Replace a broken banister spindle

Remove a broken spindle, cut a matching replacement to size, and fix it safely between handrail and baserail.

BS-01Buy a matching replacement spindleMeasure the broken spindle's length, width and profile (turned, stop-chamfered or plain square) before shopping. Take the broken piece to a timber merchant or match it online, or have one turned to order if the pattern is unusual. Lay a dust sheet over the treads either side of the job to catch sawdust and protect the floor.

1 each · Replacement spindle (matching profile)

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1 each · Dust sheet

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BS-02Work out how the spindles are fixedLook closely at the top and bottom of a sound spindle nearby before you touch the broken one. Most older staircases hold spindles in a groove routed into the handrail and baserail, glued and pinned at an angle. Newer staircases sometimes use small metal spindle shoes screwed to the rail instead - check for visible screw heads at the base.

BS-03Remove the broken spindleCut through the remaining stub with a tenon saw close to the rail, angling the blade slightly so you don't score the timber. Prise the stub out of its groove with a small pry bar or old chisel, working gently so you don't split the groove edge. Clean out old glue, nail heads or bracket screws with pliers and a chisel.

1 each · Tenon saw

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1 each · Small pry bar

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BS-04Measure and cut the new spindleMeasure the exact gap between the handrail groove and the baserail groove at that spindle's position, since staircases are rarely perfectly parallel. If the handrail is raked, mark the top of the new spindle to the same angle as the old one, using an offcut as a template if you kept one. Cut slightly long with a tenon saw or mitre saw so you can trim for a snug fit.

1 each · Mitre saw or mitre block

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BS-05Dry-fit the spindle and check the gapOffer the spindle up without glue and check it seats fully into both grooves with no forcing or gaps. Before fixing permanently, check the space either side of the spindle isn't wider than 100mm - a real limit under Building Regulations Approved Document K, meant to stop a child's head or body passing through the balustrade. If the gap is too wide, you'll need two evenly spaced spindles instead of one.

RULES

KNOW THE RULES

Building Regulations Approved Document K sets a maximum 100mm gap in stair balustrades so a child cannot get their head or body through. Check this before fixing a replacement spindle permanently.

BS-06Fix the spindle into the baserailApply interior-grade PVA wood glue into the baserail groove. Slot the bottom of the spindle in, then secure it with a fine finishing nail or small screw driven at an angle through the side into the rail, keeping the head just below the surface. Wipe away any excess glue immediately with a damp cloth.

1 bottle · PVA wood glue

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1 pack · Fine finishing nails or angled screws

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BS-07Fix the spindle into the handrailAngle the spindle up into the handrail groove, glue it the same way, and secure with another fine nail or angled screw. If your staircase uses metal spindle shoes instead of grooves, screw a matching shoe to the underside of the handrail and top of the baserail, following the fixing points used by the spindles either side.

1 pair · Metal spindle shoe kit (if applicable)

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BS-08Finish and tidy upWipe off any excess glue and leave it to cure for the time stated on the tube before anyone leans on the banister. Once dry, sand the new spindle lightly and paint or varnish it to match its neighbours. Lift the dust sheet, sweep up sawdust and offcuts, and put them in with general household waste.

1 sheet · Sandpaper (fine grit)

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1 tin · Matching paint or varnish

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