Remodel Installation Method

If your project is a Remodel then please follow these instructions:

Option 1: If your Remodel Project will re-use the existing Handrail and leave it in place, and only remove the Balusters, follow these Remodel Instructions.

Option 2: If your Remodel Project involves replacing the Baluster and replacing the Handrail, then follow the instructions for New Construction. However, you may have a hole where a Baluster has previously been installed.

Credits: Music by Oleksii Kaplunskyi | Sound EffectS by Aleksandr Karabanov

Remodel Installation Steps:

  1. Remove the existing Balusters. Use lopping shears or a saw to cut each baluster in two, then gently pry each section from the Handrail and Tread.
  2. Mark LokIron Anchor Post position. If there is a 3/4" or 5/8" hole in the Tread where the old Baluster was installed, center the LokIron Anchor Post over the Tread hole. Use a Square to keep the LokIron Anchor Post square to the Riser. Mark 2 diagonal Screw locations with a nail or Awl.
    For Kneewall Anchor Posts, mark 4 Screw locations.
  3. Cut Baluster to length. First measure the Tread to bottom of Handrail length. Then cut Baluster to the correct length, which is approximately 5/8" longer than the distance between the Tread and bottom of the Handrail.
    Caution: Each original staircase is built slightly different so check each Tread to bottom of Handrail measurement before cutting Balusters. DO NOT cut all the balusters at once.
  4. Place aluminum shoe on Baluster. Put the aluminum Shoe on the Baluster with the top of Shoe facing the top of the Baluster for later fastening.
  5. Install Anchor Post on Baluster. Insert the LokIron Anchor Post into the bottom of the Baluster. You may need a wood block or mallet to tap the LokIron Anchor Post to fit snugly into the bottom of the Baluster.
  6. Install Anchor Post and Aluminum Baluster. Insert the top of the Baluster into the Handrail hole and pivot the Baluster bottom over the Tread into position to later screw the Anchor Post onto the Tread.
    If you are replacing Pin Top Balusters, a hole will already be in the Handrail.
    If you are replacing Square Top Balusters, drill a 9/16" hole in the Handrail. Caution: It will be easier and more accurate to remove the Handrail to bore new holes.
  7. Fasten LokIron Anchor Post & Baluster. Put the supplied screws through the Lokiron Anchor Post holes and fasten it to the Tread. For Flat installations, use 2 screws in opposite corners of the LokIron Anchor Post.
    For Kneewall and Angle installations, use 4 screws in each corner.
  8. Install Aluminum Shoe. Finally, drop the aluminum Shoe over the LokIron Anchor Post and tighten the Set Screw. Repeat these installation steps for all Balusters.

Long Screws are only used in installations where the Handrail will be installed after the Balusters are installed.