Abstract: A hand rail system and associated methods. Newel posts of the hand rail system can be mounted in a top mount configuration or a lateral mount configuration. Mounts are receivable in a boot subassembly in a horizontal or vertical arrangement for anchoring the boot subassembly to substructure. After anchoring of the boot subassembly, a column subassembly may be installed and anchored. Openings in the boot and column subassemblies permit access to the interior of the newel post for anchoring the boot and column subassemblies and for connecting a hand rail to the column subassembly. Subsequent installation of covers on the boot subassembly and column subassembly closes the newel post and provides a finished appearance free of external indication that openings in the newel post existed and have been covered. Four-sided turned newels, newel panel retainers, and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand rail system and associated methods. Newel posts of the hand rail system can be mounted in a top mount configuration or a lateral mount configuration. Mounts are receivable in a boot subassembly in a horizontal or vertical arrangement for anchoring the boot subassembly to substructure. After anchoring of the boot subassembly, a column subassembly may be installed and anchored. Openings in the boot and column subassemblies permit access to the interior of the newel post for anchoring the boot and column subassemblies and for connecting a hand rail to the column subassembly. Subsequent installation of covers on the boot subassembly and column subassembly closes the newel post and provides a finished appearance free of external indication that openings in the newel post existed and have been covered. Four-sided turned newels, newel panel retainers, and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand rail system and associated methods. Newel posts of the hand rail system can be mounted in a top mount configuration or a lateral mount configuration. Mounts are receivable in a boot subassembly in a horizontal or vertical arrangement for anchoring the boot subassembly to substructure. After anchoring of the boot subassembly, a column subassembly may be installed and anchored. Openings in the boot and column subassemblies permit access to the interior of the newel post for anchoring the boot and column subassemblies and for connecting a hand rail to the column subassembly. Subsequent installation of covers on the boot subassembly and column subassembly closes the newel post and provides a finished appearance free of external indication that openings in the newel post existed and have been covered. Four-sided turned newels, newel panel retainers, and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand rail system and associated methods. Newel posts of the hand rail system can be mounted in a top mount configuration or a lateral mount configuration. Mounts are receivable in a boot subassembly in a horizontal or vertical arrangement for anchoring the boot subassembly to substructure. After anchoring of the boot subassembly, a column subassembly may be installed and anchored. Openings in the boot and column subassemblies permit access to the interior of the newel post for anchoring the boot and column subassemblies and for connecting a hand rail to the column subassembly. Subsequent installation of covers on the boot subassembly and column subassembly closes the newel post and provides a finished appearance free of external indication that openings in the newel post existed and have been covered. Four-sided turned newels, newel panel retainers, and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Installation systems, apparatus, and methods for use in enlarging an opening in a surface and/or installing an object in an opening in a surface. A rotary bit adaptor is adapted for mounting a guide on a rotary bit for centering the rotary bit in an existing opening for enlarging the opening on center. A support system includes a connector having a retainer and a support in ratcheting engagement with the support for supporting an object in an opening. The installation systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed with respect to installation of balusters in stairway balustrades.

Abstract: Installation systems, apparatus, and methods for use in enlarging an opening in a surface and/or installing an object in an opening in a surface. A rotary bit adaptor is adapted for mounting a guide on a rotary bit for centering the rotary bit in an existing opening for enlarging the opening on center. A support system includes a connector having a retainer and a support in ratcheting engagement with the support for supporting an object in an opening. The installation systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed with respect to installation of balusters in stairway balustrades.