AKW 1700 Series Cranked & Newel Grab Rails – Choice of Style

AKW 1700 Series Cranked & Newel Grab Rails – Choice of Style

The AKW 1700 Series cranked and newel grab rails are special purpose rails for doorways, steps and stairs – the places around the home where a straight rail is not quite the right shape. A cranked rail has an offset (cranked) shape with flat ends, so it can be fixed to a door frame or wall beside a step and still leave room for the hand. The newel rail is a 32mm white powder coated steel rail with a 90° turn, designed to give extra grip where a staircase begins or ends, in left or right hand versions.

Key features & benefits

• Cranked rails – offset design for doorways and steps
• 630mm cranked rail in white plastic dipped steel
• 445mm cranked rail in white steel
• 445mm cranked rail in stainless steel with a brown epoxy finish – blends with timber door frames
• Cranked rails have flat ends and a 43mm wall clearance
• Newel rail – 32mm diameter white powder coated steel with a 90° turn
• Newel rail available left hand or right hand

Choosing your rail

Use a cranked rail at a front or back door, porch or internal step, where the user needs something to hold while stepping up and through. The 630mm rail gives a longer grip; the 445mm rails suit narrower door frames, and the brown finish is less noticeable against wood. These cranked rails are intended for general internal areas rather than wet bathrooms or shower rooms – for bathrooms choose a stainless steel or plastic rail from the AKW 1200, 1400, 1600 or 1900 Series.

The newel rail comes in left and right hand versions, which are mirror images of each other. Check which side of the staircase the rail will be fitted on, and call us on 0333 772 4162 before ordering if you are unsure which handing you need.

Installation notes

A grab rail is only as strong as the wall it is fixed to. Always use fixings suited to the wall type (solid masonry, timber stud or plasterboard with noggins or a pattress board) and fit the rail with every fixing point used. Wall fixings are not normally supplied, because the right fixing depends on your wall. Check for hidden pipes and cables before drilling. Where a rail is being fitted for a specific person, an occupational therapist can advise on the best height and position.

Sizes & product codes

Technical specification

Frequently asked questions

What is a cranked grab rail?

A rail with an offset shape and flat ends, designed for fixing beside a doorway or step so the hand has clearance to grip.

Can I use a cranked rail in the bathroom?

These rails are intended for general internal areas. For bathrooms and shower rooms choose a stainless steel or plastic grab rail.

What is a newel rail?

A rail with a 90° turn that gives an extra handhold at the bottom or top of a staircase, where the banister alone may not give enough support.

Are fixings included?

No – use fixings suited to your wall or door frame.

Need help choosing?

Not sure which length, colour or style you need? Call the Key West Bathrooms team on 0333 772 4162. We supply AKW mobility products to homeowners, installers, care providers, housing associations and local authority adaptation schemes, and we are happy to help you put together the right set of rails for a bathroom, toilet or shower room.