viewrail steel buyers guide

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Buyer’s Guide Cable Rail SyStemS deSigned foR Steel PoStS

The Viewrail cable rail system is comprised of mounting options that utilize our hallmark hidden-fastener innovations that keep your project simple and elegant. The following diagrams and descriptions are a great way to get familiar with our cable rail system.

The Standard MountThe Standard Mount can be used with steel posts and requires half inch holes to be drilled in preparation for the stainless steel cable and components. A Fixed End Fitting is crimped to one end of the cable. Next, the cable is strung through the posts, making sure any Insert Sleeves have been strung as well. The other end of the cable is now measured and cut to the proper length, after which a Threaded Crimp Fitting is crimped to it.

The Threaded Crimp Fitting and cable are inserted into one side of the post, while a Tension Receiver is inserted into the opposite side of the same post. Using the tools provided in the Viewrail Tool Kit, these two parts are threaded together and tightened until the appropriate amount of tension is achieved. Tap in the Insert Sleeves and you’re finished.

Insert Sleeve

Insert Sleeve

Threaded Crimp Fitting

Tension Receiver

Fixed End Fitting

*Holes must be 1/2"

7x7 5/32" Stainless Steel Cable

Standard Mount Diagram

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How it Works

The Steel Inside Post MountThe Steel Inside Post Mount is designed for use in steel posts where both sides of a post are not accessible, or for a cleaner look. The post that receives the Steel Inside Post Mount will have a half inch hole drilled in only one side of the post (side facing cable run). The Cable Stop is crimped to one end of the cable and a Steel Inside Washer is strung with it. These two parts are inserted into the post and adjusted until the Steel Inside Washer is parallel to the post wall. Cable and Insert Sleeves are strung, and the other end of the cable is measured, cut, and crimped with a Threaded Crimp Fitting.

The Threaded Crimp Fitting and cable are inserted into one side of the post, while a Tension Receiver is inserted into the opposite side of the same post. Using the tools provided in the Viewrail Tool Kit, these two parts are threaded together and tightened until the appropriate amount of tension is achieved. Tap in the Insert Sleeves and you’re finished. Notice in the diagram below that the Steel Inside Post Mount requires a special Short Insert Sleeve. You’ll want to double check that as you’re stringing the cable to make sure you have the special sleeve in the correct location.

Insert Sleeve

Short Insert Sleeve

Threaded Crimp Fitting

Tension Receiver

Cable StopSteel Inside Washer

7x7 5/32" Stainless Steel Cable

Inside Post Mount Diagram


How it Works


(x 2)

(x 2)

(x 2)

Steel Bundles

Steel Inside Post Level Fitting Bundle – VR222This bundle contains one (1) Cable Stop, one (1) Steel Inside Washer, one (1) Threaded Crimp Fitting, one (1) Tension Receiver, one (1) Insert Sleeve, and one (1) Short Insert Sleeve. Use on straight runs up to 40’; can turn 1 45º corners.

Steel Inside Post Angle Fitting Bundle – VR225This bundle contains one (1) Cable Stop, one (1) Steel Inside Washer, one (1) Angle Crimp Fitting, one (1) Angle Tension Receiver, one (1) Angle Insert Sleeve, one (1) Steel Inside Post Angle Insert Sleeve, and one (1) Angle Washer. Use on straight runs up to 40’.

Standard Level Fitting Bundle – VR202This bundle contains one (1) Fixed End Fitting, one (1) Threaded Crimp Fitting, one (1) Tension Receiver, and two (2) Insert Sleeves. Use on straight runs up to 40’; can turn up to 1 45º corners.

Standard Angle Fitting Bundle – VR205This bundle contains one (1) Fixed End Fitting, one (1) Angle Crimp Fitting, one (1) Angle Tension Receiver, two (2) Angle Washers, and two (2) Angle Insert Sleeves. Use on straight runs up to 40’.

Dual Tension Level Fitting Bundle – VR212This bundle contains two (2) Threaded Crimp Fittings, two (2) Tension Receivers, and two (2) Insert Sleeves. Use on runs up to 70’; can turn up to 2 45º angles.

(x 2)

(x 2) (x 2)


Steel Components

Here you’ll find all of the parts in our Steel Bundles, as well as a variety of fittings, sleeves, and washers that give the Viewrail Cable Rail System the flexibility your project demands.

Tension Receiver (VR301) & Angle Tension Receiver (VR305)This part is threaded inside to receive the Threaded Crimp Fitting. An allen wrench is used to turn the Tension Receiver to tighten a cable.

Threaded Crimp Fitting (VR302) & Angle Crimp Fitting (VR306)This part is crimped to the end of a cable so it can be terminated in a Tension Receiver or Angle Tension Receiver.

Fixed End Fitting – VR308This part is crimped to the end of a cable and used at the opposite end of a Tension Receiver in our Standard Fitting Bundle.

