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how do you secure a loose stair post

by Wellington Lindgren Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How do you tighten a loose banister?

  1. Start by stabilizing the newel posts.
  2. Remove any molding around the bottom of the post.
  3. Replace the molding and patch any nail holes with caulk or wood filler.
  4. Add L brackets to at least two sides, between the post and the stair tread, to secure severely loose newel posts.

Part of a video titled How to Repair a Wobbly Newel Post | This Old House - YouTube
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And screw the hanger bolt into the other end of the coupling. Nut bringing it down tight until itMoreAnd screw the hanger bolt into the other end of the coupling. Nut bringing it down tight until it bottoms out and hits the threaded rod i'll tighten that up in a minute with some pliers.

Full Answer

How deep should a post be?

How much quikrete to use for post holes?

Why does my handrail shake when I walk down the steps?

How to check for plumb on a post?

Can railing posts move?

Can you wet concrete powder?

Do railing posts shrink?

See 2 more

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How do you secure a stair post?

1:396:24How to Install a Newel Post using the ThreadLock Newel Post FastenerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInsert the threaded rod into the leg bolt head and tighten make sure the rod is plumb Bend ifMoreInsert the threaded rod into the leg bolt head and tighten make sure the rod is plumb Bend if necessary after cutting the new holes to the desired height mark Center on the bottom of the post.

How do you tighten a loose newel post?

Using a hammer, tap your screw until there is roughly 30mm of it left stuck proud of the newel base. Then use a screwdriver to tighten the screw down into the newel base. Don't be afraid of taking the screw out and trying again a few times to insert a new plug and get the screw to hold tight—these don't always bite!

How do you tighten a banister post?

4:026:01How to Tighten a Loose Newel Post | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right micah you're up to tighten up this railing we're going to use six inch structural screws.MoreAll right micah you're up to tighten up this railing we're going to use six inch structural screws. Down just a little bit there you. Go.

How are stair posts attached?

The first is to use a hanger bolt with a steel insert. The finished floor is drilled to accept the steel insert where the center of the newel post will be. The insert is then installed, this can be done with an insert-runner or with an open end wrench and two nuts.

How do I secure a newel post?

5:3211:21How to Install a Newel Post Without Wobble - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause it's a centering block just a couple screws are all it's required to keep this securely inMoreBecause it's a centering block just a couple screws are all it's required to keep this securely in place and because I'm doing this kind of bass ackwards.

How do I secure a solid newel post?

2:4314:33ROCK SOLID Newel Posts - My Secret Sauce for Installing ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you'll just simply use your torpedo. Level to shim. This straight across. And the drywall screwMoreAnd you'll just simply use your torpedo. Level to shim. This straight across. And the drywall screw will be the shim. And this actually goes really fast and it's very very precise. And accurate.

How do you stabilize a loose stair railing?

How to Fix Loose Staircase RailingsInspect the Brackets. Inspect the brackets for damage such as broken or warped brackets, and brackets with missing screws. ... Remove Screws From Damaged Brackets. ... Align New Brackets. ... Install New Screws. ... Locate a Stud. ... Drill Pilot Holes. ... Secure the Bracket. ... Replace Stripped Screws.More items...

How do you stabilize a wobbly railing?

The basic steps to fix a wobbly wood railing are: Tighten any loose carriage bolts or screws. Add pressure-treated blocking tightly between rim joists. Place the blocks snugly behind the post and toe-screw them into the rim joist and the adjacent joist.

What is the post at the end of a staircase called?

newelThe post (also called a newel) is the vertical structure that connects the stair or floor to the railing system. Spindles, which are vertical wood or metal structures, are interspersed between posts to provide a safety barrier along the stair system.

How do you attach a stair post to the wall?

Run a heavy bead of construction adhesive along the back of the half-newel. Stand it in place on the wall. Press it hard against the wall with your fingers until the glue grips and holds it tight. Place a level on the newel to ensure that it is perfectly vertical.

Can you replace stair post?

Changing newel posts is an easy and inexpensive method of upgrading the look of your stair banister. Replacing the starting posts of the stair requires very little skill. The existing posts are removed, the new posts are cut to length and are then installed.

How do you fix a wobbly rail?

The basic steps to fix a wobbly wood railing are: Tighten any loose carriage bolts or screws. Add pressure-treated blocking tightly between rim joists. Place the blocks snugly behind the post and toe-screw them into the rim joist and the adjacent joist.

How do you tighten a wobbly stair railing?

Check for loose screws on the handrail. ... Tighten any loose screws with a screwdriver.Remove screws that refuse to tighten in the wall. ... Move the bracket on both the handrail and wall so you can fasten the bracket to a stud.

How do you tighten a loose spindle?

Shim the Loose SpindleDry-fit a wooden shim to ensure it fits snugly into the gap between the top of your loose spindle and the handrail.Spread wood glue lightly over the shim.Insert the shim into the gap at the top of your loose spindle and gently tap it with a hammer to set it firmly into place.More items...

How do you fix a newel post rail?

