Installation Guide

34
B.9b – Post-to-Post Handrail
(for over-the-post systems, go to B.9a)
Begin by checking all newels (and end walls) to be sure
they are plumb. Locate the position of the top edge of
the handrail on the top square of each newel as shown in
Fig. 16-4. (If you are using a landing newel with a 10" or
13" to 13
1
/2" top square, clamp the rail in position on the
starting newel and landing newel to assure consistent rake
rail height.)
Clamp a section of handrail across the tread nosings as
shown in Fig. 16-5. Mark the handrail cuts directly from
the bottom squares of the newels.
Cut approximately
1
/8" long and dry fit to the installed
newels. Trim as appropriate. Fasten the rail to the newel
post using Crown Heritage Rail & Post Fastener (#3078)
per instructions on the package.
1"
Position for
1
" reveal
P
osition for
consistent rake
rail height
S TEP
B.9b
SECTION B
FIG. 16-3 - Positioning handrail on post-to-post top square
3
3
With the balcony assembly aligned as described above and
resting on the blocks, the rail drop portion of the transition
assembly will now be aligned with the rake balustrade
centerline. Since a fitting of some sort is already attached to
the lower end of the rake rail, it is necessary to determine the
proper length of the rail and the correct angle to cut the up
easing. Cut the rake rail to length so that when placed on the
nose of the treads, aligned with the rake balustrade centerline
and with the hole in the lower fitting centered over the lower
newel location, the rail is approx.
1
/4" short of the rail drop.
Now use a tri-square and the up easing to mark the cut line
on the handrail. Place the tri-square on under side of the rail,
with the blade pointed up, and push the end of the up easing
against the blade while flushing the bottom of the up easing
with the bottom of the rail. Now slide the tri-square/up
easing up the rail until the upturned bottom of the up easing
is flush with the bottom of the rail drop. Hold the tri-square
in place while you remove the up easing. Now scribe a mark
along the blade of the tri-square. This is the cut line.
To cut the upper end of the up easing, first attach it to the
rake rail. Now, with the handrail on a flat surface, place the
pitc
h block on its “r
ise” side and slide t
he “r
ake” edge up to
the underside of the up easing until it barely makes contact.
Make a mark at this point. Place the pitch block on the “run”
edge and slide it along side of the up easing with the “rake”
edge facing the uncut end of the up easing. Align the “rake”
edge with the tangent point and draw a line that transfers the
“rake” edge to the fitting. This is the cut line (see Fig. 16-2).
The last thing to do is mark and cut the rail drop. Place the
r
ake rail, with the up easing attached, on the nose of the
treads, aligned with the rake balustrade centerline. Move the
rail assembly over to allow the upper end to slide past the rail
drop. When the attached up easing is flush with the back of
the rail drop, mark the rail drop at the top of the up easing.
This is the cut line.
SECTION B
S TEP
B.9a
Mark along
bottom square
for cutting
FIG. 16-4 - Marking post-to-post handrail for cutting