Mortise and tenon substitute solution

[brianroberts]

I would like to replace my stair hand rails (pine to oak), but I do not want to go to the bother (and expense) of changing the upright posts (newel posts) as I intend to paint them. The existing hand rails are attached to the newel posts by mortise and tenon, the only way to get them out is to cut through at the intersections - but then I have a problem attaching the new rails to the posts - I can't use mortise and tenon as there is no room to manoeuvre the joints into position. So I guess I could use screws at an angle from underneath but I am not sure how secure this solution would be. Maybe I could somehow use a peg from underneath or perhaps there are some brackets available! Two of the longer handrails are horizon (on the landing) but I have another 5 shorter rails which are angled downwards along the turn of the stairs. I would be grateful for any advice please. Thanks

 

[big-all]

many systems and ways
look up stair parts
http://www.wickes.co.uk/newel-post-and-handrail-fastener/invt/120363/

you can also do a false tenon into the handrail
as in a 10" off cut with the tenon one end and a tapered tenon into the hand rail the other end

 

[Norcon]

Surely you can dowel them.
Just pin the newels and hammer down the rail to mark the locations and then drill in large dowels.
Job done.

 

[foxhole]

Lots of options to connect handrail.