Contemporary Newel Mount Handrail Bracket (1040, Satin Black or Stainless Steel finishes)

I received item 1040 (Newel Mount Handrail Bracket) to install onto my Newel post. After I drilled a pilot hole I tried to install the ****; and the head of the **** stripped out. I tried another, same result. Tried a different bit....same result. At this point I went to the hardware because I thought the bit I was using was maybe the incorrect size. Bought a new bit and went home and tried again; wouldn't you know, I had the same result. Tried a bigger pilot hole and it stripped out again. I contacted Customer Service and talked with a lady who seemed very nice, she said they had received complaints about the screws in the past. I asked for 15 replacements screws or an alternative **** be sent to me. She said she would contact a supervisor and get back to me later that day. No call back received. Ten days later I called and left a message, no call back. And then today I get this review in the email! I am very disappointed in the product (especially after buying ten at a very expensive price) and basically are useless to me. I did go to the hardware and purchase different screws but they are not black and cost me an additional $20. I would not recommend this product or purchasing from this company.