# Handrail Installation

Use this page to choose the right handrail guide for your run.

### Choose your handrail guide

Pick the guide that matches your handrail layout.

{% hint style="info" %}
Confirm whether your run is level or angled before you start cutting or drilling.
{% endhint %}

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Title</th><th>Description</th><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Guide</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Level Handrail</td><td>For flat runs. Covers measuring the rail, accounting for end caps, cutting, clamping to brackets, pre-drilling with a 13/64" bit, and fastening with 3/16" rivets.</td><td><a href="/spaces/VpVXr5th5GNxsoMyHXXK/pages/UwKTWKPa5t43997AbGeJ">/spaces/VpVXr5th5GNxsoMyHXXK/pages/UwKTWKPa5t43997AbGeJ</a></td></tr><tr><td>Angle Handrail</td><td>For stair and sloped runs. Covers angled layout, cutting, clamping on the low side of each bracket, pre-drilling, riveting, and reinstalling the assembled rail over the posts.</td><td><a href="/spaces/VpVXr5th5GNxsoMyHXXK/pages/A1nGwZjkU0D1Jlcu1x5D">/spaces/VpVXr5th5GNxsoMyHXXK/pages/A1nGwZjkU0D1Jlcu1x5D</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Quick guide summary

#### [Level Handrail](/install/express-cable-railing/handrail-installation/level-handrail.md)

Use this guide for straight, level sections.

* Measure the full run before cutting.
* Account for end caps before final length.
* Clamp, pre-drill, and rivet the rail to each bracket.

#### [Angle Handrail](/install/express-cable-railing/handrail-installation/angle-handrail.md)

Use this guide for stair and other angled sections.

* Measure the slope before cutting.
* Clamp on the low side of the bracket.
* Pre-drill, rivet, then set the assembled rail back on the posts.

### FAQ

<details>

<summary>Which handrail guide should I use?</summary>

Use **Level Handrail** for flat runs. Use **Angle Handrail** for stair or sloped runs.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do I need to account for end caps before cutting?</summary>

For Metal handrails, Yes. Each end cap adds `1/8"` to the overall handrail length.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>What drill bit should I use for the handrail mounting holes?</summary>

Use a `13/64"` drill bit for the handrail mounting holes.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do I need to fasten every bracket hole?</summary>

Yes. Use all bracket holes for a secure connection.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How do I handle a corner in a handrail run?</summary>

You can miter the handrail or join it with a [handrail corner bracket](https://shop.viewrail.com/handrail-covers/p/137918/)

</details>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://resources.viewrail.com/install/express-cable-railing/handrail-installation.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.