Level Side Mount Post Install
Express Side Mount Post for level runs Installation Guide
Tools Needed for this Installation
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
1 /4 " 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
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
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.
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.
Our Slim Side Mounted Express Railing Level System utilizes three types of posts: End Posts, Line Posts, and (Inside) Corner Posts. You may or may not have all of these in your system.
Place each post on your mounting surface according to your project layout. (fig. A)
Note: If applicable to your post layout, the Inside Corner End Post(s) will have 5/16" holes on 3 sides. When laying out the corner posts, make sure the “Inside Post Mount” holes are not pointing at each other. These are the set of holes that do not go all the way through the post.
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.
Finally, it may be helpful to prepare and set aside your cable hardware for each post. Refer to the hardware shown in (fig. B & C) 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
Side Mount Level Post Installation
Refer to your project drawing and lay out your posts, keeping them no more than 4' apart, center to center
Place your End Posts in position and line up the middle of the post with where you will be attaching the mounting plate*
Using a level, mark the vertical center line of your posts*
Then mark a horizontal line 13 /8 " below the deck surface
Note: For outside and inside corner posts, see STEP 2 for special instructions on post spacing.
Spacing from Wall
We recommend the spacing from a wall to the center of an End Post, to be 3-1 /2 " from wall
Spacing from Outside Corner
We recommend the spacing between the two End Posts, that get positioned on an outside corner, to be 2-1 /2 " from the corner to the center of each post
Place the End Post Mounting Plate into position, making sure the plate is centered on your vertical line
Line the top of the plate up with the horizontal line made in STEP 1
Using a pencil, outline the slots of the Mounting Plate
Mark a horizontal line in the through of each slot, to mark the drill location
Line Posts, Inside Corner Posts & End Posts (Not On Outside Corner) We recommend pre-drilling holes in the center of the slots
Outside Corner End Posts Offset the pilot holes to avoid interference between the mounting screws of the two End Posts
Using a 3 /16" drill bit, pre-drill to approximately 4" deep
Peel any painter tape off of the surface
Use the T-50 bit to drive the 3 /8 " x 5" wood lags into the slots of the mounting plate
Shim the Mounting Plate as needed until all sides are plumb
Now that the Mounting Plates for the End Posts are in place, run out a string or chalk line
Note: This will be the reference line for the top of the Post Mounting Plates for each of the Line Posts that will be between the End Posts on this run.
Skip this step if there are only two posts in your run. e.g. The run is less than 4
Next calculate the spacing for the Line Posts
Example The railing run in the image above will have two Line Posts between the two End Posts, creating 3 spaces. In this example the measurement between center to center of the Mounting Plates is 138". Divide 138 by 3 spaces to get 46" on center spacing.
Lay out the center of your Line Posts based on your site’s specific measurements
Repeat STEPS 3-5 to install the remaining Mounting Plates
Express Slim Side Mount Post Plate Shim Assembly
Drop 2 Bolt Together Side Mount - Short Screws into the Side Mount Shim Plate using a 1 /4 " Allen wrench
Set a post down on either a piece of cardboard, blanket or some other surface that will not damage the finish of
Insert the assembly into the opening at the bottom of the post
Repeat this step for all posts
Line up the post with the Mounting Plate and use a 1 /4" Allen wrench to engage threads - tighten them until snug
Repeat this step for all posts
Once all of the posts are installed, and in proper alignment, tighten all Bolt Together Side Mount - Short Screws to 20 lb-ft
Position the handrail bracket on the posts
Use a Phillips head screw driver & the provided 1 /4 " x 1 /2" Phillip’s screws to attach the brackets to the posts
Note: When orienting the handrail brackets for your corner posts, ensure that the 90° angle of the bracket faces the center of your project.
WE RECOMMEND PERFORMING THIS STEP AFTER ALL HANDRAIL AND INFILL IS INSTALLED. WAITING UNTIL THE END OF THE INSTALLATION WILL ALLOW YOU TO MAKE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS TO THE POSTS IF NEEDED DURING THE FOLLOWING STEPS.
Products This Installation Pairs With
Related Next Steps
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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