How to Anchor a Handrail to a Brick Wall

Consult your local building codes to determine the height requirements for wall-mounted handrails.

Measure up from the top surface of the bottom step with a tape measure and mark the appropriate height based on building codes with a paint marker. Move to the top step and repeat the process. Align the top of a straightedge with the two height marks you placed on the wall. Drag a paint marker along the top of the straightedge.

Hold the handrail in position with the bottom of the rail aligned with the height line. Transfer the handrail mounting holes to the brick wall by sticking the tip of the paint marker in each hole. Remove the handrail.

Measure the diameter of a lag shield anchor with a tape measure. Secure a masonry bit in a hammer drill that matches the diameter of the lag anchor. Drill a hole at each marked mounting location.

Slide one lag shield anchor into each drilled hole. Force the anchors into the hole by placing the end of a drift pin on the end of the anchor and striking the end of the pin with a hammer.

Align the handrail with the drilled holes. Push the pointed end of lag bolt in one of the drilled holes. Turn the bolt clockwise with a socket matching the bolt head until the bolt tightens to the wall. Repeat the process with each hole to secure the rail to the brick wall.