# Angle Side Mount Post Install

<figure><img src="/files/uEnpoWKUM8Y8p2ZyhWAx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Tools Needed for this Installation

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* Measuring Tape
* Chalk Line Tool
* Speed Square
* Pencil
* Drill
* 13/64" Metal Drill Bit
* 3  /16" Drill Bit
* Hand Rivet Tool
* Post Level
* Torque Wrench
  {% endcolumn %}

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* 3  /16" Hex Head Socket
* T-50 Drill Bit
* Phillips Screw Driver
* 3  /16" & 1  /4  " Allen Wrench
* Painter’s Tape
* Dead Blow Hammer
* Bar Clamps
* Cable Cutter
* Cable Crimper
* 5 Gallon Bucket
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### Things to Know Before You Get Started

* Read over the provided material prior to the start of your installation.  &#x20;
* Make sure you have all of the posts, brackets, screws, cable and components  \
  needed for your installation.
* When opening up the cable, it may help to open the spool inside a 5 gallon bucket  \
  to help control the cable.

***

### Site Preparation

1. Before beginning, it is important to review your project’s shipping list and confirm you have received all your products. If you have not, please reach out to our customer service team as quickly as possible.
2. If you received your project from our Sales Team, refer to the provided layout drawing. If you designed your own project, drawing a railing layout is highly recommended. Viewrail recommends a maximum post spacing of 48” apart, center to center.
3. Our Slim Side Mounted Express Angle Railing System utilizes two types of posts: Angle Up Posts which are used for all posts on the stair system except for the top post which is an Angle Down post and is taller.
4. Place each post on your mounting surface according to your project layout (fig. A)
5. At this point, it will also be helpful to lay out your handrails and make sure you are using the correct lengths with the relevant runs.
6. Finally, it may be helpful to prepare and set aside your cable hardware for each post. Refer to the hardware shown in (fig. B) to help. Setting aside your cable hardware will not only ensure you have the correct fittings, but will also help you understand the orientation of the posts.&#x20;

*<mark style="color:blue;">Tip: When accounted for, set aside each post’s hardware in a box or baggy to make sure they do not become lost.</mark>*

<figure><img src="/files/4PFmVXGHMijM0Gup1w0t" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Angle Post Installation

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![](/files/bKabvj32S3EW0w2cZvai)

* Starting from the bottom tread, use a level and mark  &#x20;the vertical center line of the first post, 2" back from the  &#x20;bottom most riser
* Then make a mark 13  /8  " below the deck surface

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*Note: You can use painters tape on the* *surface of the skirt&#x20;board or wall.*
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![](/files/s3VoQpB9tLwJvymuxiMR)

* Line Up the mounting plate with the top and center lines
* Trace out both slots
* Mark a horizontal line through the center of each slot

{% hint style="info" %}
*Note: Marking in the center of the slot will allow for minor&#x20;adjustments to the height of the post. This may be useful later&#x20;when aligning the handrail.*
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![](/files/Sm3pp4fGskv8SaXkLjHm)

* Using a 3  /16" drill bit, predrill to approximately 4" deep

\
**Repeat STEPS 1-3 for any intermediate posts**
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![](/files/CiEH5iztZVOInXkGnuht)

* The post that goes on the top of the stairs will be taller  &#x20;than the others posts - because of this, it will sit back  &#x20;further on the tread to better meet code compliance
* The exact location is driven by the angle of the stairs
* A good starting point is to measure back 8" from the last  &#x20;rise on a ‘Flush Mount Landing’ or 8" back from the 2nd  \
  to last rise on a ‘Step Up Landing’ (pictured above)
* Once you have your location perform the same process  &#x20;as described in the previous 3 steps
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  {% endcolumns %}

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![](/files/2t8FS3wMMksNItdp9cFC)

* Peel any painter tape off of the surface
* Use the T-50 bit to drive the 3  /8  " x 5" wood lags into the  &#x20;slots of the mounting plate
* Shim the Mounting Plate as needed until all sides  &#x20;are plumb
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![](/files/QYOA5WIEDA5IyaBybsKP)

**EXPRESS SLIM SIDE MOUNT POST PLATE SHIM ASSEMBLY**

* Drop 2 Bolt Together Side Mount - Short Screws into the  &#x20;Side Mount Shim Plate using a 1  /4  " Allen wrench
* Set a post down on either a piece of cardboard, blanket  &#x20;or some other surface that will not damage the finish of  &#x20;the post
* Insert the assembly into the opening at the bottom of  &#x20;the post
* Repeat this step for all posts

{% hint style="info" %}

*Note: Ensure the post slots are aligned properly to the angle&#x20;of the stairs. When looking at one of the sides with the big&#x20;1" holes, whichever side has its bottom slot closer is the&#x20;side facing down the stairs.*
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![](/files/w2HQxtryrbjezZOoVfw3)

* Line up the post with the Mounting Plate and use a 1  /4"

  &#x20;Allen wrench to engage threads - tighten them until snug
* Repeat this step for all posts
  {% endcolumn %}

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![](/files/MxlR0wHg5RyJUGJOFBe8)

* Run string through the bottom slots of each post to  &#x20;ensure that the infill follows the stair angle and that a  &#x20;6-inch sphere cannot fit between the tread, riser, & infill
* Minor adjustments can be made by removing the posts  &#x20;and adjusting the mounting plate up or down
* If you still can’t get them to line up, then moving the  &#x20;plate itself may be required
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![](/files/RWZIZhLPYvWlxuohyfxg)

* Run string along the top of the posts to ensure the angle  &#x20;is correct and the post tops are all at the same height
  {% endcolumn %}

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![](/files/QmlIbTnAgvszSXKeUZqy)

* Once all of the posts are installed, and in proper  &#x20;alignment, tighten all Bolt Together Side Mount - Short  &#x20;Screws to 20 lb-ft
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  {% endcolumns %}

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![](/files/OQ2PfqPbmtb8hXwJkDfI)

* Position the handrail bracket on the top of the dome and  &#x20;insert a hex screw into each side of the bracket
* Use the hex screws to secure the handrail bracket at the  &#x20;appropriate angle.
  {% endcolumn %}

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![](/files/GcSEctDIvk95dQH4Wt07)

{% hint style="warning" %}
**WE RECOMMEND PERFORMING THIS STEP AFTER&#x20;ALL HANDRAIL AND INFILL IS INSTALLED. WAITING&#x20;UNTIL THE END OF THE INSTALLATION WILL ALLOW&#x20;YOU TO MAKE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS TO THE POSTS&#x20;IF NEEDED DURING THE FOLLOWING STEPS.**
{% endhint %}
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### Products That Pair With This Install

* Side Mount Angle End Post
* Side Mount Angle Line Post

### Related Next Steps

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Installing Handrail</strong></td><td>Install the top rail for level or angle runs</td><td><a href="/pages/IPmbXmhKGu4A4fWrgFni">Handrail Install Guides</a></td></tr><tr><td>Installing Tension Kits</td><td>Install the right tension kit installation</td><td><a href="/pages/99FFrkE2FZN8WEEtZ3E9">Tension Kit Install Guides</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

### Get Help from Us

Is this not the product you're looking for? Troubleshoot your issue by contacting our customer service team. [866-432-0541](tel:8664320541) or <customerservice@viewrail.com>


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