Stair Parts 6010 8 ft. Unfinished Poplar Plowed Handrail with Fillet

A:  Hi Keith, thanks for the question. Typically, the fillet is attached using finish nails, and installed in the handrail and/or shoe rail between the square balusters. Usually, that is structural enough to hold the square balusters in place, but toe-nailing the balusters as well would make the entire balustrade more firm. If you have additional questions, we will reply as quickly as we can. Thank you.

A:  Hi ALC, thank you for the question. There are several different methods to use when joining handrail to a newel post. The Rail Bolt Kit (HD# 202088478) and a Rail Bolt Wrench (HD# 205864570) is one way to join them together. Using the Spring Bolt Rail to Post kit (HD# 202755360) is another method for joining one end of handrail to a newel. Or, if you're joining two ends of level rail that run between newel posts, the Spring Bolt Rail to Post End Kit (HD# 202756681) is also recommended. If you have additional questions, we'll reply as quickly as we can. Thank you!

A:  Hi Smadge, there should be a feature to upload images to the HomeDepot.com product review portal. Or, if you'd rather send it to us for our review, you can call our Customer Service line at 678-455-5188 (M-F, 8a-4p ET), and we can provide an email address for you. Thank you.

A:  Hi Smadge, great question! We're happy to answer it for you. The fillet is used to separate the square tops (and sometimes square bottoms) of balusters. If you're choice of style is a square top, wood baluster, we suggest using "plowed rail," which comes with a groove down the middle of the bottom of the rail. The square tops of wood balusters fit into this groove, and the fillet is cut into small pieces (3-3/4" or less), and is placed between the square tops of the balusters. They are then nailed in place, so they have a decorative and structural aspect to them.<p><p>I mentioned that fillet can separate the square bottoms of balusters as well. We sell "shoe rail" that also has fillet, and it's used for the same purpose that it has with handrails - separate the square bottoms of balusters. It's installed the same way, and has the decorative and structural aspect as well. <p><p>If you have additional questions, post them here, and we’ll reply as quickly as we can. Or, you may call our Customer Service Line at 678-455-5188 (M-F, 8-4 ET) where we can assist you with most any question you have. Thank you!