Installation Guide

30
STEP B.9 – Assemble and Dry Fit the Handrail
Now it is time to put your pitch block (see StairNote
Three: How to Make a Pitch Block) to use in constructing
the handrail.
In completing this step, remember that even the best
carpenters do not attempt complex angle cuts in one step.
We advise that you:
(1) rough cut to an inch or so oversize;
(2) cut again to about
1
/4" oversize to make sure the
angles are right; and
(3) then make a final “precision” cut to finish size.
STEP B.9a – Over-the-Post Handrail
STARTING FITTINGS - VOLUTES, TURNOUTS AND STARTING EASINGS
Use a pitch block to determine the location and angle of the
necessary cut. Place the fitting on a flat surface and clamp so
that the flat bottom portion of the fitting is in full contact
with the flat surface. Place the pitch block on its “run” side
and slide the “rake” edge up to the underside of the up
easing until it barely makes contact. Be sure to keep the pitch
block in line with the projected centerline of the handrail.
Mak
e a mark at the tangent point (the point where contact is
first made). Now flip the pitch block over on its “rise” side
and slide it up along side of the fitting with the “rake” edge
f
acing the uncut end of the fitting. Align the “rake” edge with
the tangent point mark and draw a line that transfers the
“rake” edge to the fitting. This is the cut line (see Fig. 16-1).
Typically, this cut is made on a miter saw, a sliding miter saw
or a radial arm saw. With the flat surface of the fitting held at
the “rake” angle, the fitting is adjusted until the cut line is
aligned with the saw blade. The pitch block can be clamped
to the fence of the saw to provide support for the flat surface
of the fitting.
R
i
se
R
un
90
Rake
Rake
R
un
Rise
90
Align and
complete mark
Stabilize easing
and make a 90 cut
Ri
se
Run
Rake
90
Note: Always use a flat surface and
ensure the pitch block is at a 90 angle.
Rotate pitch block
T
angent point
(initial mark)
S TEP
B.9a
SECTION B
FIG. 16-1 - Use of a pitch block for proper cutting of easing
2
9
STEP B.8 – Install the Half-Newel or Rosette
The use of a half-newel where the balustrade terminates
into the wall will give your stairway a far superior
appearance. To use a half-newel, locate the half newel on
the baluster line and cut it to the same length as other
newel(s) in the run. Install as shown in Fig. 15-1, using
rail/post fasteners (Hardware Kit no. 3078). Exposed bolt
holes should be covered with the plugs provided.
A rosette is an alternate means of terminating a balustrade.
DO NOT MOUNT THE ROSETTE NOW. It will be mounted on
the end of the handrail in the next step (B.8) and screwed
to the wall as shown in Fig. 15-2. During final assembly,
bore pilot holes for two 3" drywall screws, then
countersink them and plug the holes. If no stud is
positioned to receive the nails, use countersunk toggle bolts
and construction adhesive to mount the rosette. Plug the
holes during final assembly.
SECTION B
S TEP
B.8
FIG. 15-1 - Installation of half newel
Baluster or Balustrade
W
A
L
L
FIG. 15-2 - Rosette mounted at the termination of a balustrade against a wall
1
2
3