How Do I Install DriveTite Cable Railing?

Learn how to plan and install DriveTite cable railing on wood posts. Covers kit counts, cable sizing, and the full level run installation process.

DriveTite is Viewrail's cable railing system for wood posts. It gives you a clean cable look without replacing the posts. The hardware hides inside a slim cover, so the cable stays visually light.

This guide covers planning, parts, and the full level-run install path. If you need the broader system overview first, use How do I Install a Cable or Rod Railing System?.

DriveTite uses purpose-built Level and Angle kits. For a closer look at how the hidden hardware works, use How Viewrail's Hidden Fasteners Work.

What this guide covers

• Fit check — when DriveTite works well on wood posts.
• Order planning — how to count kits and cable.
• Install sequence — how to mark, drill, crimp, and tension a level run.

Before You Start

Confirm your posts fit the system

DriveTite works on solid wood posts, including cedar, pressure-treated lumber, and IPE. It fits both new builds and retrofits.

The main requirement is simple. Each post needs at least 3½ inches of solid structural material for the receiver screws.

If your posts are in good shape and already spaced correctly, DriveTite is a realistic DIY weekend project.

Confirm your layout

Keep posts no more than 4 feet apart on center. This limits cable deflection and helps maintain code-compliant spacing.

If a span is wider than 4 feet, add an intermediate post. Intermediate posts support the cable. They do not carry tensioning hardware.

Step 1: Plan your order

Count your kits

Each DriveTite Level Kit covers one anchor point. That means one kit per hole, per post face.

You need kits on both ends of every cable run. One end anchors the cable. The other end tensions it.

Viewrail recommends spacing cables 3⅛ inches on center. That supports the common 4-inch sphere rule for guardrails when installed correctly.

For a standard 36-inch guard, that usually means 10 cable runs. For one run between two end posts, that equals 20 kits.

Count your cable

Measure the total length of each cable run. Then multiply by the number of cable lines.

Add 10% overage. Then round up to the nearest spool size.

DriveTite uses 5/32-inch 316 stainless steel cable. Cable spools come in 100-foot and 400-foot sizes.

Step 2: Gather parts and tools

What comes with each DriveTite Level Kit

Each kit includes:

• Receiver screw
• Threaded crimp fitting
• Turnbuckle
• Receiver
• Cover

What's in the DriveTite Installation Kit

The installation kit includes the specialized tools for the job:

• Multi-function hand tool for cutting cable
• T-25 bit
• DriveTite Wrench for spacing and tensioning
• 3/32-inch Allen wrench for angle kits

Tools you supply

You also need:

• Impact driver or drill
• Tape measure
• Speed square
• Drill block
• Painter's tape
• Pliers
• 3/16-inch drill bit
• Center punch
• Marker

Step 3: Install the level run

The video above shows the full process. Use this sequence during the install.

1

Mark the posts

Run painter's tape down the center of each post face. This protects the wood while you mark.

Mark the first cable hole 3 5/16 inches below the handrail. Then use the DriveTite Wrench to mark the remaining holes at 3⅛-inch spacing.

2

Pre-drill and install the receivers

Pre-drill each mark with a 3/16-inch bit. Use a drill block to keep the holes straight and consistent.

Drive each receiver into the post with an impact driver and T-25 bit. Finish with a drill on a low clutch setting to avoid overtightening.

3

Measure, cut, and crimp the first end

Measure the cable run from inside post to inside post. Cut the cable and crimp the first fitting.

Slide the cover onto the cable before you crimp. Once the fitting is on, you cannot add the cover later.

Thread the turnbuckle into the receiver. Leave enough thread engagement to install the cover and re-tension later.

4

Run, cut, and crimp the second end

Pull the cable taut across the run. Mark it 1¾ inches from the inside face of the opposite post.

Cut and crimp the second end. Then thread it into the receiver counter-clockwise while keeping the cable from rotating.

5

Repeat and final-tension the system

Install the remaining cable runs and bring each one to hand-tight first.

Once all lines are in place, go back and final-tension them in sequence for even deflection across the system. Then screw the covers down to hide the hardware.

Step 4: Maintain the system

DriveTite uses stainless steel components built for long-term exterior use. It does not require painting, staining, or sealing.

Cleaning: Rinse with water and clean with warm soapy water or a stainless steel cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads and steel wool.

Re-tensioning: Wood decks settle over time, and cable can loosen slightly. Unscrew the cover, tighten the turnbuckle with the DriveTite Wrench or a crescent wrench, and reinstall the cover.

For a full maintenance schedule, use How Do I Maintain Cable Railing?.

Related topics

• How do I Install a Cable or Rod Railing System? — Start with the broader install path.
• How Viewrail's Hidden Fasteners Work — See how DriveTite, Level, and Angle kits tension cleanly.
• Wood vs Metal Railing Posts: Which Is Better for Cable Railing? — Decide when wood posts make sense.
• How Do I Maintain Cable Railing? — Keep the system clean and properly tensioned.