Fixing misalignment on stair hand rail joint

Scarparoo · Post by **Scarparoo** » Wed Jan 19, 2022 11:43 am

Hi guys. Looking for tips on how to realign this joint. Its not obvious to me if there are any fixings, it may just be glued. Stairs are being painted but I want to save the handrail to stain and varnish.

Any ideas how I should proceed on this bodged joint?

Thanks

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Wed Jan 19, 2022 12:08 pm

I would use a multitool to plunge cut down the original joint line. When apart align and reglue using Gorilla glue which foams to fill the voids. Use a batten and clamps to hold it straight while it goes off. I would advise against staining as the join will show, paint it instead whch will look much better as stained wood handrails are passe now. My link in blue below on painting might be useful.

DWD

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Wed Jan 19, 2022 12:11 pm

Personally, i wouldn't trust a joint mid-handrail that doesn't use a handrail bolt it needs at least dowels to give mechanical fixing but personally would replace it with another recycled handrail in a single length

Scarparoo · Post by **Scarparoo** » Wed Jan 19, 2022 12:23 pm

Wow, wasn't expecting such a quick reply. We did think of painting the handrail a contrasting colour but the mrs liked how the wood looked with the white. Maybe we should paint it, my carpentry skills are not up to par...

This is what Ive finished so far.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Wed Jan 19, 2022 1:06 pm

I should not worry too much, that is a stretch of handrail that is more a barrier than support, modern glues are really very strong. On the stain finish use a finish with the colour suspended in the varnish so it covers more than soaks in.

DWD

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Wed Jan 19, 2022 1:31 pm

dewaltdisney wrote: ↑Wed Jan 19, 2022 1:06 pm I should not worry too much, that is a stretch of handrail that is more a barrier than support, modern glues are really very strong. On the stain finish use a finish with the colour suspended in the varnish so it covers more than soaks in.

DWD

i was looking at the quality and standard off the joint

it doesnt suggest it was done by a proud professional to a decent standard

it looks more like a "well thats near enough " job with who knows whats holding it together

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Wed Jan 19, 2022 5:42 pm

If the plan is to repair rather than replace I'd go with dwd's method but might be tempted to screw a metal plate to the underside. Handrails generally have a recess into which spacers fit between the ballisters . The one under the joint could be removed and thinned so as to hide a metal plate.
It does look as if someone was just using up the offcuts as the length doesn't look to be that long. The pros and cons of using offcuts is probably a different topic but if I were doing it I would have had that joint cut at 90 degrees. Allows a greater surface area for glue , the possibility of hidden screws and a less visible joint.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Wed Jan 19, 2022 5:46 pm

It is a new interpretation of a scarf joint

DWD

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Wed Jan 19, 2022 5:58 pm

Just to add would look better with angled shoulders in my opinion.

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Wed Jan 19, 2022 7:06 pm

i personally would go fo a "V" joint and a bolt as it looks more formed and more interesting