These are the main component handrail parts along with a brief description of each.
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Monkey's Tail or Wreathed Volute.
This is at the start of a flight of stairs when the handrail curves round to sit over a 'D tread', an ornate horizontal scroll that is supported by either a continuation of spindles or a Newel post. |

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'D Tread'.
A 'D tread' is a tread that is wider than the normal width of the staircase. |

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Opening Cap or Bun.
This is a less ornate version of the Monkey's tail and is used when the handrail finishes in a straight line, the cap is supported by a Newel post. |

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Ram's Horn.
The Ram's horn is a vertical ornate scroll that attaches to the end of a run of handrail. |

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Drop end.
A drop end is a section of the profiled handrail that is mitred to give it a vertical finish. |

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Profiled end.
A profiled end is where the handrail is cut to length and and the pattern is continued round it. |

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Wreath.
A wreath is a three dimensional turn, going up and round following the line of the staircase. |

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Ramp or easing.
A ramp is used to change from one pitch to another, this is normally found in the transition between landing and stairs but can also be found mid flight. |

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Goose neck or Swan's neck.
This is found at the top of a flight of stairs and is used to maintain the hight of the handrail in the transition between stairs and landing. |

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Flat 90.
This is a profiled two dimensional turn. It is used to change direction horizontally creating a curve rather than a mitred joint. |

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