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Can I Just Screw a Handrail to a Newel Post?
You can screw a handrail to a newel post, but it usually works loose. The right way is a rail bolt: a hidden bolt that pulls the end of the handrail tight against the newel. Our S-9600 rail bolt kit is $3, and the access hole gets covered with a matching red oak plug, so you never see the hardware.
Why Not Just Screw It?
Screws driven at an angle through the handrail into the newel post are quick, but they grab end grain, which holds poorly. Every time someone pulls on the railing, the joint flexes a little, and over time the screws loosen and the handrail starts to wobble. A rail bolt clamps the joint tight from the inside and holds for the life of the railing.
What You Need
- S-9600 rail bolt kit ($3): includes the rail bolt, hex nut, spacer and a 1″ red oak plug
- Rail bolt driver ($22.95): makes driving the bolt into the newel quick
- Drill, a pilot bit for the bolt, and a 1″ bit for the access hole
- Wood glue, and a saw to cut the handrail to the stair angle
How to Attach a Handrail to a Newel Post
- Cut the handrail to fit. Cut the end at the stair angle so it sits flush against the newel post. See how to find your stair angle.
- Mark both pieces. Mark the center of the handrail end and the matching spot on the newel post.
- Drill the bolt holes. Drill a pilot hole straight into the newel post at your mark, and a matching hole straight into the end of the handrail.
- Drill the access hole. On the underside of the handrail, a couple of inches back from the end, drill a 1″ hole up into the rail until it meets the bolt hole. This is where the nut goes.
- Set the bolt. Drive the screw end of the rail bolt into the newel post with the rail bolt driver, leaving the threaded end sticking out.
- Tighten the joint. Glue the joint, slide the handrail onto the bolt, put the spacer and nut on through the access hole, and tighten until the handrail pulls snug against the newel.
- Plug the hole. Glue the red oak plug into the access hole and sand it flush.
Other Situations
- Handrail to the wall: use a handrail bracket or a rosette. See how to attach a railing to the wall and how to install a wood handrail and rosette.
- Fittings like goosenecks and easings: they join to the handrail with rail bolts the same way.
- Wobbly newel post? Fix the newel first, or the handrail will still move. See how to install a wood newel post.
Handrail to Newel Post FAQ
Can I just screw a handrail to a newel post?
You can, but angled screws into end grain tend to loosen over time. A rail bolt holds much better and stays hidden.
How do you attach a handrail to a newel post?
With a rail bolt. Drive one end into the newel, slide the handrail onto it, tighten the nut through an access hole under the rail, then plug the hole.
What hardware do I need to attach a handrail to a newel post?
A rail bolt kit, like our S-9600 ($3), and a rail bolt driver to make it quick.
How do you hide the hardware?
The nut goes in through a 1″ hole under the handrail. Glue in a matching wood plug and sand it flush.
