Removing spindles from stair case

[harj]

Hi.

I started attempting to strip the starcase yesterday and am not at all looking forward to doing the spindles

Is it possible to remove the spindles and then I could have them stripped, of so, does anyone have any instructions or anything on the web I could have a look at

thanks - harry

 

[masona]

Normally, spindles are glued which make it impossible to move it without damaging it.Depending on the age of your staircase and how it fitted.The spindle normally fit into the slot and timber spacing in between.You could try and using paint stripper round the bottom of the spindles first,and carefully to see if it will come apart.If you don't mind paying out,then the easiest way would be to renew spindles.

 

[DAZB]

If you look closely you may notice that the spindles are seperated by a flat wooden spacer which sits in the channel that the spindles sit in. It may be that these are pinned in with panel pins and can be removed. Even if you destroy a few getting these out they can easily be replaced. Then if you are lucky the spindles will only be pinned from one angle and a few taps using a hammer and a block of wood will shift them. If you aren't lucky they will be pinned from all angles,glued, or even screwed. In that case it may be a full replacement job. You can get standard turned spindles for around 2 quid apiece at B+Q so it's not too bad.

 

[breezer]

not forgetting our favourite place

 

[harj]

thanks for the suggestions and tips I did think about replacing the spindles but the ones I have at the moment are quite unique and would like to keep them if at all possible.

Anyway, I started on a couple yesterday and it wasnt as bad as I had first thought, I reckon about 2 spindles an evening will be the most I can do if I do it properly.

harry

 

[Gees]

When I did my staircase I uncoupled the bannister rail from the bottom post and then i was able to lift it up to enable the cut nails to be withdrawn with the spindles from the bannister rail and the bottom with a minimal amount of damage ( house is 105 years old )

 

[debrao]

I am doing the exact job but just feel like crying know when I look at it as it is taking so long and there is a part of the stairs where I cannot get the heat torch or my hand round to get at a couple of spindles. seeing as my house is 110 years old it looks like they are solid in place but I want to same or similar spindles as I have if I need to replace them. This looks like it is going to be the case. I wish I had not even started but I do want them stained not painted.

 

[foxhole]

You can get any style of spindle copied.