How to Tighten a Post on a Staircase

Inspect the post and determine whether it is a modern post. Look for a small plug of wood at the base of the post. If there is no plug of wood then the post is pre-modern.

Pry off the plug of wood at the base of a modern post using the blade of a standard screwdriver. If the post is secured with a screw, tighten it by turning it clockwise using an electric drill with a driver bit installed. If there is a nut securing the post, use the proper-sized socket from a socket wrench set and a socket wrench to tighten the nut clockwise.

Measure how far the post is from the edge and the front of the tread using a tape measure if the post is pre-modern. Take note of how many steps from either the bottom or top the post is located.

Access the bottom of the tread from underneath the staircase. Find the location of the post by counting the number of stairs and then using the measurements from the previous step to find the location of the bottom of the post.

Insert two 2-and-1/5-inch drywall screws through the bottom of the tread and into the post using an electric drill with a driver bit installed. When you've inserted the screw about an inch, check the top of the tread to ensure you have not missed the post. If you have, remove the screw and insert it where it will drive into the bottom of the post.

Spread carpenter's glue around the entire edge of the post using a cotton swab if you can not gain access to underneath the stairs. Try to spread the glue underneath the post as much as you can. Let the glue dry the recommended amount of time per the instructions on the bottle before applying any weight to the post.