0:071:20How to fix your handrail to a newel post using the StairBox QuickFix Kit.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply glue to the joint before slotting the handrail into the hook plate you should feel this clickMoreApply glue to the joint before slotting the handrail into the hook plate you should feel this click into place. All that's left is to finish the staircase.

railing post depth? - Miller Welding Discussion Forums

Forum; Welding Discussions; If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Hand Rail Post Embedment Depth - Foundation engineering - Eng-Tips

I've been doing stair & railing calcs lately (yeehaw) & need to know how to calculate the embedment depth required for the steel posts in concrete slabs. Often

Steps for Tightening a Newel Post

Start by identifying structural parts of the stair that could be used to attach additional fasteners from the railing to the stairs. The stringer is usually at least an inch thick on the edges of the stairs. Look for nail holes in the treads to help find it.

Resources

Everything Nathan used to tighten up the stair railing, including the drill, screws, hammer, bungs, and touch up paint, can all be found at The Home Depot.

Try this simple way to install a strong handrail

Fix a wobbly railing by first attaching it to a board and then screwing the board solidly to the wall.

Mount a handrail solidly to a wall

Position the handrail on the board so the space above the rail and below the brackets is about the same, spacing the rail evenly from both ends. Drill pilot and countersink holes and screw through the board into the returns with 2-in. screws.

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

How deep should a post be?

And that the post has been cut to length. (As a general rule, you want up to 1/3 of the post length to be below ground level. I make mine at least 20″ deep.)

How much quikrete to use for post holes?

I use 50 lb bags of quikrete or sakrete for my post holes. These smaller bags are much easier to maneuver than their 80 lb cousins! Cut a gash in the top, then dump the rocky powder straight into the hole. Again, be sure your post hasn’t moved!

Why does my handrail shake when I walk down the steps?

Often, when I grab a handrail leading down a flight of exterior steps, it shakes in my hand. This is because their wood posts are poorly anchored into the ground. They have less support than posts attached to structural elements of a deck, porch, or house.

How to check for plumb on a post?

Position the post upright, and check it for plumb. I like to use a post level to do this. (This L-shaped tool has three spirit gauges. You just rubber band it to the post, and check the two bubbles that indicate plumb.)

Can railing posts move?

This type of post also holds mailboxes and fences. If you secure them well, they won’t move for years!

Can you wet concrete powder?

A lot of fence builders don’t even wet their concrete powder. They just pour it dry and let ground water slowly seep into it over the next day or two. I speed up the process by pouring some water directly into the hole first. Then I dump them mixture down into it.

Do railing posts shrink?

Generally, these railing posts are at least partially anchored in concrete. Unfortunately, the posts shrink as they dry. When that happens, they are smaller than the concrete hole that surrounds them. To make things worse, they experience a lot of leverage from people leaning on them. These effects only worsens as both concrete and post continue to degrade over time.

What can go wrong with stairs?

Many things can go wrong with your stairs. They can squeak or loosen between treads, and stairwells attached on only one side—known as open stairs —can even begin to separate from the wall. To diagnose problems, start with a visual inspection for gaps, and a walking test to feel out any movement (or give) and to identify the location of squeaks. The good news is that most problems are familiar to a competent carpenter. The bad news is that the plaster or paneling (or whatever else covers the underside of the stairs) must be removed in order to reach the problem. Frequently, the 2x4s at the sides that hold up the ceiling (the underneath part of the top stair) must also come off; save them for putting the ceiling back. Once the cover is removed and the stair’s innards are laid bare, repairs won’t seem so daunting. (Repairing the hole you’ve created usually isn’t too difficult, either).

Why do stairs have stringers?

This doesn’t happen very often on closed stairwells (stairs with walls on both sides), but open stairwells can experience stringer spread for a number of reasons: House settling, wall movement, inappropriate repairs, and poor original workmanship are all common culprits. The trick is to pull the stringers back together and keep them that way.

How to close gaps in stringer?

To close gaps caused by stringer spread, start by cleaning debris from the stringer housings (the dado or groove where they fit). Remove nails, wood splinters, paint chips, or glue from the lower and upper sides; finish with a blast of compressed air.

Can you remove the plaster from the underside of a stair?

The bad news is that the plaster or paneling (or whatever else covers the underside of the stairs) must be removed in order to reach the problem. Frequently, the 2x4s at the sides that hold up the ceiling (the underneath part of the top stair) must also come off; save them for putting the ceiling back.

What to check before starting concrete floor?

Before you start, check under the concrete floor for pipes. (It’s unlikely there’ll be wires, however.)

Can you replace a Newel post?

Sometimes, general wear and tear can break the glue used to bond the post, causing the post to wobble. Replacing the post is one option, but this can be a huge project and it’s much easier and cheaper to simply repair it.

How many threaded rods are needed for stairs?

1. One 3/8-inch threaded rod (two can be used for extra wide stairs and will be joined by a turnbuckle. Be sure one rod is reverse threaded.).

What are stairs made of?

Typical stairs are made up of treads, risers and stringers (as seen in photo). Over time the stringer(s) can pull away from the treads and risers. The danger is that the loose parts can affect the integrity of the entire stair-case. What we need to do is to pull the stringers inward and re-secure all parts.

