drilling with a spade blade

[nwyaker]

If these are being used as a guard or safety rail, no way are they strong enough or up to code requirements.

[davester]

nwyaker wrote:
If these are being used as a guard or safety rail, no way are they strong enough or up to code requirements.

I agree. I sure hope those are only supposed to be cosmetic, because they are less safe than nothing at all since somebody might be tempted to lean on them thinking they were safe. As I recall code requires that a stair safety rail is required to resist a 300 lb lateral force. Those things would be hard pressed to resist 30 lb.

[space-time]

nwyaker wrote:
If these are being used as a guard or safety rail, no way are they strong enough or up to code requirements.

Not a guard or safety rail

[Buzz]

scrap the whole thing and remake it out of TIG welded titanium...

[artie67]

Ok, this is the entry to your home. Porch overhang and two 4x4 posts with this doweling conecting to the wall of the home. Ok, if both sides?
Again not enough information.
Take the dowels out and cover with 1/3 or so, prime and paint later. Get some swimming pool fencing (square tubing) that is enough to do both sides. This is assuming that there is two sides. Brackets are at the home depot etc. Now paint with metal primer and matching color or not to the house color.
Now the hard part. Ask the SWMBO about adding hanging plants (weather permitting) on either side.
My problem is the close photo is not a lot of help to desigh from. Post another pic and we can all jump in the pool!