How to Install a Simple Handrail

Installing a simple rail is, well, simple. In less than 2 minutes, this video will show how anyone can install a handrail. 

For a more detailed look at the process, we’ll include more in-depth descriptions and tips on the different steps of the installation process.

The Tools You Need to Install a Handrail

• Standard drill
• Hex key
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Rubber mallet

A standard drill for mounting on different surfaces other than concrete and attaching handrail flanges to posts if needed. Hex keys for all the set screws. A hammer to ensure anchors are fully in place. A tape measure for accurate measurements and alignments. And a rubber mallet for putting in malleable plugs into the ends of the handrail.  

If you’re installing in concrete, YOU NEED A HAMMER DRILL. A standard drill will not be effective enough to drill the proper anchor holes into concrete.

Personal Protective Equipment for Handrail Installation

• Safety glasses
• Work gloves
• Steel toe boots

We can’t stress it enough. PPE is crucial to a safe and successful handrail installation. 

When drilling into concrete or if you need to cut a pipe down in length, you don’t want particles flying into your eyes. Gloves will protect your hands for obvious reasons. Lastly, steel-toe boots protect your feet if any railing pieces are accidentally dropped.

How to Install Base Flanges for a Handrail

Attaching a flange to the wall is simple, right? Well, yes, but there’s a lot more you need to think about before just drilling into the wall or ground. 

You need to make sure you have the right anchors and mounting hardware. For attaching to the ground, we recommend sleeve anchors, and for walls, Tapcon screws work great. 

Our handrail kits come with all the mounting hardware you’ll need so you won’t have to worry about finding the right ones. 

Mark the drill holes on the ground or wall to ensure they are inline before anything gets drilled. Use a ruler, a flat box, or something that can properly tell you that the anchor holes are in line. 

Some will say that having them perpendicular to the handrail is better, but just know that they can go in either direction. This decision may ultimately depend on the space available on your stairs. 

If wall mounted, there’s only one way to install which is in the direction of the stair and flange so hopefully there’s no confusion there. 

How to Mount a Handrail to Concrete

Make sure the holes are going to be drilled 3 inches from the edge of the concrete step or landing. This will preserve the concrete as a whole and won’t damage the integrity of the edge of the concrete. 

Make sure your anchor holes are deep enough. This is critical to making sure your flanges are secured and stable for the handrail. Another key point here is to make sure the holes you’ve drilled are cleared out of any dirt/dust/debris of concrete so that your screws fit properly.

How to Attach Handrail Posts

You’re almost done! But we need to make sure we don’t anything fall by the wayside as we near the end of our handrail installation. 

Do not fully tighten down all set screws yet. It’s obvious important to screw down the set screws to hold your handrail, posts, and flanges in place, but it’s more important to not tighten down all set screws fully until you have given the handrail a test run. Which leads to the next tip.

Double check the railing is the correct height, give it a test. While yes, you followed all the directions, you ordered the right height and length, but things can change. It’s important to give your handrail a test run before solidifying that’s where it is going to stay. Check the height and length to make sure everything is where you want it to be. 

Completing Your Handrail Installation

We’re at the finish line! Just a few quick things to tighten up (pun intended) this handrail before we are officially completed! 

Tighten down all set screws. Now that you’ve given it a test run and solidified its the right height and length. Tighten all the set screws down to make sure every part of your handrail is stable.

Clean up the area. Vacuum any dirt or dust and pick up any loose tools or screws.

Lastly, pat yourself on the back and grab your favorite drink for a job well done!

In Review

Installing a simple rail can be the easiest DIY project you set out to do. Just follow these simple steps (pun somewhat intended) and you’ll have your new handrail installed in no time.

Contact our project specialists with any questions or if you need a custom handrail solution!