# Level Surface Mount Post Install
### Tools Needed for this Installation
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* 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)
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* Phillips Screw Driver
* 3
/16" Allen Wrench (Provided)
* Painter’s Tape
* Miter Saw w/Aluminum Cutting Blade
* Dead Blow Hammer
* Bar Clamps
* Cable Cutter (Provided)
* Cable Crimper (Provided)
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### 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) Note: Each corner post 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.
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 & 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.
*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 Level Post Installation
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When mounting your level posts it is important to make
sure your posts are:
• Mounting over 4" of solid blocking
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• In line with each other
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• Square to each other
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* To help with this, you can snap a chalk line the length
of the run to help orient your posts
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*Note: To snap a chalk line correctly, make sure each end of
the line is held off the edge of the mounting surface at the
same distance. You can choose to either snap the center line
or the front edge to ensure alignment.*
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* Take the post and center it on your chalk line
* If the foot plate has marks, these can be used to orient
the post properly
* Use a square to make sure each post is plumb with the
environment and with each other
* Mark the hole placements
* At least four holes must be populated, with at least one
hole on each side
* Set the post aside
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* Use a 3
/16" drill bit to pre-drill the post mounting holes to
an approximate depth of 3-1
/2"
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* Replace the post over your mounting holes
* Use the T-30 bit and populate your pre-drilled holes with
the provided screws
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* 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
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* Slide the foot cover over the top of the post foot
* Repeat steps 4-7 until all posts have been mounted
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* Position the handrail bracket on your level posts
* Use a Phillip’s head screw driver to attach the bracket to
the post
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*Note: When orienting the handrail brackets for your corner
posts, ensure that the 90° angle of the bracket faces the
center of your project.*
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### Products This Installation Pairs With
* [Express Level End Post](https://shop.viewrail.com/express-level-end-post/p/738548/)
* [Express Level Line Post](https://shop.viewrail.com/express-level-line-post/p/738549/)
* [Express Level Corner Post](https://shop.viewrail.com/express-corner-post/p/738554/)
### 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](tel:8664320541) or
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