Handrail Instructions
This Instruction sheet will show the suggested methods
for cutting and attaching starting ttings and gooseneck
ttings like those shown to the right. All steps on this
assembly instruction sheet should be performed in
sequence.
READ THIS ENTIRE GUIDE BEFORE BEGINNING!
NOTE: It is recommended the following tools be on hand: Hand drill
with bits ( ¼”, ⅜”,1”), ½” box-end wrench, miter box saw, table saw or
hand saw.
Plywood
Step 2 - Mark the Starting Fitting
Place the Starting Fitting on a at surface. Slide the Pitch Block under the tting with the Run side down until the
Rake side contacts the bottom of the easement as shown in Fig. 2a. Place a mark on the easement at the tangent
point where the Pitch Block contacts the easement.
Place the Pitch Block next to the tting with the Rise side down and the Rake side aligned with the rst mark made
on the easement. Scribe a line on the side of the easement along the Rake side of the Pitch Block as shown below in
Fig. 2b. This is the line to cut the correct angle on the easement.
Step 1 - Make a Pitch Block
A Pitch Block will be used to mark the cuts on the upeasing of the tting. The Pitch Block can be taken from the
rough horse of the stair, as shown in Fig. 1a, if one is available. If not, the Pitch Block can be made by laying the
handrail on the nose of the treads and setting a scrap of plywood next to the rail on the tread as shown in Fig. 1b.
Make sure the corner of the board is square and is setting against the nose of the next tread. Scribe a line along the
bottom of the handrail on the board. Cut along this line keeping it as straight as possible. Mark the sides of the Pitch
Block as shown above. If the stair has more than one ight, make a Pitch Block for each ight.
Scribe
Line Here
Pitch Block
Pitch Block
Rough Horse
Mark Tangent Point
Starting Easement
Mark Cut
Line Here
Miter Saw
Cut Line
Step 3 - Cut the Starting Fitting
It is recommended that the cut be made on the easement using a
power miter box, if possible. Place the Pitch Block on the miter box
table with the Run side down and the Rake side towards the saw as
shown in Fig. 3. Position the Starting Fitting in the saw and slide
the Pitch Block under the tting to help hold it at the proper angle.
Always double check your marks before cutting.
Fig. 3
Fig. 2b
Fig. 2a
Fig. 1a
Fig. 1b
Starting Fittings Gooseneck
Fittings