Tip Sheet - How to Drill and Rivet Handrail Brackets

Explore our range of modern railing systems including cable railing systems, glass railing systems, and stainless steel railings — perfect for indoor and outdoor applications.

Overview1

Note: The most prefrerred way to attach the handrail to the bracket is welding. Welding is faster in installation time and it's sturdier. We recommend finding a local Premium-grade stainless steel welder in your area for projects of mid to large size

This document contains the comprehensive information for how to drill and rivets for brackets use or handrail brackets

Caution:

  • Wear protective AISI approved safety glasses, working gloves and breathing mask at all times
  • Inspect before installation or use; do not use if parts are loose or damaged
  • Use for intended purposes only

It is the responsibility of Inline Design customers to comply with city, national, and international building codes. Please ensure proper research is conducted prior to the installation due to variations of city building codes. Inline Design is not liable for ensuring that projects meet code requirements

Tools Required

Most of the tools can be found at your localHarbor Freight Store. 20% one itemIn-Store Coupon

  1. Center Puncher
  2. Drill press
  3. Drill bit #11 (0.191) or #10 (0.194) in cobalt
  4. 3/16" capable Rivet tool
  5. 3/16" x 1/2" Rivets
  6. Cutting oil
  7. Marker Pen
  8. Jig(for round tubing only)

Instructions

1) Mount the posts to the floor or the brackets to the wall before installing the handrail tube. Please refer to other instructions document found on our website for help in that operation

2) Place the handrail tubing on the saddles. Mark the drilling points using a marker

3) It’s very important not to skip this point otherwise the drill bit will skid. Remove the handrail then place it on a working table. Mark the drilling points with a puncher or anautomatic center puncher. Punch a couple of times in the same location to make the drilling point deeper.

4) Use the corresponding drill bit size [Recommended Drill Size for 3/16" rivet is#11 (0.191) #10 (0.194)]

5) Dip the drill bit into a small cap filled with cutting oil

6) Hold firm but without pressing too hard the hand-drill then gradually apply pressure to drill through the top rail with stopping a couple of times to oil the drill bit. Finish drilling all the points.

7) Use the provided rivet tool to rivet the hole and the bracket together

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