Securing load onto exterior wall (inside)...

[Eight]

Hi all,

Wasn't 100% sure where to post this, but figured General was as good a place as any. Also, apologies if my terminology is incorrect here, please bear with me.

I'm looking to install some pull-up bars in an upstairs room, on an exterior (?) wall (i.e. inside, but the wall is a load-bearing one with one window). The house is a 1920s terrace build.

Manufacturers instructions vary, but most seem to suggest bolting/screwing the bars into wooden joists. However, I've no idea what's behind the wallpaper and plaster on this wall. Stud finder just beeps constantly.

The internal partition walls separating this room from the main bedroom have horizontal wood strips (lath?) and then a pretty crumbly layer of plaster.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice for this job; knows what is likely to be under the wallpaper of the wall in question; or any tricks for finding out whilst causing the minimum amount of damage / work?

Cheers.

 

[foxhole]

Might be easier to make a free standing unit with a couple of scaffold poles and a few joints.

 

[endecotp]

I've no idea what's behind the wallpaper and plaster on this wall.

Drill a hole and see how solid it is and what colour dust comes out.
Ideally you'll get through a layer of plaster and then hit brick.

 

[Nozzle]

Use a really strong magnet (the rare earth kind) to find the heads of screws/nails. Mark them, join a line and there you have it, that's where your frame is.

Nozzle

 

[Eight]

Might be easier to make a free standing unit with a couple of scaffold poles and a few joints.

That's plan B. Wall-mounting would be a better use of space for me if I can manage it.

 

[Eight]

Drill a hole and see how solid it is and what colour dust comes out.
Ideally you'll get through a layer of plaster and then hit brick.

That's a pretty cool, and simple, idea. Cheers mate.

Use a really strong magnet (the rare earth kind) to find the heads of screws/nails. Mark them, join a line and there you have it, that's where your frame is.

Are you thinking that if it has laths(?) then they're probably attached to joists and the magnet would find the fixings? I like this idea a lot. Will give it a try. Thank you.