Iron Balusters - Epoxy, Glue, Or...?

ridgeline_dev

First time doing iron balusters and I am undecided about what to use to secure them. I have seen people use epoxy, polyurethane glue, "power grab" and a handful of others.

We've used polyurethane glue on other things, and I know that it will most likely never move if we use that. But it might be overkill, and cleanup is really a pain.

What have you used that you have been happy with?

Thanks

__________________
James
-Ridgeline Development

BTD

We use well drilled holes and PL 400

ridgeline_dev

Do you find that it adds lateral strength to the railing at all?

__________________
James
-Ridgeline Development

RTRCon

I use clear silicone.
I wouldnt think any type of glue will add any stiffness to the rail itself with iron balusters?

mill0030

We also use well drilled holes. We take the closest size spade bit and grind it down to the actual balluster size. We then use PL-400 in the rail and two part epoxy in the tread. We have never had a loose spindle using this method. The glue and epoxy needs to be used carefully so there is no messes.

North Dakota

We drill the bottom holes just a bit smaller than the size of the metal baluster and the top hole just the right size. We pound the baluster down enough so you can slip it under your rail and then we pull it up into position. The metal systems are usually not as sturdy as the wood ones. Furthermore, if a couple of the balusters rattle when the system is in place, a dab of silicone in the top hole will do the trick.

ridgeline_dev

Well my thinking as to using glue over caulk would be that having multiple balusters secured firmly at both ends, would have to add a little strength. I guess my thinking is to glue to secure them, not just to prevent rattle.

Am I way off here?

__________________
James
-Ridgeline Development

Trimwerx

I use polyurethane glue on all of my metal balusters. A little bit will hold them nicely. Its way cheaper than using the epoxy recommended by most manufacturers. You just have to be careful as to how much you put on, cause it will expand (usually when you're not around) and can glue the shoes down.

Trimcat

I use PL in the top holes and epoxy in the bottom. The PL on top because I can easily stick the tip of the tube in the holes and squirt a little in without making a big mess. I'm usually working upside down at this point and I dab several holes at once. Then I put the spindle in and use the epoxy on the bottom because you can get those mixing syringe applicators and squirt it down along side the spindle into the hole again without making a big mess. Both glues hold extremely well though. If you are working for a contractor, or somebody else is footing the bill for the materials, get the supplier to include the epoxy and mixing tubes with the stair package.

ridgeline_dev

Is there a reason you use 2 different things, other than the tips being the right size? My real question is, is there some advantage of epoxy over normal construction glue (PL400).

Thanks everyone for your help.

__________________
James
-Ridgeline Development

Railman

I recently bought something that may work well for iron/wood rails. It's called SUMO glue, made by Locktite/Henkle (@Lowes). It claims to be much stronger than Polyurathanes, expands much less, cures to about 80% in about an hour, & still has a decent open time of about 15 min. It's packaged, priced, & applied about the same as the polyurathanes. I just keep forgettng to test it!

I us a hi temp PUR system for my shop built prefinished, preassemled rails on Iron/wood jobs. The trick is to find the right formula for the PUR, & then it's hard to beat.

Trimcat

That's pretty much it.... the tips. Also, the PL doesn't run out of the holes after I do several of them. The epoxy would.

jcw1988

I did not use the shoe on the last three stairways I have done. I just drill 1/2" hole 3/4" deep and chisel out square hole. I have installed them with no glue, silicone, and Gorilla glue. So far I like the Gorilla glue best except for the foam out on the bottom. I also put balusters in place and install handrail on top.

ridgeline_dev

Awesome. Thanks for the help.

__________________
James
-Ridgeline Development

mnatoli

James,
I can give you some epoxy as a sample, very easy to use. Comes with a gun and a cartridge. Just let me know if you'd like, and I can send this. The epoxy has one great advantage. This product is very thick, similar to vasoline, more like a putty, NO DRIP.
As for chiseling the holes, use something like this. http ://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortiser

Post a reply and I can send a sample.

Thanks