A bracket assembly includes a mounting plate configured to attach to a railing support surface and a collar connected to the mounting plate. The collar includes three side walls configured to retain the baluster, an open side suitably sized to insertably receive an end of the baluster between the three side walls, and a protrusion formed on an outer surface of laterally opposed side walls of the three side walls. The disclosed bracket assembly further includes a clip removably connected to the collar. The clip includes a first clip side wall and laterally opposed clip side walls extending from the first clip side wall. The clip is connected to the collar such that the first clip side wall substantially covers the collar open side and the opposed clip side walls engage the protrusions on the collar.