securing newel posts?

[sr72]

howdy folks,

i was just wondering what is the best way to secure the above mentioned?whoever put the bannister up before(previous owners) has just drilled pilots and whacked some screws in.i was thinking 6" nails might do the trick?although there doesnt seem to be anwhere to take the nails.at the moment its all over the shop,surely there has got to be no play in it. gratefull for any advice,thanks.

 

[Tom.]

My newel post has two whacking great huge big nails holding it to the floor, knocked in horizontally into the joist next to it (top of stairs is a few inches below the upstairs landing if you know what I mean).

Its 100 years old and a tiny bit wobbly, but isn't going anywhere soon.

 

[masona]

Any photo ? because there're many difference type.