Product Description
The Westfire Stair Parts 3003LA Satin Black Long Arm Wall Handrail Bracket (model 3003LA-SB) is a heavy-duty, high-quality hardware component designed to securely mount handrails to walls, offering both functional support and aesthetic appeal for staircases in residential, commercial, or institutional settings. Below is a detailed description of its features, specifications, materials, installation, and additional considerations based on available information.
Key Features and Specifications
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Model and Finish: 3003LA-SB, finished in Satin Black (US19), a sleek, matte black powder coating that provides a modern, understated look while resisting wear and corrosion.
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Design: The 3003LA is a long-arm variant of the 3003 series, featuring an extended arm for increased clearance from the wall. This design is ideal for applications requiring additional space, such as larger handrails or installations where the handrail must clear architectural features like wall platforms or trim.
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Dimensions:
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Extension: The bracket extends 3-3/8 inches (approximately 85.73 mm) from the wall to the center of the support arm, providing ample knuckle clearance for comfortable handrail use. Some sources indicate a slightly shorter 3-1/8 inches (79.38 mm) from drywall to the center of the extended arm, which may account for installation variables.
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Base Design: Features a compact base footprint, making it suitable for installations with limited wall space, such as in historic or narrow stairwells.
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Material: Constructed from heavy-duty zinc alloy, ensuring durability, strength, and resistance to deformation under load. The satin black finish enhances both aesthetics and longevity.
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Mounting: The bracket employs a unique one-piece, single-hole design for straightforward installation. This design allows the bracket to be loosely fastened to a wall stud, pivoted to align with the handrail angle, and then secured tightly.
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Hardware Included: Ships with all necessary mounting screws, which are made of hardened steel for reliable, trouble-free installation. Typically includes screws (e.g., 1-3/4" x 7.94 mm) to ensure secure attachment to both the wall and handrail.
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Application: Suitable for both flat and round handrails, offering versatility for various handrail profiles. The long-arm design is particularly beneficial for larger handrails or installations requiring extra clearance, such as in vintage or architecturally constrained spaces.
Functional Benefits
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Enhanced Clearance: The extended 3-3/8-inch arm provides additional space between the handrail and the wall, accommodating larger hands or handrails and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards that require sufficient grip clearance (typically 1.5 inches minimum from the wall).
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Ease of Installation: The single-hole, pivoting design simplifies the installation process. Users can secure the bracket to a stud, adjust its angle to match the handrail’s slope, and tighten it, reducing installation time and complexity compared to multi-hole designs.
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Durability: The heavy-duty zinc alloy construction ensures the bracket can support significant weight and withstand regular use, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like public buildings or busy homes.
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Aesthetic Appeal: The satin black finish offers a contemporary, versatile look that complements a wide range of interior styles, from modern to industrial to traditional.
Use Cases
The 3003LA-SB is particularly well-suited for:
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Historic or Vintage Buildings: As noted in a customer review for the oil-rubbed bronze version (3003LA-ORB), the compact base and long arm make it ideal for spaces with limited wall area, such as a vintage 1880 church stairwell, where the handrail needed to clear a wall platform.
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Accessibility-Compliant Installations: The extended arm ensures adequate clearance for handrails, meeting requirements for accessible design in public or commercial spaces.
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Heavy-Duty Applications: The robust construction supports larger or heavier handrails, making it suitable for high-use environments.
Installation Considerations
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Mounting Surface: For optimal strength, the bracket should be mounted to a wall stud. The single-hole design simplifies locating and securing to a stud.
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Handrail Compatibility: The bracket supports both flat and round handrails, but users should ensure the handrail’s width and profile align with the bracket’s saddle for a secure fit.
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Angle Adjustment: The pivoting design allows for flexibility in aligning with the handrail’s slope, which is particularly useful for staircases with non-standard angles.
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Tools Required: Basic tools like a drill, screwdriver, and level are typically sufficient for installation, as the bracket includes all necessary hardware.
Customer Feedback
While specific reviews for the 3003LA-SB are limited, feedback on similar 3003LA models (e.g., oil-rubbed bronze and dull chrome) highlights the bracket’s suitability for challenging installations. For example:
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A user installing the 3003LA-ORB in a vintage church praised its small footprint and long arm for clearing a stairwell wall platform, noting its ease of installation.
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Another user of the 3003LA-DC appreciated the extended arm for providing additional railing clearance, confirming its utility in specific spatial constraints.
Additional Notes
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Availability: The 3003LA-SB is available through Westfire Stair Parts’ website and select retailers like Amazon, where it is sold per unit (shipped individually).
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Comparison to Standard 3003 Model: Unlike the standard 3003-SB Satin Black Wall Handrail Bracket, which has a shorter 2-3/4-inch extension, the 3003LA-SB’s longer 3-3/8-inch arm offers greater clearance, making it a specialized option for specific installation needs.
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Other Finishes: The 3003LA series is available in multiple finishes, including Satin Nickel (3003LA-SN), Oil Rubbed Bronze (3003LA-ORB), and Dull Chrome (3003LA-DC), allowing for customization to match various design aesthetics.
Conclusion
The Westfire Stair Parts 3003LA Satin Black Long Arm Wall Handrail Bracket is a robust, stylish, and versatile solution for mounting handrails in spaces requiring extra clearance or constrained wall space. Its heavy-duty zinc alloy construction, satin black finish, and user-friendly single-hole design make it a reliable choice for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Whether for a historic renovation, a modern home, or a commercial project, this bracket combines durability, ease of installation, and a sleek appearance, backed by Westfire’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
