How do I replace one spindle?

Ronna Lynn
by Ronna Lynn

On my staircase that broke in 1/2. I no longer have the piece

  5 answers
  • William William on Mar 21, 2019

    Take a photo of the spindles. Go to Home depot, Lowes, or Menard's and see if you can find one as close as possible to what you have. Post a photo if you need help installing it.


  • Alice Alice on Mar 21, 2019

    Wood spindles have a dowel pin that holds its base to the underlying stair tread. The handrail has fillers that hold the tops of each spindle in place.


    Whether you fix it yourself or have someone else fix it you're going to need to remove one of them. I found a video in case you want to fix it yourself...

    Good luck Ronna


    https://youtu.be/RqRU8UR7yjU

  • Debi53 Debi53 on Mar 21, 2019

    Take a picture of the other spindles and take to home improvement store. They can help you choose the correct piece.

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Mar 21, 2019

    Ronna Lynn, you need a 16-32 oz. package of molding clay. If you have a matching spindle or even one half a spindle, follow the very easy directions to make a mold for the missing part. Fill the mold with plaster, hardening clay or one of the many other kinds of medium which can be painted and made to look like wood or metal. You do have the skill to do this. Follow the directions, allow drying time, be patient with yourself. You can make a replacement in less the time you have already been waiting. Happy Spring!

    • See 1 previous
    • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Mar 22, 2019

      Good question, William. I’m often the first to bring up codes. I was only thinking of decoration. I would certainly work to code. But I would also use a spindle available from one of the big home improvement stores. I might replace the first or last spindle if one had to be different, using the old spindle for the broken original spindle. Thanks for bringing me out of my dream world. I’m recovering from a massive stroke.

  • Ronna Lynn Ronna Lynn on Mar 21, 2019

    I have not thought of that but unfortunately I don’t have the pieces