How to Install a Metal Railing | Ask This Old House

[@MikeTheMaker1]

I'm so glad you used solid metal, that was nice to see

[@ben-vf]

This method is sound , so long as they went at least 6 inches into the substrate . The grout requires the hole dia to be a certain size in relation post / stud size . They may have squeezed this a little . All in all this is the best way to install any rail .

[@Adam-zw1ck]

Thanks random youtube commenter 😂🤦‍♂️

[@Engineer9736]

What has the caulking to do with the movement of the materials? He cemented the fence rock solid into the stone. Even if the stones where still going to move a bit, how is the caulking going to help prevent that? The caulking is ok to help run the water away from the steel posts though. And good to see a serious TOH episode once again.

[@buckhorncortez]

Not clearly explained. I think what he meant was that the coefficient of expansion for the steel and anchoring cement are different, so they "move" at different rates as the temperature changes. Potentially, small cracks could develop between the steel and the anchoring cement. If that happens, water may get into the cracks, freeze and expand damaging the anchoring cement. The caulking prevents water getting into the cracks if they develop.

[@Engineer9736]

Buckhorn Cortez That sounds more logic. Thank you.

[@Blox117]

Buckhorn Cortez no thats Bs, the caulk actually contains a small number of clark kent's DNA which gives it the strength to hold the railing. the cement was just for decoration.

[@medicalmanport1136]

+Blox117 lmmfao

[@jir6954]

I have a rusted through hollow metal railing base. The base plates are anchored great. From what I have seen online the game plan would be to take a reciprocating saw, cut off all the bases at the ground level, then cut off the feet to the first email on the bottom, insert new legs with adhesive and ribotsbto hold everything into place and then install adding expanding cement or anchoring cement. Did the video mention how far down they core drilled into the stone?

[@Michael1M6]

Wouldn’t it have been easier to partially fill the hole and then insert the rail?

[@MetalMusicManiac]

Next episode Tommy relocates that door to the back wall

[@olben1095]

Solid versus hollow steel tubing, they both will still rust out and have to be replaced. The trade avoids talking about steel in contact with acidic masonry and concrete equals “planned obsolescence” regardless of priming/painting it before installation.

[@trevorbeatty7267]

Doesn't anyone pour lead anymore to hold railings in place? 30 yrs ago they drilled holes into my concrete stairs and used lead to hold them in place. Same as they did 50 yrs ago at my parent's house. Both are regular wrought iron railings and are still solidily in place with hardly any rust. Maybe that's the old school way and no longer used?

[@tageperrotti]

I need you guys at my house..I have a wall badly patched stone wall, and stairs, stoop in need of repair and railings.

[@Homepros888]

That installation wont last long because it is only secure on the bottom and when someone push the top will come loose. He should have design the back top railing with a screw flange to bolt in to the bricks to minimize and top movement of the rail.

[@masterprocrastinator8521]

Homepros NYC Aesthetics > stability Rail repair = more $ for repairman ...solve for x

[@TanTan-ni4mg]

Alex The Novice there was no "'X"' you geriatric moron.

[@masterprocrastinator8521]

Tan Tan jokes on you im 19😜 Moron? Maybe. but geriatric? No sir.

[@stephanleukert4859]

Over priced contractor,

[@scottwillis5434]

Kids running in and out. Who would ever push / swing on / slide down the railing?

[@livefreeordiehardkor]

Okay I have a question. First off I do not know anything about masonry or installing rails on steps. My question is, should those rails have been anchored to the house for added stability?

[@heathdetweilerRealtor]

Long-term, I don’t see how anchoring would not improve the life of that rail. I’m honestly surprised they didn’t.

[@nlwmish2010]

Code for guardrails is 30". Guardrails are taller than handrails and serve a different purpose. Vertical edges greater than 1/2" require edge protection. You can do that with a curb wall, obstacle, or handrails. Stairs require handrails on both sides, and ramps with a rise greater than 6" require handrails.

[@3Initials]

32-36 for handrails 36-42 for guardrails International Building Code National Building Code

[@seriouslyreally5413]

Safety first. For a doorway stoop you have to deal with managing the door egress which makes the steps themselves a significant hazard without a handrail. At least the side facing the door swing should have had a rail going down the steps.Cost or not I had similar custom solid metal railings going down the stairs put on my front walk anyways. Winter ice is too dangerous to risk personal injury or a lawsuit. I also want the mail delivered to my front door.

[@brokenwave6125]

Solid metal post? Thats unessecary. That has nothing to do with why similar railings end up wobbly.

[@brokenwave6125]

piazza gregg Dude...square tubing in that context has no significant give at all. And yeah...obviously less material will rust away faster but that's why you keep it painted like an actual adult...instead of just letting it rust for 10 years.

[@Engineer9736]

It depends on the lifespan where you’re planning for. I think any hollow tube fence is finished after 30 years or so. Steel is not expensive and the weight difference doesn’t matter much, so why would you go for hollow materials.

