DIY Cable Railing Installation with Metal Posts
Is Installing Cable Railing with Metal Posts a DIY-Friendly Project?
This project is: DIY-FRIENDLY
Installing Cable Bullet tensioners in metal posts is a straightforward process, perfect for DIY enthusiasts. The same hardware works seamlessly on straight, angled, or sloped railing sections.
Whether you're using Cable Bullet Signature Series posts or working with a fabricator on a custom solution for your project, nothing says modern elegance quite like aluminum or steel railing. Cable Bullet metal post tensioners feature a finer machine thread that is ideal for attaching to steel or aluminum post walls.
Continue reading or download the installation instructions:
Specifications for Using Cable Bullet Tensioners with Custom Metal Posts
Cable Bullet tensioners can be used for cable infill with aluminum, steel, or stainless custom metal railing. To make sure your rail design is compatible with our tensioners, follow these specifications:
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USE 2X2-INCH TUBING (minimum) for strength, and to allow space for two sets of tensioners on opposing or perpendicular sides.
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STEEL POSTS should have a wall thickness of no less than 3/16”. Drill a 19/32” pilot hole and tap for 5/8-18 threading.
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ALUMINUM POSTS should have a wall thickness of no less than 1/4”. Drill a 37/64” pilot hole and tap for 5/8-18 threading.
Materials List for Installing Cable Railing in Metal Posts
Supplies:
- Metal tensioner kits
- 5/32" diameter cable
- Boeshield T-9® stainless steel lubricant
- Cable spacer bar kits (optional)
- Shop rags
- 3/4" painter's tape (optional)
Tools:
- Cable Bullet installation kit for metal posts
- Socket wrench with 7/16” head
- Hex socket power bit (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Cable Railings in Metal Posts
PLEASE NOTE: All Cable Bullet recommendations and rail components are designed to comply with the International Residential Code (IRC). However, because building codes may vary it is the installer's responsibility to verify that the installed system complies with all applicable state and local building codes. For more information on Cable Bullet and building code standards, visit our terms page.
1 | Set Tensioners
Thread the tensioners into the post and use the Cable Bullet Driver and a socket wrench with a 7/16” socket to align the tensioners so the set screw is accessible relative to the angle of the cable.
2 | Lubricate Tensioners
Apply a drop of Boeshield T-9 lubricant to the set screw channel of each tensioner to ease installation and reduce the likelihood of seizing, passivate the stainless, and help prevent corrosion.
3 | Fix Spacer Bars (Optional)
Fixed spacer bars attach to the top rail using a standoff. Use a #25 drill bit for the pilot hole, and tap for 10-24 NC. Use a drill to set the standoff, then thread the spacer bar onto the standoff.
PRO TIP: Protect the finish and threads on your standoff during installation with a piece of painter's tape.
4 | Cut Rough Cable Lengths
Measure your runs and cut oversized, rough lengths of cable for each. Leave an extra few inches so as not to end up short. You will make a finish cut later.
5 | Crimp Cable Ends
Fit the first end of your cable with a lobed washer and crimp sleeve. Use the Cable Bullet Crimper to firmly set the crimp. Each sleeve will receive 2 crimps, one at each end.
CAUTION: A properly crimped cable end is essential to maintaining the integrity and safety of your cable. A weak connection will slip over time and fail against an impact load.
6 | Set Cable Ends
Insert the crimped cable and lobed washer into the tensioner and use a 3/32” Allen key or hex socket power bit to advance the set screw until it is flush with the face of the tensioner.
CAUTION: To minimize the risk of cross-threading or galling, use a manual socket driver or Allen wrench.
7 | Run Cables
With the crimped end locked in place, thread your cable through all the intermediate posts and Spacer Bars.
PRO TIP: Tape your floating spacer bars to the closest post until all your cables are set.
8 | Cut Exact Cable Lengths
Pull the cable hand-tight, measure one inch past the face of the tensioner, and make your finish cut.
PRO TIP: Use 3/4" painters tape to easily measure 1" past the face of the tensioner (1/4" tensioner head + 3/4" painters tape.)
Repeat steps #5 and #6 to secure the second end of your cable, then repeat the entire process for each of your cables.
9 | Final Tensioning
Once all your cables are in place, begin tensioning each run from the innermost cable outwards.
Avoid overtightening. A properly tensioned cable will deflect approximately 1/4” per foot under a 50lb load. This will feel more like a bass guitar string, less like piano wire.
10 | Set Spacer Bars
Position and lock any Floating Cable Spacer Bars in place by advancing the set screw top and bottom.
Cable Railing Care & Maintenance Instructions
Once your cable railing with metal posts is installed, proper care and maintenance are essential to maintain its sleek appearance and structural integrity.
Regular cleaning, tension checks, and protective treatments are key to ensuring your aluminum or steel posts continue to look and perform their best. Follow the Cable Bullet Care & Maintenance Instructions for lasting beauty and durability.