How do I secure these loose newel posts without visible bolts, as my kids keep swinging from them? Any ideas?
Asked by Jacobo Bahena 
5 months ago
Last Updated: April 27, 2024
Hey there! So, I’m a newbie here and I need some help. I’ve got these newel posts in my house that keep getting loose because my kids love to swing from them. I managed to tighten the ones on the stairs, but the ones on the floor are a mystery. There are no holes on the sides for a bolt, so I’m stumped on how they’re attached. I even took one apart yesterday while adjusting the flooring, but still couldn’t figure it out. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!
There could be a key plate on the underside.
Hey Chris, I really appreciate your input. It seems highly likely.
I noticed a plug near the bottom of the railing, about 2″ away from the post. I think I’ll have to remove that plug, investigate how the railing is attached to the post, and if I can detach it, I might be able to remove the post. This should give me an idea if it’s using those base plates.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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I don’t see any brackets. It would have been much simpler to access if there were.
I suggest picking up these items to help tighten those posts for you.
I agree with the recommendation. These are really simple to utilize and provide good grip, particularly if you’re screwing them into something sturdier than plywood subfloor.
Hey Josh, appreciate it. I’m really enjoying it. I’m not excited about disassembling it all to try to make it stronger. These might work and there’s no need to complicate things further. Thanks for the suggestion.
It’s likely just nailed in. That’s why it’s wobbly.
Back in the day, they used to be attached to the floor joists.
The house was constructed back in 1948. Personally, I think the railings appear more modern than that, but I could be mistaken. I can’t see the floor joists from down here in the basement. I’m thinking about going with the bracket option. I’m crossing my fingers that I won’t just be hitting plywood when I fasten those in.
When I’m putting them in, I make a hole in the subfloor and attach them to the floor joists,
Nail gun for trimming