[@justinvangundy]

Hollow tubing posts allow for condensation within the post...hence rusting from the inside out. Solid posts is the correct choice in this instance, however a 2" dia. x 5" deep hole is required.

[@Revenge_of_Ming]

why not have the thing hot dip galvanized, it will never rust out then!

[@drumguytx08]

Where's Tommy damnit

[@edwardharrisno1909]

VsfhBhfhhx

[@mgdmong]

What kind of caulking was used toward the end of the install (around 4:50)? I need to do something like that to the bottom of my railing posts to divert water away.

[@DyLemmaOG]

just any kind of waterproof caulking would work fine

[@xianli6488]

Does it need to be prefabricated or already done?

[@TheLinkMedic]

is that a drill or a plasma gun?

[@lunzie01]

Why not pour the hydraulic cement in the hole then put in the post??

[@msk3905]

Doable but will force most out and make a mess, still could work

[@dariellopez4802]

Good video! Thisis very informational! Thank you for always informing people!

[@greenleafkratom]

Very useful information here! I am doing this for a client also

[@kosankrazy4143]

Drill down the center then use a concrete anchor to pull out slug

[@jameshawkins809]

I still feel like their should be an anchor against the brick wall!

[@garywoolcott4013]

Why did you not secure it to the wall for better stability ?

[@glennmcqueen9475]

“Custom made” just like the nature boys suits. Wooo

[@universe2823]

Glenn McQueen space mountain

[@VCGConstruction]

Turn down for what?!

[@grettagrids]

BAD way to Install a railing.. this is what will happen sooner then later.....kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGGlhnd7m6-KhdE

[@grettagrids]

soo now HOW can I fix this without busting the steps up and having concrete Poured and new steps made??? I was told it will cost me anywhere from 700$-1,000 ! this is an old 1800s house and I already have other repairs. but THIS was caused by a relative who took off fast after she broke it.. like the PU*** she is.

[@68camarorsss33]

I came here for the “I would of done it like this” comments

[@Engineer9736]

PatsCelticsFan Why? Dont you trust the information in the video? It’s “have” by the way, not “of”.

[@68camarorsss33]

Richard van Pukkem my point exactly

[@cup_and_cone]

You came to the right place.

[@vjcosta11]

my dads classic line growing up watching TOH.

[@Rawlse1236]

Wen is there going to come some new video's of Tommy

[@aldolasc6186]

Wasnt better at first fill those holes with cement and then just plug in the rail?

[@aldolasc6186]

piazza gregg ohh thats why, thankyou for reply

[@saadalnour8075]

Thank you

[@johnkrim8377]

The way to fill those holes is to make sure they are 100% dry then pour molten lead in them to the top , tamp lead down ,not going anywhere!

[@steveburval779]

John Krim I’ve been in the custom rail business for 50 years. No one leads anymore despite its dependability. What average individual would be able to safely lead a rail in place. Molten lead and a novice don’t mix.

[@steveburval779]

If stoop settles any anchoring of the railing to the wall will fail. We’ve been in the ornamental iron business for 83 years.

[@steveburval779]

Anchoring cement used will eventually fail due to intrusion of moisture. Better to use Portland cement and sand. Will last a lifetime. Or epoxy. Also level the rails before grouting posts in place. You’ll have a mess on your hands if you don’t. Lightly drive a wooded wedge between brick and top of rail to hold level laterally. This install will meet 200lb. Lateral load code requirements, especially with solid posts as shown.

[@johnkim1656]

@@steveburval779 what is the epoxy brand that you use? How deep does the rail need to be

[@chefbillyx]

What brand drill and bit was that?

[@fadetounforgiven]

I thought it was a Hilti drill because of the color scheme, but I'm not so sure after watching it twice.

[@alonzojohnson710]

chefbillyx hitti drill no brand on bit...

[@chefbillyx]

fadetounforgiven I don't think it was a Hilti. Wrong shape.

[@chefbillyx]

Alonzo Johnson I don't think it was a Hilti drill wrong shape.

[@alonzojohnson710]

chefbillyx the bit came with drill..so how u know...

[@wendyfitzgerald9179]

why they didn't trim that bottle rim back on the opposite side of pouring lip was the one thing that drove me nuts

[@ricardopineda3029]

Estan chidos sus reparaciones de construccion

[@stevengao8345]

does any one know how deep it needs to drill for the railing?

[@msk3905]

Minimum 6”

[@Nill757]

Avoid the coring drill. $$$. Diamond saw square cut for the stone holes, say 3x3”, stone chisel the corners out, then hammer drill to depth. Fill with appropriate color cement.

[@msk3905]

I see this method having a high percentage of the stone cracking core drill is so much smoother

[@Nill757]

@@msk3905 hammer drill 1/2” diameter or smaller, at least 3” from edge never cracks, else there would be no hammer drills and masonry bits.

