How to fit a handrail to a newel post
using the twist bracket method

 
         
  Although these instructions are primarily aimed at the Hallmark range of stair parts, they can also be used as a guide for any similar type of stair installation. Check dimensions before any cutting takes place.      
         
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Contents

     
 

Step 26 - Mark newel post for twist bracket fix method
Step 27 - Attach handrail using Elements brackets
Step 28 - Attach Elements brackets
Step 29 - Position handrail for marking
Step 30 - Mark bracket positions
Step 31 - Further marking
Step 32 - Drill newels and position handrail
Step 33 - Secure newels
Step 34 - Secure handrail

 

 

 

 

mark newel post for bolt fix method, Hallmark PINE  parts, PINE  parts, staircases, landings, Hallmark, newels, newel posts, newel post distance, baserails, handrails, WONKEE DONKEE says: Always check dimensions before drilling or cutting. Just in case someone’s altered the brackets!

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.

 

 

 

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Hallmark TM components, PINE , Hallmark, WONKEE DONKEE says: Take your time and make sure that the cut is clean and accurate. A sharp saw is needed here, as well as an extra pair of hands to help you hold the handrail steady while marking.

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.

 

 

 

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Attach brackets, attach ELEMENTS brackets, Hallmark, PINE  Hallmark, stair Hallmark, newel posts, WONKEE DONKEE says: Pilot drill the fixing holes using a 2.5mm drill before inserting the screws.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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position handrail, mark handrail instructions, stairs, parts, richard burbridge, Hallmark, WONKEE DONKEE says: "Lower the handrail onto the top of the blocks so that the twist bracket hole is on the outside of the newel face." 

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.

 

 

 

 

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mark bracket positions, marking bracket positions, hallmark, pine parts, pine panel stairs, richard burbridge,  fitting PINE  parts,WONKEE DONKEE says: "Make sure that the hole position is marked 2mm away from the face that the handrail connects to. The height of  the hole position remains the same!"

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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further marking, installing pine parts, install hallmark pine parts, stairs, pine panel stairsl, richard burbridge,, stairs, staircases, richard burbridge Hallmark, WONKEE DONKEE says: " Remember to make sure that your square is actually square  before using for the first time."

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.

 

 

 

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Secure handrail, installing pine panel stairs, fitting pine parts, Richard Burbidge, PINE , Hallmark, stair parts, Step 23, Secure handrail, Wonkee Donkee says "Double Check your hole      positions before drilling. For a clean cut, make sure that your drill bits are sharp", "If you can, leave the battens in place to ensure that the handrail height is correct.", "The adhesive you use must not be quick   acting. This is because we will not be fully   tightening the tapered screws for at least another 45 minutes."

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.

 

 

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fitting instructions, secure newels, installing pine panel stairs, fitting pine parts, fitting handrail to pine parts, Richard Burbidge, Hallmark, PINE , stair parts, parts, position parts, Step 24, secure newels

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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Fitting instructions, secure handrail, installing pine parts, how to secure pine handrail, Richard Burbidge, Hallmark, PINE , stair parts, newels, handrails, handrail, Step 9, Secure handrail, Wonkee Donkee says: "Using water based adhesive will make it much easier to clean of excess adhesive. The setting time is also usually longer. When using solvent based PU Fast Grab adhesive, don’t over-fill. Alow for the adhesive to expand  (see manufactures instructions). If using the PU fast grab expanding adhesive, remove the excess with blunt piece of wood or plastic spatula once the adhesive has started to set. Don’t leave the adhesive too long otherwise it will be difficult to remove cleanly."

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.

 

 

 

 

Go to step 55

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Fitting instructions, Richard Burbidge, WHITE OAK , Heritage, stair parts, Step 16, Fixing the handrail, Wonkee Donkee says "To make it easier, I have colour coded the fixing methods for you.  The fixing methods shown are in order of ease of installation."
twist bracket option, twist bracket, screws, steps 26-35
stud bracket option, stud bracket, screws, steps 36-45
traditional option, traditional stair fitting, cutaway showing tenon, mortice and tenon, steps 46-54
Click on the above images to view optional fixing methods
Some of the images used are © Richard Burbidge Ltd 2016 used with permission