Does anyone know what is the recommended size of handrail bolts to be used for joining sections of handrail? Is 5/16 by 3 inch a good size to use or should they be longer?
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that is fine. are you using hanger bolts and star nuts or 5/16 lags?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Iffin ya cain't spell it, don't eat it
Thats the one. The ones that come with the fittings are 5/16X3 1/4 wit a half moon plastic washer and nut, some also come with the star nut ( that belongs in a dump ). I also carry in my rail fastner kit the 3" hanger bots, for when the fitting are cut close. I actually prefer using the 3" with a 1/4 flat washer ( yea 1/4 it fits better ) ,and nut. I have several of the skinny specialty wrenches for tightening , you may need to grind a 1/2" box wrench thinner if you have problems fitting it in and tightening up the nut thru the 1" access hole.
Roger
Fine in a home, what is the application?
Helped maintain a parochial school as volunteer a number of years ago, when there are 20 kids heading out for recess there can be quite a strain on a rialing. Had one 1" by 1-1/2" oak railing, supports 16" oc into the wood framing, that kept getting pulled slightly loose. Finally ran 3/8" carriage bolts clear thru the wall studs with lock nuts and 1'1/2" sq washers against the stud faces, and that finally stayed in place.