[@efjefe]

Im offennded by this.

[@dwightemorgan4367]

Installation looks a little insufficient

[@jgroenveld1268]

It sounds like they had considered railing down the stairs as well but it was considered expensive. In my opinion it looked ok to me as it is only 21 inches off the ground and according to local code, railing is only required if the height is higher than 30 inches.

[@dwightemorgan4367]

J Groenveld understood

[@kirktitgen6395]

No, it is sufficient. I have something exactly like this for over 20 years and it is rock solid. I have another set of railing on the other side of the house that is held together with bolts and that one is flimsy as hell.

[@dwightemorgan4367]

Andrew August okay cool...

[@MoneyManHolmes]

I’m too OCD. I would have to anchor it to the house.

[@thebountyhunteraddictjames6696]

You're better off welding a plate on the bottom of the railing and screwing it to the slab someone else did the same thing for a customer I went back and welded a plate on the bottom of the posts screwed it down 4 years later it's still perfectly fine doing it the way he did in this video will end up being loose then you'll go lean on it and probably fall back and break your neck it wouldn't surprise me this in the best way but it's each To Their Own

[@bofadeeznuts469]

the Bounty Hunter addict James Moses punctuation

[@thebountyhunteraddictjames6696]

Bofa Deeznuts are you talking about

[@cup_and_cone]

Even of the hydraulic cement weren't there, there's enough depth in the hole to prevent the railing from falling over. It will likely get loose and wobbly, but the only way it's falling over is if someone lifts it up.

[@thebountyhunteraddictjames6696]

thechosendude that's not really the point though wouldn't you rather have it solid for life put some big lag bolts in the ground with a metal plate welded to the bottom of it it will never move again I've seen buildings with bolts and metal plates put in the wall which I like 40 years old and they're still in mint condition if you know what you are doing something will last for a long time I've been in construction for 30 years I'm still trucking on strong believe me I know what I'm talking about trust

[@thebountyhunteraddictjames6696]

piazza gregg what I am saying is if it was bolted to the ground it will last a lot longer then putting that liquid whatever it was can't remember the name because I don't use it but if it's bolted to the ground and the house it will not go anywhere I've seen stuff what been bolted to the ground 50 years ago and it's still perfectly fine now nothing at all wrong with it I've seen stuff done the same way as this guy has done and it's lasted a year and a half and then it starts to be loose doesn't matter how deep it is in their ground that's not the point just because it's safe and even if it did become wobbly you wouldn't fall over the banister but at the end of the day when a builder does a job it should be done right and so it never needs doing again for at least 50 or so years that's all I'm saying I've used LED melted and put it in a hole to do a similar thing like in this video and it is now loose that was half of year ago but that's bolted to the wall and I have poured lead into the holes where the legs are the lead has become loose but it's still solid because it's bolted to the wall if he did that that would have made more sense but still if you bolt it to the law and to the ground it's a permanent not just going to last for a couple of years like that will soon as water and stuff starts getting in it it starts becoming loose

[@NuclearNinja1979]

I lost it @4:22

[@dylansmith4096]

How to install a Metal railing.... with Dana white🤣🤣

[@bithacker3679]

Luckily it's not an April fools video because it was uploaded on April 1st

[@zekenzy6486]

nice work ^_^

[@jonathanaravanopules8549]

Hi

[@AlongtheFarClimbDown843]

Don't forget the duct tape!

[@kensmolow7759]

you should have put in the crete before you put the railing in it would hava been easier

[@mikejackman4416]

Is this guy not the electric chicken???

[@vjcosta11]

Came here for Roger, was immediately disappointed

[@jameswilliams663]

If this video was supposed to significantly aid the diyer, then long story short, they fell far short - oh well - onto the next video

[@fiftythreeer4696]

Aww hell nawww Where's Tom?

[@GranTorino429]

Who else saw Dana White in the thumbnail?

[@kixx027]

Not good

[@benjimcdowell1627]

Your opinion

[@Havi71599]

You get what you paid for. Cheap pay, cheap fix.

[@Davidb2784]

As Trump would say your fired

[@Rawlse1236]

We're is Tommy

[@titopagan1561]

Not the right way to install the railing.

[@robertvazquez35]

Fancy drill Walmart?? Lol

[@juanraguiga8506]

This did not like me! Poor labor job.

[@georgegreb3087]

I don’t like this guy

[@ben_the_cat_guy]

First

[@maxcohen13]

If you feel like you or your kids are "going to take a header" off of steps that wide and short, you people should move into an apartment. Because you clearly cannot handle some of the most basic aspects of owning a home.

[@scottwillis5434]

Ever watched a group of teenage males?

[@ES-qz3vg]

No Abla English

[@stevekissel3822]

wouldn't it be better to partially fill the holes with cement then insert post so you know it's full?