Remodeling : Reinforce Attic Stairs : Home & Garden Television

Home repair expert Henry Harrison helps a guest reinforce the wobbly bottom section of his attic stairs. They fit the treads snugly into the dado joints, screw the treads tightly to the stringer and install a rod under the treads. On Harrison's elbow grease scale of one to four, this job gets a one.

Tools:

portable work bench
power drill with a 5/8th inch bit
screwdrivers
carpenter’s pencil
rubber mallet
sliding T-bevel
metal file
spring clamp
cat’s paw pry bar
adjustable wrench
hacksaw
towel
enetrating oil
metal rod
#8 deck screws
washers
nuts

Figure A

Figure B

Steps:

1. Remove old nails securing treads between the stringers using the cat's paw pry bar (figure A).

2. Snug the treads tightly into the dado grooves by tapping on the stringer with a rubber mallet (figure B).

Figure C

Figure D

3. Secure the treads with screws. Determine exactly where to drill so the screws go into the center of the treads. Use the sliding T-bevel to determine the angle then transfer the angle to the outside of the stringer (figure C).

4. Pre-drill holes for screws using a countersinking bit. Install the screws (figure D).

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

5. If you need to add another reinforcing rod, switch to a larger 5/8-inch bit and drill holes through the stringers and on the underside of the tread you wish to reinforce. Insert a metal support rod through the hole (figure E).

6. Secure the rod with lock washers and nuts on either end. Install the rod with minimal overhang on one side, then cut away the excess on the other end using a hacksaw (figure F). Spray the rod with penetrating oil to lubricate the hacksaw while you cut.

7. File the cut edge down. Reinstall the stair section and carefully test it out to make sure it's secure (figure G).

Also in this Episode

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-313
•	Repair Broken Tub Drain
•	Level Foundation for a Garden Shed
•	Reinforce Attic Stairs
•	Toolbox: Wire Mesh

Remodeling

Reinforce Attic Stairs

Tools

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