How to fix loose stair spindles

Fixing your loose stair spindles can be a daunting task if you’re unsure of where to start. However, there’s no need to worry - we’ve got you covered! In this article, bespoke staircase specialists share their top tips for fixing your loose staircase spindles. So, how do you fix your loose stair spindles? 

To fix your loose stair spindles, follow these simple steps: 

• Gently tap a 1.5” nail into your spindle at a 45 degree angle.
• When the nail gets close to the corner of the spindle base rail, use a nail punch to get the nail through the spindle. 
• Take a 3.0x35mm good-quality screw and make sure the countersink drill bit accommodates the screw size. 
• Tighten the screw to secure the spindle into the handrail or base rail. 
• Use a suitable two-part wood filler to fill the hole. 

Keep reading to learn more about fixing loose spindles with Andy Fenton-Coopland from Staircases by Andy Fenton. 

According to Andy Fenton-Coopland from Staircases by Andy Fenton, 

“Nailing down through the side of the spindle in two places usually works for a spindle that’s fitted into a base rail or handrail groove. Aim to nail through at approximately 45 degrees to make sure you have a good amount of nail through the spindle and into the base rail or handrail.” 

However, this will depend on whether the spindle is made of softwood or hardwood. This technique will likely only work on softwood spindles. For hardwood spindles, you will need to use a nail gun. Drill a small pilot hole through the spindle into the base rail for the nail to travel into for the fixing. You can easily choose a drill to match your nail. Remember to make sure that the drill size is slightly smaller than the nail being used. This ensures that the nail sits tightly through the hole, keeping the spindle secure. 

5 simple steps to securing bannister spindles 

Andy shares his advice on securing a loose spindle to a handrail or base rail in these five simple steps: 

Take a 1.5” nail (oval-headed nail is suitable) and gently tap it into the spindle at a 45 degree angle, keeping the hammer away from hitting the spindle. Remember to take your time. If you bend the nail, don’t be afraid of pulling it back out and trying again with a new one. 
When the nail starts getting too close into the corner of the spindle base rail, you will need to use a nail punch to get the nail through into the spindle. A hollow/concave ended nail punch will be most suitable for this to stop it slipping off the nail head. Again, with this method, gently tapping the nail will aid accuracy with your hammer and nail punch. If the spindles are hardwood, you can drill a pilot hole with a drill just smaller than the size of the nail. This ensures that the nail fits tightly into the hole, holding the spindle steady. Alternatively, if the spindle is painted, it’s possible to use a drill with a countersink pilot drill. 
Take a screw, typically a 3.0x35mm or 3.5x35mm good-quality screw. Make sure the countersink drill bit you are using accommodates the screw size. This is easy to see if you put the screw and the drill side by side. The screw should be slightly bigger than the drill to allow the screw to bite into the wood. 
Tighten the screw to secure the spindle into the handrail or base rail as needed.
Finally, 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. 

Fixing a metal spindle with a purpose-made bracket can be quick and easy if the securing grub screw is present. You’ll want to tighten this to secure the loose spindle. Unfortunately, the grub screw may not always be present. In this case, Andy recommends the following advice:

• Remove the grub screw from another spindle and take this to a local fixings supplier to get the tread and length matched.
• Your other option is to inject a small amount of a good-quality MS polymer clear glue with a silicone or decorator’s caulk gun. Either insert the glue round the spindle between the bracket and the spindle, or down the grub screw hole. Wipe off any excess glue with suitable glue or silicone cleaning wipes. It’s best to use a clear glue as this is the most likely to blend into the staircase installation.

When it comes to installing spindles to a bannister, Andy suggests starting from scratch. He explains,

‘The best way to install new spindles to a staircase is to replace the handrail and base rail to suit the new spindles.’ 

Initially, this may seem like an extra cost, however, in the long run, it is completely worth the expense. Prepping an existing handrail and base rail to accept new spindles can be very time-consuming and sometimes impossible without installing extra trims or beadings. Ultimately, installing the new handrail and base rail will give you a much neater and more professional finish with the parts fitting together as they are designed to. 

Unfortunately, there’s no right answer to this question as there are so many different factors to consider and such a huge variation in stair part styles and fittings. Andy admits, 

‘Having spent 23 years installing staircase parts mainly to existing staircases, I can truthfully say that it’s impossible to put even a wide figure on how much installing new stair spindles costs.’ 

Because there are so many different styles of houses done by so many different people, there are numerous factors affecting the amount of work involved. These will change depending on the style of house and staircase, and the staircase parts that need to be installed. However, if you have a clear idea of what you would like, getting an accurate quote will be much easier. Andy says that it is entirely possible for someone with a lot of experience to give someone an accurate figure of cost for a renovation. This is provided that they have a specific idea of parts available and some images of the staircase that needs renovating. 

What’s the most cost effective way to renovate a staircase?

The most cost effective way to renovate your staircase is to leave existing newel posts in place and replace the handrails and base rails. This can give your staircase a very quick and effective facelift. You can then replace the existing spindles with glass panels or new spindles to give your staircase a completely new look. 

If you are keen to fit the spindles yourself, Andy recommends choosing white primed staircase parts as the most cost-effective solution. He explains how, 

“White primed staircase parts offer the DIY installer a really cost-effective way of lifting an existing staircase. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, then just add oak handrails and oak newel post caps to the renovation for extra detail.”

Take a look at our extensive range of staircase spindles at Jackson Woodturners. With our team of stair experts on hand, we can advise and help you plan and design the staircase of your dreams. We offer trade prices available to all so that we can help you build your staircase project both efficiently and affordably. Our price promise guarantees that we’ll beat any like-for-like quote.

If you’re looking to replace a spindle, you can view our full range of spindles and buy them online here.

To find out more about fixing your staircase spindles, visit the page Your guide to spindles—types, materials, styles, fitting and maintenance.

Get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more.