How to Strengthen an Interior Railing

Run a stud finder down the wall next to the railing if there is a wall present. Mark the locations of wall studs with a pencil. Use a drill to screw in a new supporting bracket for the railing in any studs that don't already have one, then connect the railing to the new supports. The bracket attaches differently depending on which type of bracket you use. Some screw into the side of the railing while others cup the railing from the bottom and gravity holds the railing in the bracket holder. Follow any directions that come with the bracket. Brackets should normally be no more than 2 feet apart, or else the railing may be unstable.

Gently shake the railing components at each step to find sections that are loose. Glue those pieces into place to make them more sturdy. Wood glue works on a wooden staircase while epoxy is more effective on metal.

Add cross sections to the railing if it already has vertical supports connecting the railing to the stair. The cross sections help the vertical supports hold more weight without breaking. Drill a screw through the cross section into the vertical support, then drill another hole at the next support so the cross section connects the two vertical supports together. The cross sections should be the same material and color as the railing so they blend in. Use a drill bit intended for wood or for metal, depending on which material you're using.