Stair handrail brackets

[kevin nee]

Hello, I have to install a handrail on an interior stairway. Does anyone have a suggestion on a quality bracket.
Thanks in advance, Kevin

[Lee Schierer]

The biggest mistake I've seen with hand rails is that the brackets are not anchored into the studs and even when they are, the screws are not long enough nor strong enough to do the job. Ideally there should be a nailer or double stud placed for anchoring hand rails before the wall is closed in. I would suggest buying a commercial grade hand rail bracket. Avoid the ones sold in the big box stores.

Sturdy hand rail bracket (https://www.stoneharborhardware.com/products/heavy-duty-handrail-bracket).

[Tom Bender]

Builder put my handrail on the wall screwed to the studs but right thru the drywall. The brackets had a footprint on the drywall of about a square inch. In time the drywall got crushed. I made wooden medallions about 3" square x 3/8" thick. Much better now.