- Drilling down at a 45-degree angle will help make sure the countersink bit will only cut in to the spindle. ...
- Tighten the screw to secure the spindle into the handrail or base rail as needed.
- You can then use a suitable two-part wood filler to fill the hole. Lightly sand off the excess and then touch up the paint with a small paint brush.
Full Answer
How do you drill a hole in a spindle on stairs?
Drill a small-diameter hole through the side of the newly exposed bottom of the spindle and into any solid wood part of the stairs that is under the tread. Drill at an angle, if necessary. Use a power drill and a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of a finishing nail.
How do you fix a loose spindle on a table saw?
If the spindle still moves, drill another hole through the bottom of the spindle, spacing it as far away from the first hole as possible, and drive in another nail. Tap the return back into place. Wood glue will not bond with old glue.
Do stair spindles spin all the way around?
Some spindles spin all the way around, but some may only twist part of the way. The top end of most spindles fits into a hole in the underside of the hand rail. The bottom end either fits into the stair tread the same way or slides into the side of the stair tread and is covered with a cap, called a return.
How do you fix a spindle that slides in sideways?
Spindles that slide in sideways usually can’t spin completely, but you can stabilize either type. Apply wood glue to one end of a wooden toothpick. Push the toothpick into the seam where the top of the spindle fits into the underside of the handrail. If necessary, tap the toothpick with a hammer to force it into the space.
How do you replace a broken staircase spindle?
3:029:32How to Repair Broken Stair Balusters | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then we'll apply glue to the break. Set it in this jig which will keep it nice and square we'llMoreAnd then we'll apply glue to the break. Set it in this jig which will keep it nice and square we'll clamp it up and then we'll let it. Set. So this baluster was glued up yesterday.
Can you replace a stair spindle?
There are really just three steps involved in replacing a broken spindle: remove the old one, find a replacement, and fit it in. These tips will help the process go smoothly.
How do you reattach spindles?
0:101:53Easy Fix (Repair) loose stair banister spindles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I'm going to do is I'm going to take a really small drill bit this is probably less than 1/MoreSo what I'm going to do is I'm going to take a really small drill bit this is probably less than 1/16. Make it as long as I possibly can and the key is to make it as longer than the nail. Or at least
How do you repair a wood spindle?
3:4022:53Spindle Repair on a Chair Back | How To Woodworking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow. So I'm going to drill out this piece of the spindle now this is similar to drilling out dowelsMoreNow. So I'm going to drill out this piece of the spindle now this is similar to drilling out dowels you've got a detailed video on that I'll leave a link in the video description.
How much does it cost to replace spindles on staircase?
$1,200 to $1,600Replacing balusters (also called spindles) typically costs anywhere from $1,200 to $1,600. The average cost to replace a banister is $1,600. Putting in a handrail will likely cost anywhere from $700 to $2,500.
What is the difference between balusters and spindles?
A baluster and spindle is actually almost the same thing, but the word spindle is more commonly used because it is easier to remember and say. Balusters usually rest on a footing; this could be a step, floor or deck, whereas, spindles are supported by a horizontal rail at the bottom that is attached to the posts.
How do you replace a spindle and handrail?
0:086:10How to Replace a Stair Railing | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLike now before we start installing our new stair parts the first thing i want to do is patch theMoreLike now before we start installing our new stair parts the first thing i want to do is patch the old holes for the old balusters.
How do you replace a wooden spindle on a staircase?
0:114:36Replacing broken stair spindle baluster - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlready drilled into the bottom of it. Where the screw was installed on the original one and I'veMoreAlready drilled into the bottom of it. Where the screw was installed on the original one and I've taken a wooden dowel rod and installed it here in the end equip up with a small spring. Inside of it.
Can you glue stair spindles?
Usually a spindle that has split along the grain line can be repaired in situ. Simply apply PVA glue into the split, squeeze the wood together, and then wipe over the surface with a damp rag. Then to help the glue set, bind your spindle together with waxed string or self-adhesive tape.
What is a stair spindle?
Spindles (also known as balusters) are the vertical posts that connect the base rail and handrail on a staircase. They form part of the balustrade, the collective name for the base rail, handrail, newel posts and spindles.
How do you fix a broken banister?
Final stepsStrengthen banister pieces together with the draw bolts.Tap spindles into place. Keep the banister secure using gorilla or resin glue. Continue using until all spindles are firm.Restore all bullnose pieces with the glue and screw them into its place.
How much does it cost to fix a spindle?
Some Factors That Affect Spindle Repair Cost For instance, a damaged tool interface may add between $700 and $1,600 depending on the size and style. Damaged bearing journals can add between $400 and $1,400. A damaged shaft can add $4,000, often doubling the cost of a base repair.
How much does it cost to replace wood spindles with iron?
Cost to Replace Wood Balusters With Iron Replacing a bottom wrought iron railing will cost, on average, $500. The cost reflects $50 to $120 per linear foot for materials.
How can I redo my stairs cheap?
