- Contains 12 metal connectors, enough to install 6 (six) ½” square hollow metal baluster (top and bottom)
- Angle of baluster installation is adjustable
- 3 screws included per baluster connector
- Complements the DIY Amazing Rail
Tutorial on Metal Baluster Connector Installation
Metal Baluster Connector Installation Instructions
It is very important to read instructions before starting. Have a second person help you.
An Iron Baluster Installation Set includes: one metal connector, one plastic EZ mount, and tree tapping screws.
“New Projects”: Means handrails are NOT installed.
“Renovation Projects”: Means handrails and balusters are already installed in the home.
For New Projects: Measure out and mark 4-in center to center spacing between balusters on the bottom of the handrail and on knee wall, treads, or floors. Installed balusters must not allow passage of a 4-in sphere. Local building code may vary.
For Renovation Projects: Remove existing wood balusters by cutting balusters off, remove nails where necessary, clean and patch up areas accordingly.
For New Projects: On the bottom of the handrail, pre-drill holes for metal connectors where previous balusters were assembled using 1/16-in drill bit. Use 3 tapping screws to attach each connector to your measurements.
For Renovation Projects: On the bottom of the handrail, pre-drill holes for metal connectors where previous balusters were assembled using 1/16-in drill bit. Use 3 tapping screws to attach each metal connector.
The one inch taper at the top of the baluster must be trimmed before inserting the plastic EZ mount (see Step 7). Baluster is cut to length, if necessary, from the bottom. Measure the distance from bottom of handrail to surface, knee wall, plates, treads for baluster length. Cut baluster at measured length.
Slide level or rake baluster shoes over the top and bottom of the balusters. For Rake shoes: Rake shoes need to angled in one direction on top of the baluster, then the OPPOSITE direction on the bottom for knee wall. BE SURE TO PLAN THIS AHEAD BEFORE CONTINUING TO THE NEXT STEP.
Push in or lightly hammer the plastic EZ mount into the bottom of the balusters first. Then twist in the metal connectors. DO NOT twist the connectors all the way down as it prevents the connectors from moving.
If you’re mixing two or more styles together, lay all your balusters out on a flat surface in a desired pattern.
Now push or lightly hammer plastic EZ mounts to the top of the baluster and twist the top of the baluster clockwise into the connectors at the BOTTOM OF THE HANDRAIL. Be sure to screw tightly. Do this for all your balusters.
Attach one 3/4″ screw into your measured location on knee, wall, shoe rails, plate, treads, or floors.
All Connectors have an OPEN NOTCH. Slide the bottom connectors to the screws using this open notch. Then tighten the screw. Pre-drill holes for the two remaining holes in metal connectors using 1/16-in drill bit. Use 2 tapping screws to attach each connector. Repeat with the rest of your balusters.
Push the top and bottom metal shoes to cover all connectors. Use an Allen wrench to tighten.
Installation is complete.
