L.J. Smith Stair Systems 1.5-in x 4.69-in Matte Black Wrought iron Universal Stair Baluster Installation hardware

Tricky to Install but High Quality

These were a bit of a pain to install perfectly lined up, but are decent quality for the price and solve the problem of having to drill perfectly aligned holes for balusters on new installations, and make it possible to convert wood to iron on refab baluster installations. Glad Lowe's carried these in my local store so I could get the project done. I would use them again on future installs

Good product

Our wood stair rails were spaced too far apart and we needed to bring them up to code. With a few modifications to the instructions, this worked out well for us and looks very professional, as you can see in the photo.

Baluster fittings

These work on stairs or level balcony areas. Very versatile for your upgrade projects.

Well worth the cost- flexibility

The system is far superior to the less expensive options. When doing a retrofit, no two installations are alike and this kit allows the installer (including the DIY) the ability to accommodate the variances in angles, of pre-drilled holes, etc. Great system!

Not able to tighten

So the set screw when tightened to hold the baluster, pushes the baluster off center from the shoe. I spoke with LJ Smith who stated that the set screws are not meant to tighten to hold the baluster. He recommended that I use epoxy to set the baluster so that it does not rattle in the shoe. One problem, the video does not show this step, instructions do not show this step, and thirdly it would have been easier and much more cost effective to have went the more traditional route. Product has a hu...

Would not work on my plowed rail.

The lower half of this mount needs to have room to rotate to screw it to the mount. There wasn't enough room on my plowed rail to do that. I was able to cut my balusters to a perfect length that allowed me to slide them up in the top mount, then move them over the bottom mount and drop them in place and still have enough material to tighten the set screws. (barely) Also, the hole is much larger than the standard 1/2" iron baluster, so it doesn't fit and look all the great. Not sure I would ...

Great product if you can get it out of the package

I used both of versions this product, kneewall and level, when I replaced all of the 23 balusters in my kitchen area with these shoes and the iron balusters sold at Lowe's. Generally, the product works as intended, but expect to use a little ingenuity to get it to work right since it is a universal fit product. For my kneewall stairs, I had to modify the installation on the top rail to just sticking the round piece in the left over hole because the included base and spacer did not work for ...