How do I install a handrail that was previously there.

[Land1]

Hello,

I have encountered some unexpected issues when trying to install a handrail that the previous owners had removed and what I suspect, filled in the holes for, at least 2 out of 3. The middle hole was left open so it was easy to set up the spacer and screw there.

Then I guessed a bit based on where the holes would be when I attached the handrail in the middle hole. I saw two spots that looked like they had been filled and a mark of a ring. (Spacer ring?). Now comes my problem and I don't know if it's due to the screws (the previous owners had saved them) or if I'm doing something wrong, but it doesn't seem like I can screw in the screw sufficiently without using all my strength. I'm also afraid of screwing through to the other room, which is a bathroom. How should one really proceed/know how far one can screw? I'm attaching pictures of how it looks right now, the wall on the other side, and how the screw and spacer look. One of the pictures is of the "correct" middle screw.

 

[Bönhas]

Now comes my problem and I don't know if it's because of the screws (the previous owners had saved them) or if I am doing something wrong but it doesn't seem like I can screw in the screw enough without using all my strength. I am also afraid of screwing through to the other room which is a bathroom.

If you remount the screws that were there before where they were before, they shouldn't go through the wall or damage anything.

How should one really proceed/know how far to screw?

Just screw it in all the way. If it goes in with difficulty, I recommend pre-drilling with a narrower drill bit. Maybe 3mm diameter.

 

[Land1]

If you remount the screws where they were before, they likely won't go through the wall or damage anything.

Just screw them in fully. If it goes in hard, I recommend pre-drilling with a smaller drill bit. Maybe 3mm in diameter.

Does this also apply if the length of the screws can be changed by screwing in/out one end? How do you know you won't damage something on the other side?