Step 7: Drill holes in the poles

Photo: This Old House television
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Lay each pole on the work surface, flat side up. Draw a line down the middle of each pole, then mark the line in four places along the lower third of the pole. Start the marks a few inches from the bottom, and space them exactly 4 inches apart, to align with the holes in the supports.

Hang the end of the pole over the edge of your work surface. Using a drill/driver, make a 5/16-inch hole at each mark.
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    Tools List

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    • circular saw
      Circular saw or jigsaw
    • hammer
      Hammer
    • drill
      Drill/driver fitted with #6 countersink bit and 5/16-inch drill bit
    • random orbit sander
      Random-orbit sander
    • 30-foot tape measure
      Tape measure
    • straightedge guide
      Straightedge

    Shopping List

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    1. 12 feet of 1½-inch diameter pine handrail
    (round on one side, flat on the other)

    2. 3 feet of 1x8 poplar

    3. Wood glue

    4. 3d nails

    5. 2-inch deck screws6. 1¼-inch deck screws

    7. Four ¼ x 3½-inch carriage bolts
    with fender washers, lock washers and wingnuts

    8. 120-grit sandpaper

    9. One pair of 1½-inch rubber feet (sometimes used for furniture or canes)