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Angle Surface Mount Post Install

Express Angle Surface Mount Post Installation Guide

Tools Needed for this Installation

  • Measuring Tape

  • Chalk Line Tool

  • Speed Square

  • Pencil

  • Drill

  • 13/64" Metal Drill Bit

  • Hand Rivet Tool (Provided)

  • T-30 Torx Bit (Provided)

  • Post Level (Provided)

  • String (Provided)

  • Phillips Screw Driver

  • 3 /16" Allen Wrench (Provided)

  • 5 /32" Allen Wrench (Provided)

  • Painter’s Tape

  • Miter Saw w/Aluminum Cutting Blade

  • Dead Blow Hammer

  • Bar Clamps

  • Cable Cutter (Provided)

  • Cable Crimper (Provided)

Things to Know Before You Get Started

  • Read over the provided material prior to the start of your installation.

  • 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.


Preparing Your Project

  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 created your own project, it will be helpful to draw your railing layout. Viewrail recommends a maximum of 48" between each post in your cable run.

  3. Our Express railing system utilizes three types of posts: End Posts, Line Posts, and Corner Posts. You may or may not have all of these in your system.

  4. Place each post you’ve received on your mounting surface according to the drawing you’ve received or created. (fig. A)

  5. At this point, it will also be helpful to layout 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.

Tip: When accounted for, set aside each post’s hardware in a box or baggy to make sure they do not become lost.


Surface Mount Angle Post Installation

When mounting your angle posts it is important to make sure your posts are:

  • Mounting over 4" of solid blocking

  • In line with each other

  • Square to each other

  • Place each post toward the front edge of your tread, staying behind the nosing on the tread far enough so the cable does not hit the tread (typically about an inch)

  • Ensure that the pre-drilled holes in your angled posts are pointed toward the top of your stairs

Note: The lower of the offset holes should be pointing downwards towards the bottom of the stairs.

  • Use a speed square to set each post equally off the front of the tread

  • If applicable, use the speed square to set each post equally off the side of the tread

  • These two steps should ensure your posts are in line and square.

  • Run a string through the bottom hole of all the posts to ensure that the lowest cable in your run will not run into your tread nosing

  • When satisfied, use a pencil or pen to mark each mounting hole in each post foot plate

  • Set posts aside

Note: Make sure to use at least one hole per side of the post. For example, use all four middle holes, or all four corner holes.

  • Use a 3 /16" drill bit to pre-drill the post mounting holes to an approximate depth of 3-1 /2"

If mounting on to Viewrail FLIGHT treads

  • Place the post on the correct tread

  • Mark a minimum of 5 hole locations

  • Ensuring to utilize all 3 holes on the inside of the foot (highlighted in red above)

Note: The edge of the post foot should be no closer than 1" to any edge of the tread

If mounting on to Viewrail FLIGHT treads

  • Remove the post from the tread

  • Using a 13/64" wood drill bit, drill a pilot hole for each marked location

  • Pilot holes must be 2-1 /2" when using the 3" hex lag screws

If mounting post on to traditional stair treads

  • Replace the post over your mounting holes

  • Use the T-30 bit and populate your pre-drilled holes with the provided screws

If mounting post on to Viewrail FLIGHT treads

  • Place the post back on to the tread and align the holes

  • Using a 7 /16” socket on an impact drill or socket wrench, secure (qty 5) 3” lags into the tread

  • Using the provided post level, ensure that your post is plumb

  • If the post is not level, back out the mounting screws slightly, apply shims as needed, and fasten the screws

  • Slide the foot cover over the top of the post foot

  • Repeat steps 6-9 until all posts have been mounted

  • Position the handrail bracket on the top of the dome and insert a hex screw into each side of the bracket

  • Use the hex screws to secure the handrail bracket at the appropriate angle.

Product This Installation Pairs With

Installing Handrail

Install the top rail for level or angle runs

Handrail Install Guides

Installing Tension Kits

Install the right tension kit installation


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 or customerservice@viewrail.com

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