screw into solid timber, or fit a noggin behind the laths first – screwing into plaster and laths alone will pull straight out.