Fit a toilet-roll holder to a timber stud wall

Fit a toilet-roll holder safely by checking your wall type, avoiding hidden pipes and cables, and using the right fixing.

TR-01Gather your tools and clear the areaLay a dust sheet under the fitting spot to catch drill dust and screws. Get your toilet-roll holder kit, drill, spirit level, pencil, tape measure and screwdriver ready. Check the kit for its own fixings first — some come with basic plastic plugs that are too weak for anything but solid masonry.

1 each · Dust sheet

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1 each · Toilet-roll holder kit

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1 each · Spirit level (small)

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1 each · Pencil

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TR-02Find your stopcock before you drill anythingLocate your stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink, and check it turns freely. This means you can shut the water off fast if you ever hit a pipe. Do this now, not after you start drilling.

TR-03Work out what your wall is really made ofTap the wall — a dull thud usually means solid brick or block, a hollow sound means plasterboard. Run a stud detector or magnet across the area to find screw heads or metal studs behind a line of plasterboard. Drill a small 3mm test hole in an inconspicuous spot: fine pale dust means timber, grey gritty dust means masonry or dot-and-dab, and shiny metal swarf means a metal stud.

1 each · Stud detector

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1 each · 3mm drill bit

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TR-04Check for cables and pipes, then decide if you need to isolateCables and pipes can run almost anywhere, not just in the 'safe zones'. A detector can miss cables that are deep, in metal conduit, or behind metal-backed board, and a metal stud frame can confuse a cheap detector further. If there is any doubt, isolate the electrics at the consumer unit before drilling, and turn off the water at the stopcock before cutting into anything that could carry water.

TR-05Mark the fixing position and level itHold the holder's backplate against the wall at a comfortable height, roughly 700-900mm from the floor. Use the spirit level to get it dead level, then mark the screw holes through the plate with a pencil.

1 each · Tape measure

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TR-06Choose the right fixing for your wall typeTimber stud (most common for this job): find the centre of the stud with your detector and use a 3.5mm x 40mm wood screw driven straight in — no plug needed. Metal stud: never use a wood screw or plain plastic plug, they strip straight through 0.5mm steel; use a self-drilling metal-stud fixing or hollow-wall toggle rated for light bathroom fittings. Plasterboard between studs: use a small toggle or hollow-wall anchor rated for the weight, since a toilet-roll holder is light but still pulls outward. Solid brick or block: drill an 6mm hole 40mm deep, insert a matching wall plug, then drive in a screw. Dot-and-dab plasterboard: use a long fixing (60-75mm) that passes through the board and the adhesive dabs into the masonry behind. Lath and plaster: find a timber lath with a bradawl test hole first, then fix as for timber stud, or use a plasterboard-rated toggle if you land between laths.

4 each · Wood screws 3.5x40mm

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4 each · Metal-stud self-drilling fixings

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4 each · Hollow-wall toggle fixings

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4 each · Wall plugs (red, 6mm)

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4 each · Long fixings for dot-and-dab (60-75mm)

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TR-07Drill the holesUse the drill bit size that matches your chosen fixing — a small pilot bit for timber, the correct masonry bit for brick or block, or none at all if self-drilling into a metal stud. Drill steadily and stop the moment you feel resistance change, in case you've hit something unexpected. If tiles are involved, start with a masking-tape cross and a low speed to stop the bit skating.

1 each · Masonry drill bit 6mm

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1 roll · Masking tape

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TR-08Fix the backplate and fit the holderInsert your chosen fixings and screw the backplate on firmly, but don't overtighten into plasterboard as this can crush the board. Slot or clip the roll-holder arm onto the backplate as per the kit's instructions. Give it a firm tug to check it's secure before using it.

1 each · Screwdriver

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TR-09Tidy up and check everything's back onVacuum up all drill dust from the dust sheet and floor. If you isolated the water or electrics, turn them back on and check nothing is leaking or tripping. Wipe down the wall and holder with a damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.

1 each · Vacuum cleaner

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1 each · Cloth

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