no catch handrail

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I found this online article on how to install a handrail with 45 degree (rather than common 90 degree) returns.  It said to cut some scrap at 45 deg, and then create another piece that is the same length as the hand rail to wall distance.  In this case, the hand rail bracket is 2 1/2" from the wall, the hand rail itself is 1 1/2" thick, so the calculated distance is ( 2 1/2" -  ( 1 1/2" / 2 ) ) = 1 3/4" .
Setting the 45 degree piece against the miter saw fence as if it was against the wall, you can mark where the rail would need to be cut to have correct length at angle.

Now the marked scrap piece can be used to measure off the hand rail cut.   Make sure you're going the right way, depending if its the top or bottom of the stairs!


The miter saw should have a pre-set notch for 22.5 deg.  Once the miter has been set for this angle, cut the hand rail at the mark.  Then switch the miter to the 22.5 deg in the other direction to cut the hand rail again.

Once the 45 deg cut, and 2 22.5 deg cuts have been made, you can check your work!

 Repeat on the other end, and glue/nail the ends together.  I used a Rigid 18 ga brad nailer.


You have to hold the piece in place until it sets enough to push the nailer against the wood without the piece moving.

Below is a 4" tall 'poor mans miter saw extension' I made with 2x4 (which are actually 3 1/2"), and 1/2" thick scrap trim piece.

Here's my father's day gift, the Pebble Time Steel (bluetooth) watch .  Since it uses e-paper for a screen, its really awesome in outdoor sun.








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