I'm starting to repair the damage from the plumbing leak. With all plumbing itself fixed, including the brand-new shower valve , I needed to secure it in place before insulating and sealing the jagged hole in the wall. I needed to figure out how to install a piece of framing to do that.

I pulled a piece of 2x4 out of the scrap bin and ran it though the mighty Big Ass Miter Saw to cut it to exact size.

The board had to fit between two wall studs behind the shower enclosure. There was no hammer swinging room in the dark hole to toenail a board in place. The big framing nail gun couldn't get in there either. My solution was pocket holes and screws. I don't like using screws for structural framing because of their lower shear strength, compared to nails, but for this application,.. perfect!

Pocket holes, of course, mean Kreg Jig time! The trusty Kreg Jig Jr.  came out of its drawer once again. I love this handy little widget and use it every time I can find an excuse. (Read my review here). I drilled two pocket holes in each end of the board.

I slipped the board in between the studs and zapped a couple screws in with my handy upside-down impact driver.

I'm not sure if they sell upside-down tools where you live, but they sure are handy. This particular one is a DeWalt. It's 100% identical to their normal version, but it is inverted, a perfect 180 degree brother. Even the lettering is upside-down. Genius.

I used the square drive extension bit and screws from Kreg to secure the board on both ends. I only dropped screws down the hole twice!

The back of the shower valve (with the mounting bracket) was now on the back side of the new support board. There was no way I could get a power tool in there to drive screws, unless I could find a widget that could help me.

As luck would have it, I had just the right thing in my magical toolbox of tricks and wonders. I had actually won it in a Facebook photo of the week contest, sponsored by DeWalt. This is the DeWalt Right Angle Adapter Attachment and it is a blessing from the gods in this situation.

Shown installed in a right-side-up impact driver on a gorgeous, 1979 original gold ribbon, fake marble vanity top. 

I was able to stick this compact, impact-rated rascal into the narrow space and zap both screws in tight. I also screwed down the corner brackets for the PEX tubing (see "Replacing a Tub / Shower Valve - Scald Free after all these years ")  the same way.

Snug eh?

The valve was on tight but the faucet below it still had some wiggle to it. I had installed it with the push-in SharkBite connectors (see the same valve post above). I cut another board and pocket hole screwed it to the wall's base plate, running it vertically to my new cross piece.

Bottom: Pocket Hole Screwed into the base plate.

Top: Screwed into the cross piece and a spacing block.

To get the proper spacing to support the plumbing to the faucet, I raided my scrap box again and did some quick chopping on the miter saw. I MacGvyver'd  a spacing block to the right size to strap the pipe down tight. You may have gotten a sneak peak of this fine assembly on my brand new Instagram page . (check it out!)

Quick tip!

Note how I used a plastic support strap. You do not  want to use dissimilar metal types against copper. Even copper straps with steel screws are bad news. They will corrode and may cause leaks. 

Done! This was actually a fun repair with fun tools. Both the Kreg R3 Jr. Pocket Hole System and the DeWalt Right Angle Adapter Attachment are awesome affordable, additions to your toolbox.

Non-Sponsored post. I just like this stuff and want you to know it. (Affiliate links included)