Skip to Content

How to Remove Stair Spindles: Step-by-Step Guide

Is it necessary to remove the stair spindles? Yes, it is a necessary and simple procedure. But, do you require the services of a handyman? Not at all, because a few simple procedures will suffice to resolve this issue.

How to remove stair spindles?

It is quite simple to remove stair spindles on your own. Simply drop the handsaw on the stair, walk upstairs to the top. Find between the first spindles before lifting the bottom of the spindles towards the higher newel post. Finally slip it out of the handrail’s middle groove. Your job is done.

You know the fundamentals, but they may not be sufficient for you. So, let’s go over the technique in further detail!

How to Remove Stair Spindles: Step by Step!

I’ll go through how to remove stair spindles step by step now. So if you follow the procedures, you will be able to simply remove wooden and metal stair spindles.

It may seem tiresome at first but it’s easier than removing gutters.

What You’ll Need:

  • 3/4-inch screw
  • Screwdriver
  • Pliers with a straight edge
  • Measuring tape
  • Protective eyewear
  • Sawhorse
  • 100-grit sandpaper
  • Hand restraint
  • Nails for finishing
  • Hammer
  • Set of Nails

Wood Spindles

I’ll teach you how to remove wood stair spindles in this part. Please bear with me.

Step 1: Place the Hand Saw

In the first step, place small hand saw blades on the stair step. Its teeth come into contact with another top of the spindle and the top of the tread.

These two are held together with a little hardwood dowel pin. To cut the dowel pin, move the chainsaw back and forth beneath the spindle. This should be done on each spindle.

Step 2: Check Between the Spindles

Climb the steps to the top and check between the first spindles. And the newel posts are the major posts that hold up the railing.

If you check beneath the handrail, you’ll notice a little piece of infill wood squeezed in. Between the spindle and the newel post. 

Using a sharp wedge, pull the piece out. If required, use a shovel to whack the end of the wedge to assist it out. Take caution not to damage the handrail’s sides.

Step 3: Slip the Handrail to the Middle Groove

Lift the bottom of the spindles towards the upper newel post to slip it out of the handrail’s middle groove. 

Implement this strategy until you reach the top spindle. Many spindles may have been glued in place. As a result, you may need to give them a quick tug to get them out. Failing to join with glue may make you suffer. So, be careful while gluing.

Metal Spindles

Metal stair spindles are a little more difficult to remove. But you’ll be able to accomplish it on your own. If you simply follow our instructions.

Step 1: Connect the Handrail

Remove the ornamental wraps from the bottom of the spindles foundation. Where they connect with the stairs. As well as from the top of the spindle head where they connect with the handrail. It will reveal the screws.

Step 2: Unplug the Screws

According to the kind of screws used, unplug them from the upper part of the spindles. Using a crosshead or sharp screwdriver.

Step 3: Detach the Newel Pillar

Lift the bottom spindles to the top of the steps further from the newel pillar and detach them. Continue this process unless you’ve pulled all of the spindles down to the lowest newel post.

This is the entire procedure for removing stair spindles. Simply follow these simple instructions and you’ll be ready to go!

What are the Various Materials Available for Spindles?

Now we’ll go over the various materials that may be used for stair spindles. It will aid your comprehension. 

Spindles Made of Metal

Metal spindles have the benefit of being exceedingly robust and lasting, also requiring very little maintenance. They are also simple to install since certain metal spindles are flexible in length. And come with variable hooks.

Metal spindles are commonly made from the following materials:

  • Polished nickel
  • Polished steel 
  • Swallow
  • Dark metal

Metal is a unique material that is combined with either wood or metal base rails. Because of the large range of designs available, you may choose a design. That is as elaborate as plain wish to complement the house and express personal taste. But painting anything of metal is not very easy like painting wood or steel.

To make a genuinely distinctive balustrade, combine multiple metal spindles. Such as mixing plain straight spindles with elaborate ones. You may see a full assortment of black metal spindles here for ideas.

Replacing wood spindles with iron spindles is a simple method to completely transform your stairway. Decorative wall contrasts beautifully with hardwood stair sections. Also that results in a warm and friendly stairway which looks beautiful.

Spindles Made of Wood

Wooden stair spindles are a typical choice for stairs, particularly in historic homes. If you want to modify the design of your wooden stair, wood is robust and lasting. And it is simple to paint.

Many of the most common types of wooden spindles are:

  • Oak—the characteristic tiger-stripe on this hardwood makes it readily 

recognizable 

  • Pine—a cheaper alternative to oak that is extremely easy to tint or repaint primed 
  • Wood—this arrives prefinished and is the top pick if you would like to paint your spindles. Or even have spindles with a pristine white finish.

Take a look at the items listed below if you’re seeking hardwood:

Product 1
Product 2

The hardwood indicated above drew the greatest attention.

This design pairs beautifully with chrome’s clear lines, oak’s gentle warmth, or crisp white primed wood.

These processes for removing spindles are simpler than removing shutters from brick. But to be frank, both can be done easily by following the right steps.

FAQs

Question: What exactly are spindles in a house?

Answer: Spindles are the tightly spaced supports that hold up a railing that is waist-high. Keeping people safe within a stairwell or a patio deck. 

Question: What is the most comfortable stairway angle?

Answer: Stair regulations and recommendations recommend an angle. It is roughly 37° for conventional stairways and 7° for ramps.

Question: Is it possible to use glass to replace stair spindles?

Answer: People frequently choose to replace damaged or outdated spindles. With glass panels to give their staircase a new look. 

Final Verdict

That brings us to the conclusion of our conversation. I believe you’re no longer perplexed about how to remove stair spindles. 

Here’s an extra tip. You can quickly tighten a loose spindle and save the headache of having to remove the item.

That’s all for now. I hope you never have to deal with this vexing problem again.

Take care!