Tightening a Baluster

• 1). Pull any loose nails out of the baluster. Remove fillets between each loose baluster. Secure the lower end of each baluster with a clamp attached to the railing. Drill and countersink an angled pilot hole, placing it so a fillet will conceal it.
  
  
• 2). Use a wood screw or wallboard to secure the baluster. Cut new fillets in order to make them fit comfortably between balusters. A miter box will help you make clean angle cuts on your fillets. Always test-fit the fillets before you glue and clamp them into place.
  
  
• 3). Drive pilot holes and finish holes into the fillets with a tack hammer to secure them to the railing. Set the nails.
  
  

Replacing a Broken Baluster

• 1). Use a reciprocating saw to cut through the broken baluster. Place masking tape on top of the stair where the baluster is attached. Clamp a pipe wrench to the baluster, as close to the stair as possible. Twist the baluster with the wrench and break the glue bond of the dowel.
  
  
• 2). Remove the top part of the baluster from the railing and scrape away any old glue left behind. Take the baluster to a cabinet maker to get a customized duplicate, and cut the new baluster to fit. Use a T-bevel to recreate the proper angle for the top end. Cut it with a miter box to make it straight. Test-fit the baluster.
  
  
• 3). Place wood glue on both ends of the baluster. Install it and replace fillets as described in Section 1. Allow the glue to dry before you use the rail.