Tightening Stair Spindles

Apply Wood Adhesive

• 1

  Fill a plastic syringe with heavy-duty or industrial wood adhesive. Remove the plunger before filling it with glue, and replace it afterward.

• 2

  Hold the tip of the syringe directly over the tiny gap between the top of the loose spindle and the underside of the banister where it is connected. Press the plunger to eject a thick bead of glue into the gap all around the spindle. Maintain a steady hand while moving the syringe all around the spindle. Release pressure on the plunger.

• 3

  Wipe away excess glue that begins to drip down and onto the spindle, using a wet rag.

• 4

  Move the syringe down to the gap between the lower end of the spindle and the tread. Maintain steady pressure while you press the plunger to release an even bead of glue into the gap all around the spindle.

• 5

  Wipe excess glue from the stair tread. Leave the glue to dry for the time specified on the label directions.

Insert Wood Shim

• 6

  Push the spindle downward so it rests flush over the tread. Assess the size of the gap between the top of the spindle and the banister.

• 7

  Apply a thin bead of wood adhesive over both sides of a wood shim that matches the size of the gap. Do not add so much glue that it drips, but apply an even layer that provides full coverage. Wood shims are available in a variety of thicknesses from hardware stores.

• 8

  Insert the shim into the gap at the top of the spindle. You may need to force it in so it fits snugly in the space. Drive it all the way through with gentle taps from a rubber mallet. Allow the glue to dry for the time estimated on the label directions.

• 9

  Cut excess shim length that protrudes from the sides of the spindle with a utility knife, so it is not visible when viewed from above.