Installation Guide

1. A firm twist of the baluster
may be all that is necessary to remove baluster from tread and handrail. Remove any nails remaining or fasteners.
2.
Once loosened, lift the baluster up into the handrail, enough to clear the stair tread at the bottom, and then tilt it to the side and pull out from the handrail.
1.
Cut baluster in half with a hand or power saw.
2. Twist each half to loosen.
3. Remove each half of the
baluster from the stair tread and handrail, and any nails remaining or fasteners.
4. If glue and/or wood still
remains in the holes, a drill with a 1/2” bit can be used to remove any excess.*
Flat Shoe
Rake Shoe
Choose your look ...
*Check local building codes to ensure compliance
Replacing Wood Balusters with Iron Balusters
1st Method:
Wood-to-Iron Retrofit in just a day!
Double
Basket
Baluster
Single
Basket
Baluster
Add the Elegance of Iron to your home.
Trim Iron Balusters to fit.
Using a metal tape measure, measure the distance from the front hole in the stair tread to the corresponding hole in the bottom of the handrail. It may be necessary to drill the hole deeper into the handrail to accommodate the baluster. Be careful to NOT drill through top of handrail.
Do this same procedure for the all holes in the stair tread.
To each of these measurements add 1½”. Example: 35” + 1½” = 36 -½” This is your baluster length.
Using the above measurement, cut the baluster to the length needed. Be sure to cut from the bottom of your baluster. The top is the end with the rounded tip.
A Chop Saw with a metal- cutting blade is the preferred way to cut the iron balusters. Take care when marking and cutting the balusters. Use safety glasses and follow proper safety precautions while cutting balusters. Note: Iron can be extremely hot after cutting.
Flat
Shoe
Rake
Shoe
Rake
1. 2. 3. 5. 4.
Before placing the balusters in the staircase, top and bottom “shoes” must be inserted on both ends. Loosen set screws to insert baluster ends. Face set screws in same direction.
6.
A RAKE shoe should be placed at the top (Pin end) of each baluster. A FLAT shoe will go at the cut end of each baluster. Tighten in place a few inches from each end. This keeps them secure during placement of the baluster.
7.
Make sure the “rake” of the shoe coincides with the angle of the handrail. The angle of the rake shoes may have to be adjusted with a grinder or belt sander for the best fit. TIP: Test-fit all balusters before securing with epoxy.
8.
Once the epoxy has set, the rake and flat shoes can be put into position and secured with an allen wrench.
11.
Place the Pin Top into the handrail hole first and then into the stair tread hole. Straighten baluster once inserted. The Pin Top should press firmly against the front of the handrail hole,making sure that the flat shoe at the bottom squares up with the front of the step.
10.
Following manufacturers instructions, place epoxy in the stair tread hole and some on the Pin Top of the baluster.
9.
Two Methods for the Removal of Old Balusters:
Installing New Iron Balusters
Double
Twist
Baluster
Single
Twist
Baluster
2nd Method
3. If glue and/or wood still
remains in the holes, a drill with a 1/2” bit can be used to remove any excess.*
Install and Secure Balusters
2 Balusters per step* 3 Balusters per step*
Baluster Top
35”
Add
1½”
36½”
Trim
and
discard
this
section
The measurement from the top
of the stair tread to the bottom
of the handrail.
This is the length to
which you trim
the baluster.
SOM300114 Effective 11/20/2006 rev062010
*Note: a. 1/2” balusters require 5/8” holes. b. 5/8” balusters require 7/8” holes.