Step 26 - Mark newel post for twist bracket fix method
The handrail may be fixed using the Elements twist bracket. This entails fixing the bracket to the underside of the handrail, and drilling a couple of holes in the newel.
To use this system, insert the spigot part of the newels into the newel bases but do not fix just yet. Place the handrail between the newel posts, set to the correct height. Use a clamp and timber offcuts to achieve this.
Step 27 – Attach handrail using Elements brackets
With the handrail in position so that the top of the handrail is at least 900mm from the pitch line/stair nosing make vertical marks. Do this at each end of the handrail following the inside face of the newel posts.
Continue the mark all the way around the handrail using a square and cut with a fine-toothed handsaw.
Step 28 - Attach Elements brackets
Locate the raking twist brackets in the slot on the underside of the handrail and mark the position of the holes. Drill using a 2.5mm drill bit and fix the brackets into place using the three screws provided.
Step 29 - Position handrail for marking
Lower the handrail onto the top of the blocks so that the twist bracket hole is on the outside of the newel face.
Step 30 - Mark bracket positions
Use a pencil to mark the centre of the twist bracket hole onto the newel face on both the top and bottom newels.
Remove the handrail and mark a hole position that is off-set by +2mm from the previously marked centre line, (this will then pull the handrail tight to the newel face when the tapered screw is tightened).
Repeat for all newels.
Step 31 - Further marking
Using a square, mark a line on the inside of the newel face from the centre of the twist bracket holes and across the faces of the newel, follow the centre line with the square and draw a line across the face of the newel where the handrail will be attached.
Draw a vertical line through the previously drawn line down the centre of the newel face.
Step 32 - Drill newels and position handrail
Drill the newels using an 11mm diameter drill bit on the inside faces of the newels (facing inside the stairs) to a depth of 60mm to accommodate the tapered screw and a 16mm diameter drill bit to a depth of 40mm on the inside faces of newels to accommodate the ends of the twist bracket.
Place a small amount of PU adhesive (not Fast Grab) on each end of the handrail and offer up to the newel, position the ends of the twist brackets into the 16mm diameter holes in the newel and insert the tapered screw so it starts to pull the rail in, do not fully tighten at this stage.
Step 33 - Secure newels
With the handrail fitted to the newels, lift the newel/handrail assembly out of the newel bases. Ensure that both the hole and spigots are clean and free from sawdust.
Apply a large bead of a proprietary Fast Grab PU adhesive to the inside
circumference of the newel base and a small bead to the underside
flat surface at the base of the newel (not spigot) as shown.
Note: Do not use any other type of adhesive.
Step 34 - Secure handrail
Fully tighten the tapered screws into the 11mm dia. holes in the top and bottom newels using a 6mm hexagonal drive or allen key until the shoulders on the handrail are flush against the newel faces. Clean off excess adhesive.
