How do I trim this hand rail in place?

[Halitosis]

We replaced our banister but the new hand rail is wider and now fingers can’t fit between it and the ceiling/floor at the top. As a result my aging mum has nothing to hold on to.
Is there a tool or technique to take 1/2 inch off the side of the hand rail so close to the wall?
Thanks all

 

[mattylad]

Sounds like you need to remove it, use a router to remove a section then repaint and refit.

 

[johnny2007]

Router.
A good diyer would've thought of this problem before buying a different size handrail, but it happens to the best.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Is the wall a solid one or studwork?
Someone could cut that handrail using a tracksaw, widening the gap but it would be messy, and need hand work as well.
Short of removing the whole thing, the easiest is to add either a second slim handrail parallel with the first, possibly using the spindles as support (I've done this) or a second slim handrail screwed to the wall but slightly higher than the existing one (so a "step" )
Another option could be a cord/rope running along the wall above the bad part.

 

[Tigercubrider]

http://stairropes.com/

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Must resist commenting!

 

[johnny2007]

Router.
A good diyer would've thought of this problem before buying a different size handrail, but it happens to the best.

Just realised this is not an easy handrail on wall brackets.
Well, that's quite a problem as no router will fit that close to the wall.
Multitool might work but you need a very steady hand.
Who fitted this?

 

[catlad]

Cut it at the top of the stairs where it meets the newel post, pull it away from the wall enough to get your hand in then re-attach it.

 

[SFK]

Don't touch it - leave it in place as is.

Instead put a 'Pigs Ear hand rail' on the wall on the other side of the stairs for your mum to hold onto:
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=pigs+ear+handrail
SFK