How to Cut an Angle of Stair Railing Off a Newel Post

Cut an angled stair rail with a coping saw.

When a newel post loses it anchor, the whole staircase is compromised. The staircase becomes unstable and might even sway from side to side. When this happens, the newel post must be removed and re-anchored. Typically, the stair railing fastens to the newel post at an angle. It is doweled in and will not come off easily. By using a coping saw you can cut the rail off the post without doing too much damage.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• Coping saw
• Cordless screwgun

Instructions

1. Place a strip of masking tape on the newel post above and below where the angled stair railing is doweled into the newel post. Run two or three strips of it, overlapping them to protect the finish on the newel post.

2. Place the blade of the coping saw in the crotch where the angled stair rail meets the newel post.

3. Begin sawing back and forth slowly, guiding the blade with one hand as you watch the blade. Keep the blade moving flat against the newel post.

4. Saw through the stair railing completely. It should pass through easily, encountering more resistance when you saw through the dowels.

5. Grab the top of the newel post and pull back on it. You should be able to see where the screws are at the bottom. Use a cordless screwgun to unscrew the screws on the bottom to remove the post completely.

Tips & Warnings

• To reinstall, try turning the newel post 1/4 turn to get fresh wood for the dowels on the rail and screws at the bottom.

• Always wear safety glasses when working with wood.