I was asked to look at a handrail and spindles in a period house that has some sideways play in. Over the years, with probably lots of children sliding down the lower 8 feet run, the spindles have worn their sockets. Also, the newel post has worked loose. I don't really want to disassemble this entire section if I can help it (due to time/cost considerations) so I was thinking of possibly injecting a resin into the socket to lock the bottom of the spindles in place (once I have taken care of the Newel post). The connection with the top of the spindles and handrail is sound. Has anyone used a resin for a similar application? If so was it effective? I know if I have to take the spindles out it is going to end up with having to have copies turned as, although there is no play where the spindles meet the handrail, they are pinned in place and there is not much meat there to connect to so I would prefer not to disturb them. Your thoughts, suggestions most welcome.
You could try squirting some polyurethane glue, screwfix 40778, if the gaps are wide enough to allow that. The benefit of polyurethane is it expands on curing to fill any gaps, a bit like foam and can be cut away with a chisel afterwards. Don't be too heavy handed with it, try one first to get the hang of how much. I've used this very successfully to secure chair legs and spindles where the joints are worn, but as said you do need enough space to inject it.
I've done it in the past, drill a 4mm - 5mm hole & inject glue into the joint,easy to hide the hole. again 20 & 16 gauge blunt despensing needles are hard to find here, they were idea for for glue. With the newel post you can drill a hole & then use a long screw to pull everything up tight. This was good, but difficult to get over here now https://www.amazon.co.uk/WoodRiver-Disposable-Glue-Syringes-pieces/dp/B0035Y5PIK
While PU glue will expand, the expansion isn't very structural - it's a foam. As KIAB says, syringes are good. I would buy some ordinary small-size syringes (or you might have some laying around if you are that way inclined . Use an epoxy like araldite or similar, drill a small hole across the joint and squirt in epoxy. - it flows better if warmed up. loads of people selling blunt needles and syringes on the 'bay - seems the vapers use them to refill cartridges. Personally, don't think you need a needle. Just sharpen the syringe end slightly.
If you can, drill a small hole from either size, as it's easier for the glue to get all around the joint.
Got my gauges back to front, should be 12 gauge needles, like these but with longer tips. http://www.somersetsolders.com/kahnetics-stainless-steel-dispensing-needle-14-gauge/p242 Wish our host sold this. http://www.stewmac.com/Materials_an...f_currency=P&gclid=CNGQx5jckdECFUa4GwodHFoFVA What about something like this. http://www.bostik.co.uk/diy/product/evo-stik/Epoxy-Power-Syringe/228
I would suggest Gorilla Glue: 54593 or 51887 Have used it many time in gap filling applications and once it has expanded and cure, it is solid. Maybe adding some small wedges as you go?
Axminster do some syringes http://www.axminster.co.uk/west-system-syringes-ax29344 or this one http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-glue-injector-set-504669
http://www.shop4glue.com/applicators-nozzles-bottles-sprays-and-caps-38-c.asp They do a range of pinpoint applicator bottles syringes for glue.
Thanks guys. I discounted polyurethane glue (including Gorilla) as it foams trapping air which means it is not solid so can compress under load and as the handrail is getting on for a metre away from the socket there is a lot of leverage available. My intention was to drill a small access hole on the two sides of the socket that had become compressed and fill the void using a suitable needle or fine applicator nozzle so it's heartening to know I'm not the first to do this and it is a sensible solution. The stairs are painted so no problem disguising the drill holes afterwards. I was also thinking of installing some brass 'buttons' or 'nodules' into the handrail to discourage further abuse (the building is a hall of residence). Some great links too. Thanks again for the advice. Any resin recommendations?
No room for wedges as the bottom of the spindle completely covers the socket (basically a mortice and tenon joint).
Looks ideal as it goes off quickly so won't just run out of any cavity below the socket. Would need enough for about 20 spindles. I think I will get a pack or two and see how well it performs and how much resin the socket takes. If it takes 15 tubes it is still a cheap fix.
Look at epoxy glue for boat building, quite a range available, like Resorcinol Formaldehyde or RF glue, it's a strucal glue, most bot building adhesives are available in larger sizes.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/urw/product-reviews/1004336578?_itm=360959235433&_frm=mweb&_version=1 A staircase manufacturer I dealt with has been using this for years and swears by it
They also do a 30 minute version. http://www.everbuild.co.uk/30-Minute-Polyurethane-Wood-Adhesive-Gel
Forums
Facebook
Twitter
You Tube
Instagram
Shop