Key Takeaways
-
A rail bolt is a 3-1/2" hanger bolt with a nut and washer that pulls two stair parts tightly together.
-
Knowing how to attach handrail to newel post comes down to one bolt, three holes and some glue. You'll need 1/4", 7/16" and 1" drill bits.
-
The same method joins handrails to fittings, handrails to drywall, and handrails or fittings to newel posts.
-
Every Westfire handrail fitting comes with a 3001 rail bolt kit.
Table of Contents
"How do I attach the handrail to the fittings?" It's one of the most common questions stair builders and homeowners ask.
The answer is a small part that does a big job: the rail bolt. Once you know the steps, it's also the answer to how to attach handrail to newel post, so your rail, fittings and posts come together tight and clean.
What Is a Rail Bolt?
A rail bolt is a 3-1/2" hanger bolt that comes with a nut and washer. One end has wood threads that screw into the first piece. The other end takes the nut, which pulls the second piece in tight.
Once the joint is closed, a 1" flush plug covers the hole, so the connection stays hidden.
Where You'll Use a Rail Bolt
One bolt, one method, many joints. You can use it to connect:
-
Handrail fittings to handrails, such as coped ends, returned ends and turnouts
-
Handrails to drywall
-
Handrails or fittings to newel posts
Tools and Parts You'll Need
Gather everything before you start. Every Westfire handrail fitting already includes a 3001 rail bolt kit, so you won't need to buy bolts separately.
-
Rail bolt kit: Rail bolt, nut, a plastic washer and a tapered 1" red oak flush plug
-
Drill bits: 1/4", 7/16" and 1"
-
Wrench: A 1/2" closed wrench or a rail bolt wrench
-
Glue: For a strong, lasting joint
-
Tape measure and pencil: For marking each hole
Rail Bolt Installation: Step by Step
Follow these steps in order. The first piece gets the bolt, and the second piece, the receiving piece, gets the holes for the nut.
Step 1: Drill the Bolt Hole
Measure 3/4" up from the bottom of the fitting or rail. Drill a 1/4" hole here to receive the wood-threaded end of the rail bolt.
Step 2: Set the Rail Bolt
Screw the bolt into the hole. Leave at least 1-1/2" of the bolt sticking out from the fitting or handrail.
Step 3: Drill the Nut Pocket
On the receiving piece, measure in 1-1/2" from the end. Drill a 1" hole about 1-1/2" deep in the handrail. This pocket holds the nut and washer.
Step 4: Drill the Through Hole
From the edge of the handrail, measure up center 3/4". Drill at least a 7/16" hole on the receiving piece, all the way through to the 1" hole.
“Measure 3/4" up on both pieces. When the bolt and the through hole sit at the same height, your rail and fitting line up.”
Step 5: Glue, Align and Tighten
Glue the rail and fitting, then line them up. Slip the washer and nut onto the bolt inside the 1" pocket. Tighten with a 1/2" closed wrench or a rail bolt wrench until the two pieces pull together.
Step 6: Plug and Finish
Cover the 1" hole with the flush plug included with your fitting. The plug hides the bolt for a clean, finished look, which matters most on stain-grade rails.
One Method, Three Connections
Whether you're joining fittings or figuring out how to attach handrail to newel post, the same steps work across your whole stair.
Handrail to Newel Post
If you're wondering how to attach handrail to newel post, the answer is the same rail bolt method. Drill, bolt, glue and tighten the handrail or fitting to the post, then plug the hole.
Handrail to Fittings: Coped Ends, Returned Ends and Turnouts
This is what the rail bolt kit is made for. It joins handrail fittings like coped ends, returned ends and turnouts to the rail. The kit is commonly used with the 6010 handrail and may work with other profiles, depending on their specs.
Handrail End to the Wall
Westfire's method also works for connecting handrails to drywall. Since every wall is different, it's worth calling Westfire to talk through your setup before you drill.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to attach handrail to newel post, fittings and walls with one simple part. Measure carefully, drill the three holes, glue, tighten and plug.
Need parts for your next stair? Shop Westfire handrail fittings, each with a rail bolt kit included, or call (800) 692-6996 for help.
FAQs
How to attach a handrail to a newel post?
Use a rail bolt. Drill a 1/4" hole 3/4" up from the bottom of one piece and set the bolt, leaving at least 1-1/2" exposed. On the other piece, drill a 1" pocket and a 7/16" through hole. Glue, align, tighten the nut and cover the hole with a 1" flush plug. That's how to attach handrail to newel post with a clean, hidden joint.
How do you use a rail bolt on a stair handrail?
Screw the wood-threaded end of the rail bolt into one piece. Slide the other end through a 7/16" hole in the receiving piece and into a 1" pocket. Add the washer and nut, then tighten with a 1/2" closed wrench or rail bolt wrench.
How to attach a handrail end to the wall
Westfire's rail bolt method also works for connecting handrails to drywall. A returned end, one of the handrail fittings the rail bolt kit is made for, can finish the rail. Call Westfire at (800) 692-6996 to talk through your wall setup.
What size drill bit do I need for a rail bolt?
You need three: a 1/4" bit for the bolt hole, a 7/16" bit for the through hole, and a 1" bit for the pocket that holds the nut and washer.
What comes in a rail bolt kit?
Westfire's 3001 rail bolt kit includes a rail bolt, nuts, tapered 1" red oak flush plugs, and a plastic washer with a 1" radius on one end and a flat side on the other. The 3000-1 Rail Bolt is the bolt alone, without nuts or plugs.
Do you need glue with a rail bolt?
Yes. Westfire's method calls for gluing the rail and fitting before you align them and tighten the nut, for a stronger joint.