Your staircase renovation is not just a job to be done but a significant transformation that will transform your home for many years. It is possible to update the look of your staircase with just a few tools and a basic understanding of wood joinery. Blueprint Joinery receives a lot of questions about how to do handrail fittings in NZ to the newel posts. There are two options. One is to use tenon and mortice cutting, and the other is to mechanically attach the handrail and the newel posts using a tapered dowel pin. A handrail bolt is another option. This modern method is much simpler and just as effective.
1 – Universal Handrail to Newel Post Fixing Kit
This product was designed to make it easier to connect a handrail to a newel post. This product is universal and can be used on either horizontal or angled landing stair rails. This kit includes all the fixings and items you need to attach a rail between two new/existing newel posts at non-standard staircase pitches.
Cover buttons are included in the kit to hide any holes created during installation of the handrail bolt. Timber plugs are recommended for a perfect finish. You can cut the plugs flush to the newel posts, sand down, and finish making the rail and the newel appear like they never were apart.
What this Handrail Bolt Kit includes?
- Newel Post Bolt 85mm
- Square Rail Plate 32mmx32mm
- Bolt Washer
- How to Fix Screws
- Timber Cover Button
Fitting Guide for Basic Handrail Bolt Kit
- Before you attach the handrails, ensure that the Newel Posts are in place.
- Make sure to cut the rails at the right length and angle
- Note the location of the square plate at the end of your handrail and the newel post.
- Use a sharp chisel to rebate the newel posts to fit the 32mm x 32mm square plates
- Make a half inch hole in the rail end to allow the square plate’s threaded spigot to fit snugly.
- Use the provided screws to attach the plate to the end of your handrail. If you have newel posts, you might need to drill a larger hole in the rail.
- To remove the bolt, drill the newel pin. To fit the cover button, countersink the bolt’s head into the newel pin.
- To fit your newel post size, you may need to adjust the bolt’s depth
- You can repeat the same process at the other end of your rail.
- Pass the bolt through the post to attach the rail to the newel rail.
- To attach the cover button to your newel post, use a suitable wood glue.
2 – Universal Zip Bolt Handrail for Newel Post Fixing kit
Made by Cheshire Mouldings. This kit is not like the Universal Handrail-to-Newel Post Fixing Kit. It caters to all types of handrail profiles, including low profile (LHR) rails.
This kit is not compatible with half-newel posts. We recommend that you screw the half newel into one end of the rail, before attaching it to the wall.
