How to replace stair bannisters?
+5
We had to take out the rails for the stairwell when we got new carpet so I figured I would clean them up and refresh the stain while it was all apart. Not being handy at all my husband and I had a horrible time putting everything back together and it's a wobbly mess. Any tips on how to either fix or replace? Thanks!
Try metal rails like used on porchs
Good idea!
Y'all took advantage and did a great job cleaning and staining! Is it the balusters (the vertical turned pieces on yours that are between the rails), the rails (horizontal pieces) or the whole section as a unit that wobbles? Is it the post that’s lose? If it’s the entire section post to post, check that the post against the wall is firmly attached. If it’s the post to the right in the picture, does it connect with the rail at the bottom of the stairs? Check to see that it is firmly attached. The one at the bottom. Then check to see if there are any gaps between the posts and rails, push them together and tighten screws. That might tighten the center post. All the while try to keep everything plumb (straight up and down). You will need a short level or one of those post levels that can be read on both sides, they attach with a large rubber band. If y’all need to learn to read the level, let us know and we can help,with that. You may need a #2 Phillips head screwdriver, if your doing it with a drill, keep the torque low, you don’t want to split anything. Make sure the bit fits the screw head well, not too small and not too big. Otherwise you may strip the screw. If there was a screw that was way too lose, get some wood toothpicks and some Elmer’s glue, put the toothpicks in the hole until you can’t get any more in, take the group out, dip them in the glue and put the whole mess back in the hole. Wait for an hour or two, with an utility knife cut off the parts of the toothpicks that are sticking out. Unless it’s so big you can put a dowel in, if you can use a dowel. You will have to predrill the dowel to get the screw in. The screw will have something to bite into now and can tighten things up. Bolt Depot has a great set of free information for old diyers and new. This one will help with pilot hole size https://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Wood-Screws/Wood-Screw-Pilot-Hole-Size.aspx
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Hi Michelle. This is a very tricky job as I know since my husband has done this on our porch railings. the secret is to have the railing as a complete unit including the balusters. This long railing was completed before being put in place. This is a difficult job for non-professional carpenters. My husband is not one but he is a sculptor and you would be amazed at how many skills that requires. Good luck!
Michelle, did y’all use a soft blow hammer to set or seat each baluster before you fastened the rail to the post? If you didn’t, detach the rail from the wall post and start back at the other post. A soft blow hammer has a rubber head so as not to mar wood. Try seating each baluster as you go. If that doesn’t work, you may need to glue and nail the baluster in place, just at the top. Use a pin nailer, this is a good tutorial, I would get the best I could afford so it doesn’t dry fire. https://youtu.be/pNrmZwGhAwI