Another method of mounting any newel with a solid base is using the “sure tite newel fastener.”
The system consists of a long metal hanger bolt or dowel, that has wood threads on half of the length and machine threads on the other half.
This mounting choice works best for applications where there is at least 3″ of solid material under where the newel will be setting. Blocking can be installed in places where the newel will be setting on a tread and would otherwise be a void, so some fore thought is helpful.
- You will find it easiest to drill a hole smaller than the hanger bolt into the floor in the CENTER of where the newel will be mounted for 3″ or 3 1/2″ newels. For larger newels you may need to put 2″ on opposite sides.
- Thread the wood threaded end into this hole until it reaches the machine threads on the bolt.
- Measure to see what is left sticking out of the floor. (I prefer no more than 2″ left out of floor.)
- Drill a 1″ hole (or whatever size hole you need to fit the plug that was sent with the fastener) in the center of the newel on the SIDE to the height of the bolt sticking out of the floor.
- The center of this hole needs to be the height of the bolt sticking out of the floor.
- Drill this hole past the center of the newel, but not all the way through.
- Drill a hole in the center of the newel from the bottom up to the 1″ hole, that will accommodate the bolt sticking out of the floor.
- Set the newel down on the bolt and using the washer and nut provided tighten down till snug.
- Check for plumb. You can use shims to tweak till perfect, if it is not out of plumb very much. It is best if these shims are from the same wood material that the newel is from. If it is out very much at all, you will want to mark which side(s) need trimmed, and then remove and belt sand or trim with a saw. Then repeat the mounting process.