wrote in message
oups.com...
i have a raised ranch home with the typical concrete steps in front
with the cast iron handrails. both of the handrails are a bit loose.
yesterday one fell completely off. the bottom of the cast iron where
it was mounted to the steps had rusted through and broke off and one f
the mounts, cracked the corner of the step off when the rail fell.

here are some pics:
the steps with the fallen handrail leaning against it:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d2...1/DSC01006.jpg

the rusted bottom of one of the mounts on the railing:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d2...1/DSC01008.jpg

the part where the corner of the step cracked off:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d2...1/DSC01007.jpg

so the question is - can this be repaired? do i just need to get a new
handrail ro should i replace the steps altogether? where would i even
go for something like that? does home depot or Lowe's have that sort
of stuff? i searched their sites and didn't come up with any results.


I have done wrought iron for 25 years. I used to be a steel erection
contractor. Fergeddabout Lowe's, HD, et al. They use .049" tubing, and it
will rust out in three years. And they might have a hard time matching your
rise/run. And THEN, you will have to hire one of the derelicts Lowe's or HD
uses to install same, at extra cost.

If you called me to your house, this is what I would do:

If there is enough concrete there to go in from the side, I would cut off
the rusted ends, weld on extensions of .120" square tube, weld plates to the
extensions, and Red Head the plates to the side of the steps. This will put
your railings a little farther out, and if you really have to have them
where they were, you will just have to offset the welded on pieces to put it
back where it was. Do not let them weld the bottoms of the verticals shut,
as this will trap water. A plastic cap with a small hole drilled in it
works. Secure with contact cement.

Easiest, fastest, cheapest. In my day, I would charge $300 for labor,
materials, paint, and give you a 100% guarantee for five years. Done right
by a licensed contractor.

I'd be there by 8AM, and be off in time for lunch.

If you know a welder, call him/her/it. If not, call a local welding shop
and see if they want to do it.

To cover up the holes left by the broken off pieces, cut/chisel/hammer the
stubs below the surface of the concrete and fill with PourStone. You could
even add a little aggregate on top to match your present steps, and they
would be hardly noticeable.

I just made a pair this morning almost exactly like yours for my cabin. I
used the outside plates to mount them directly on the outsides of the 4x10
wood stringers. Get one rail set, get out a level, and shoot the other one.
Batta bing. Quick, easy, looks good for a long time.

Steve