0:1310:20DIY Stairs Makeover for Under $200 with Full Cost Breakdown!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I start off by eliminating the connection between the drywall and stairs by adding a 1-inch pieceMoreSo I start off by eliminating the connection between the drywall and stairs by adding a 1-inch piece of trim to the top of the stringer.
How do you replace a wooden spindle on a staircase?
0:114:36Replacing broken stair spindle baluster - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlready drilled into the bottom of it. Where the screw was installed on the original one and I'veMoreAlready drilled into the bottom of it. Where the screw was installed on the original one and I've taken a wooden dowel rod and installed it here in the end equip up with a small spring. Inside of it.
How do you replace old stair rails?
0:174:14DIY: Transforming your staircase in 3 easy STEPS! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou so there's no doubt about it the staircase really is the focal point of a home and this oneMoreYou so there's no doubt about it the staircase really is the focal point of a home and this one really needs a makeover.
How much does it cost to replace wood spindles with iron?
Cost to Replace Wood Balusters With Iron Replacing a bottom wrought iron railing will cost, on average, $500. The cost reflects $50 to $120 per linear foot for materials.
How to repair a spindle?
A better method of repairing the spindle is to drill mating holes down the center of the length of both pieces. You need to buy a dowel (one-quarter inch diameter works well) and match the diameter of the drill bit to it. Cut a piece from the dowel three inches long.
How much does it cost to replace a spindle?
If you aren't so lucky with a repair, you get to replace the spindle. Home centers sell generic spindles from about $5 on up, depending on the quality. With your luck they won't carry your style.
How to make a spindle out of a dowel?
Line up the jagged edges of the spindle, push the dowel into one end and squeeze the other spindle piece on. Clamp the pieces together and wipe off any squeezed-out glue with a damp rag. Set the spindle aside to dry for 24 hours.
How to cut a toothpick out of a handrail?
If you can’t grasp the toothpick, press the sharp edge of a utility knife against the side of the toothpick. Rock the blade back and forth until it cuts through the toothpick.
Can you leave a spindle loose?
Although a spinning spindle is not always a safety hazard, there is no reason to leave it loose. Some spindles spin all the way around, but some may only twist part of the way. The top end of most spindles fits into a hole in the underside of the hand rail. The bottom end either fits into the stair tread the same way or slides into the side of the stair tread and is covered with a cap, called a return. Spindles that slide in sideways usually can’t spin completely, but you can stabilize either type.
How to make a spindle out of a dowel?
Cut a piece from the dowel three inches long. You can clamp the pieces of the spindle to a solid surface and, starting on slow speed, burrow a hole into both pieces. Drill the holes to a depth of 1½ inches. You can measure from the end of the drill bit to this distance and wrap a piece of tape around the bit as a marker.
How long does it take for a spindle to dry?
Set the spindle aside to dry for 24 hours. You will probably have to fill the damaged area with wood putty and either paint it or stain it to match. If you aren’t so lucky with a repair, you get to replace the spindle. Home centers sell generic spindles from about $10 on up, depending on the quality.
How to repair a spindle?
A better method of repairing the spindle is to drill mating holes down the center of the length of both pieces. You need to buy a dowel (one-quarter inch diameter works well) and match the diameter of the drill bit to it. Cut a piece from the dowel three inches long.
How much does it cost to replicate a broken spindle?
If you take the broken spindle to wood workers, they will be able to replicate it for between $30 and $50 depending on the type of wood you choose and the complexity of the design. It costs more, but you will have an exact duplicate.
Can you repair a spindle that is stained?
A: Hopefully, you didn’t have to pull splinters from little fingers or worse. If your spindle is painted, you can try to repair it, but if the spindle is stained and varnished, you may be looking at replacement as the repair will be noticeable. Look at the snapped ends of the spindle.
Who is Mike Klimek?
Mike Klimek is a licensed contractor and owner of Las Vegas Handyman. Questions may be sent by email to [email protected]. Or, mail to 4710 W. Dewey Drive, No. 100, Las Vegas, NV 89118. His web address is www.handymanoflasvegas.com.
How to repair a broken spindle?
I used 5/8" diameter maple dowel, which is about 1/8-3/16" skinnier than the narrow part of the spindle at the break. I cut a 2" section of dowel, and then sanded the ends to just round them over a bit. I recommend making a test hole in some scrap, to make sure that your dowel and your forstner bit are well matched in size.
How to fix a spindle on a bench?
Wipe some glue inside each hole and on the dowel, and then slide the two pieces together. I recommend clamping the spindle along the edge of your bench. In that way you can make sure that the repaired spindle is straight!
How deep should I drill a hole in a spindle?
Carefully drill a hole in the end of each spindle. Each hole needs to be at least an inch deep, to accommodate a 2" dowel. I recommend allowing 1/4" extra depth, for glue space.
Where are spindles found?
Here are two common spindles. These are a pair of standard spindles found in houses just like mine all over the place. They are used on a staircase, under the railing, or along the edge of a mezzanine, or somewhere similar.