Carpentry and Woodworking - Help attaching balusters to handrail
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markmin1
06-13-09, 04:03 PM
I am replacing the wood, pin-type balusters on my inside staircase. I have bored holes in the treads and cut down the top of the balusters to size and at the correct angles (the handrail is at a 45-degree slope).
What is the correct way to attach the balusters to the bottom of the handrail? The old balusters were nailed in. But when I try to nail them (I used 2 in finishing nails) the tops of the balusters would split. I am obviously doing something wrong.
I have read about "pinning" the balusters to the handrail and using glue. What does that mean exactly? (The pinning part, not the glue part).
Thanks.
What is the correct way to attach the balusters to the bottom of the handrail? The old balusters were nailed in. But when I try to nail them (I used 2 in finishing nails) the tops of the balusters would split. I am obviously doing something wrong.
I have read about "pinning" the balusters to the handrail and using glue. What does that mean exactly? (The pinning part, not the glue part).
Thanks.
Pulpo
06-14-09, 08:14 AM
As far as I know, it's the same thing that you're doing at the bottom, drilling a hole & inserting the end of the baluster into the rail. You have already cut the tops, so you can't do that. I would toe nail the baluster from the underside of the rail or use a screw gun if you don't have a finish nail gun.
Kevin Stevens
06-14-09, 10:36 AM
Pin baulsters are installed much like metal ones...a deeper hole is drilled into the botom of the hand rail that allows the spindle to be pushed up past its final resting postion and then pulled back down into the hole in the tread...glue in both. The Taper at the top of the spindle is nil so it will slide up and down..pinning is shooting a very small nail 18-20 gauge at an angle into the bottom of the handrail near the hole...in fixes the top of the spindle in place, when I install metal baulusters caulk and / or epoxy fix the spindles.
George
06-15-09, 08:13 AM
As Kevin mentioned, a brad nailer would be the quick and easy solution - if you have one that can drive through oak.
Another alternative is trim screws. They come in various lengths and will countersink themselves so you can cover the head. PRE DRILLING IS REQUIRED TO PREVENT SPLITTING.
Another alternative is trim screws. They come in various lengths and will countersink themselves so you can cover the head. PRE DRILLING IS REQUIRED TO PREVENT SPLITTING.
Pulpo
06-15-09, 08:48 AM
" If you can remain calm, cool, and collected when all about you is chaos and confusion, chances are you just don't know what's going on..."
The one who remains most calm wins.
The one who remains most calm wins.
GBR in WA
06-15-09, 10:36 AM
Could you post a picture? 45* slope, most are 37*. Is it circular? Be safe, G