Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Hand rail in bath tub

How hard is it to put a 16" hand rail on a tile bathtub wall? Do you need a special bit?

I'll talk generally as all projects of this type have their own specifics.

First you need to,if possible,locate the studs within this wall.If the wall is drywall behind the tile,get an electronic stud finder.These are not that expensive and should penetrate the tile and help you find the studs.

Hand rails are 16 inch because studs are usually 16 in on center and screwing the rail into studs is by far the best way to mount one as it is by far the strongest possible mounting.

The tile should be drilled with a specific bit for tile.The bit looks like an arrow and is available at most hardware stores etc.Get one the nearest size larger than the diameter of the screws.

It would also be a good idea to drill a pilot hole into the studs which is smaller than the screws provided with the rail.

If it is not possible to screw to a stud then the best anchor is the toggle bolt.You will then need a tile bit the size of the recommended hole size for that toggle bolt.You will also need a masonry bit that size to penetrate the sheet rock and/or plaster behind it.

Go to a real hardware store where knowledgeable saleshelp can instruct you on the options and how to use or install them as needed for your specific situation.

Thanks, I think my parents want it on an angle because they have a shower seat in there.

If the tile does not go all the way to the ceiling, the stud finder may work better above the tile. Use a level to get a plumb line down to the location where you need to drill the holes.
Be sure to caulk the holes around the screws so water does not get behind the tile. The bit mentioned above works. I have used one as described. Only use the tile bit to get through the tile and then switch to a smaller bit for the screw pilot hole. Good luck with your project.

Thanks again, I'll give it a try