On Jun 4, 2:23*pm, wrote:
On Thu, 4 Jun 2009 09:50:09 -0700 (PDT), Kyle
wrote:



Have browsed the group's posts looking for a solution to a railing
problem, but need some clarification and advise.

An iron stair rail on the back porch of a house we own has come loose.
There appears to be a steel plate anchored into the concrete of the
bottom step and the iron post was held to it by some sort of metal-
like caulk (as best I can describe it). The two have separated and the
rail is shaky.

I need to repair this soon because the family living there has two
young girls - late elementary school age - and I don't want this
railing to be a hazard for them.

The perfect solution would be to have a mobile welding shop come weld
the two together once and for all. Cost (I'm guestimating) around
$150-200.

Another approach would be to attempt to bond the post and plate
together, perhaps with an epoxy resin, including even wrapping it with
a fiberglass mesh to create a "shoe" the post would be held in.

Would that second solution be sufficient to provide a reasonable
expectation of the railing holding the weight of someone leaning on it
or bumping against it?

Take the railing off and take it to a welding shop ! *Will probably
cost you $10 to $20.

Ah. Neglected to mention the other posts are securely anchored in
concrete. That sucker ain't comin' off short of replacing the porch.