What is the inside slot of a stringer?

The stringer has an inside slot which the riser and tread fit tightly into called a "housing".

Can you install more than one rod on a staircase?

A turnbuckle. Photo by ABB Karratha's. Depending on the severity of the gap, you may have to install more than one rod above or below, as needed. For extra wide stairs use the same process, except connect the two rods together with a turnbuckle, see photo.

How deep should a post be?

And that the post has been cut to length. (As a general rule, you want up to 1/3 of the post length to be below ground level. I make mine at least 20″ deep.)

How much quikrete to use for post holes?

I use 50 lb bags of quikrete or sakrete for my post holes. These smaller bags are much easier to maneuver than their 80 lb cousins! Cut a gash in the top, then dump the rocky powder straight into the hole. Again, be sure your post hasn’t moved!

Why does my handrail shake when I walk down the steps?

Often, when I grab a handrail leading down a flight of exterior steps, it shakes in my hand. This is because their wood posts are poorly anchored into the ground. They have less support than posts attached to structural elements of a deck, porch, or house.

How to check for plumb on a post?

Position the post upright, and check it for plumb. I like to use a post level to do this. (This L-shaped tool has three spirit gauges. You just rubber band it to the post, and check the two bubbles that indicate plumb.)

Can railing posts move?

This type of post also holds mailboxes and fences. If you secure them well, they won’t move for years!

Can you wet concrete powder?

A lot of fence builders don’t even wet their concrete powder. They just pour it dry and let ground water slowly seep into it over the next day or two. I speed up the process by pouring some water directly into the hole first. Then I dump them mixture down into it.

Do railing posts shrink?

Generally, these railing posts are at least partially anchored in concrete. Unfortunately, the posts shrink as they dry. When that happens, they are smaller than the concrete hole that surrounds them. To make things worse, they experience a lot of leverage from people leaning on them. These effects only worsens as both concrete and post continue to degrade over time.

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1.Videos of How Do You Secure a Loose Stair Post

Url:/videos/search?q=how+do+you+secure+a+loose+stair+post&qpvt=how+do+you+secure+a+loose+stair+post&FORM=VDRE

21 hours ago  · Loose stair post? Unsure of what to do? This is what I did. Make a stair post sturdy again. How to do it? Here is what I did. Good luck!Purchased cover from ...

2.DIY Fix a Wobbly Stair Post - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GERTiyOgXNM

3 hours ago  · This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to stabilize an unsteady staircase post. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)SUBSCRIBE to This Ol...

3.How to Repair a Wobbly Newel Post | This Old House

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou2Q7LyqZzU

6 hours ago How do you fix a loose stair post? Knowledge bank / By Perfect answer. Table of Contents. How do you fix a loose stair post? ...

4.Tighten a Loose Newel Post - This Old House

Url:https://www.thisoldhouse.com/stairs-maintenance/21115190/how-to-tighten-a-loose-newel-post

33 hours ago Steps for Tightening a Newel Post: Start by identifying structural parts of the stair that could be used to attach additional fasteners from the railing to... Plumb up the newel post by holding a …

5.How to Fix Loose Stair Handrails (DIY) - Family Handyman

Url:https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-fix-loose-stair-handrails/

17 hours ago  · Photo 1: Attach the returns with screws. Position the handrail on the board so the space above the rail and below the brackets is about the same, spacing the rail evenly from …

6.Railing posts - how do I set them securely? - The Honest …

Url:https://thehonestcarpenter.com/blog/stronger-railing-posts/

15 hours ago  · Then, lift the post back out and find a good place to lay it down, preferably on a work table. Partially Drill Screws Into the Posts. With the post lying horizontally, begin …

7.carpentry - How to tighten a wooden bannister (newel …

Url:https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/88370/how-to-tighten-a-wooden-bannister-newel-post

20 hours ago  · It is 1/4 inch plate steel about 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 with holes drilled in it and 4 pieces of special trim to cover. Screw the plate to your newel. You will notice the plate sticks out about a …

8.How to Repair Your Stairs - Old House Journal Magazine

Url:https://www.oldhouseonline.com/repairs-and-how-to/repair-stairs/

35 hours ago For the next step, you’ll need two people: one to tighten the bolts and rods into the coupling, another to guide the stairs and risers into their housings. Use a wrench to turn the coupler and …

9.How Can I Fix a Wobbly Newel Post? A Joiner Shares His …

Url:https://www.jacksonwoodturners.co.uk/planning-advice/fix-wobbly-newel-post

13 hours ago Andy Fenton-Coopland from bespoke staircase specialists Reginald Coopland shares his expert advice on fixing a wobbly newel base. Using a countersink pilot hole bit, drill at a 45-degree …

10.Simple repair trick for loose stairs - AnnArbor.com

Url:http://www.annarbor.com/home-garden/stair-repair-101/

32 hours ago  · 4. Two pieces of block wood. 5. Wood screws and Wood glue. 6. A drill with a 7/16-inch drill bit. 7. A pair of adjustable wrenches. Drill a hole in the stringers about three …

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