Cable Stop (VR312) & Steel Inside Washer (VR315)The Cable Stop is crimped to the end of a cable and the washer is used to secure it inside a steel post.

Stainless Steel Cable – VR100Our 5/32ʺ 316SS marine-grade stainless steel cable is suitable for residential and commercial applications. It is made from 7 bundles of 7 strands each. The multiple bundles makes it very flexible and easy to turn corners.

Insert Sleeve – VR330This part is a way to cover the hole wherever cable exits a post, creating a clean and elegant look. Insert sleeves are required for certain corner applications.

Short Insert Sleeve – VR332This part is a way to cover the hole occupied by a Steel Inside Post Mount, creating a clean and elegant look.

Steel Inside Post Angle Insert Sleeve – VR333This part is a way to cover the hole occupied by a Steel Inside Post Mount, when used on an angle.

Angle Insert Sleeve – VR335This part is a way to cover the hole wherever cable exits a post, creating a clean and elegant look. Insert sleeves are required for certain corner applications.

Angle Washer – VR345Angle washers are recommended whenever a Fixed End Fitting or a Tension Receiver is used in an angled application.

Handrail

Wood handrail solutions are frequently used with our cable rail system. We offer architecturally correct handrails in dozens of wood species for interior or exterior use.

Steel handrail is typically 1" × 2" in a brushed or powder coated finish. Fabricated in our facility from precision field measurements, these handrails are designed to fit without cutting and fitting on site.

Brackets and ScrewsViewrail offers a variety of brackets and the screws you’ll need for wood or steel handrail. Screws are available in stainless steel or black. Brackets are available in stainless steel or powder coated finishes.

Post Mounting ScrewsViewrail recommends using the high quality mounting screws that we offer when mounting posts. These screws have been tested with our posts and have proven to provide load bearing that exceeds code requirements. Mounting screws are available in stainless steel and coated.

Viewrail Tool KitOur specialized tool kit has everything you’ll need to install your cable rail system. These are contractor-grade tools that have been hand selected to make your installation work as efficient as possible.



Steel Post Configurations

Steel Post Configurations [continued]

A. Level Holes

Top view of post

Represents a holethrough which cable or fittings would pass.

Represents a Steel Inside Post Mount.

Angle Holes[Standard angle is 40˚,custom drilling available]

B.

D. 4-way Post Level Holesw/ Angle Holes

I. 10 Angle Holes w/12 Level Holes at 90º[must select 42 or 39]

C. 3-way Post Level Holesw/ Level Inside Post Mount

E.

e-right. e-left.

3-way Post Angle Holesw/ Level Inside Post Mount[must select left or right]

F. Inside Post Mount1 side only

J.

j-up. j-down.

Angle Single Inside Post Mount[must select up or down]

K. Angle Holes + Access Holew/ 3-sided Foot

L. Angle Holes + Access Hole Transition Post w/ 3-sided Foot

H. 10 Angle HolesTop Holes Level Inside Post Mount[must select 42 or 39]

G. Dual Inside Post Mount at 90º

M. Inside Post Mounts at 90º10 Angle Inside Post Mount +10 Level Inside Post Mount

N. Inside Post Mounts at 90º10 Angle Inside Post Mount +11 (or 12) Level Inside Post Mount[must select 39 or 42, and left or right]

M-right. M-left.

N42-right. N42-left.

h-42. — 2 Level Inside Post Mounts

h-39. — 1 Level Inside Post Mount

3-sided Foot

40 3/4" Post with 10 Holes for a standard run of cable.

Access Hole for attaching the post to a vertical surface.

*Custom configurations of this style are available.

3-sided Foot

Steel Inside Post Mount


36"


A

A

A

A

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angle footuniversal topLook for these symbols to know which options are available for each post. side mount corner side mountflat top

This post is also available in awall mount configuration.

SC

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SC

P. 10 Angle Inside Post Mount +10 Level Holes[must select up or down]

P-down.

U F SC

Q. 10 Angle Inside Post Mount +11 (or 12) Level Holes[must select 39 or 42 up or down]

Q42-down.

U F SC

SC

O. 10 Angle Holes + 11 (or 12) Level Inside Post Mount [must select 39 or 42, and left or right]

O42-right. O42-left.

U F SC

R. Wall Mount Post1/2 holes on one side5/16 holes on opposite side

AU F



A. Level Holes

Top view of post




B.




E.

e-right. e-left.



J.

j-up. j-down.








M-right. M-left.




3-sided Foot




3-sided Foot



36"


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SC

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P-down.

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Q42-down.

U F SC

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U F SC


AU F

UniversalAccomodates horizontal or vertical handrail

FlatAccomodates horizontal handrail only

Optional EleganceOur foot covers create a cleanly finished look by covering the mounting hardware.

PostsViewrail post manufacturing is custom. There are standards that we apply so that the system will work, but we make every job to order so there is room to customize each job. Below are some of the standard options. Call us about custom configurations.

FinishesBrushed available on Stainless Steel postsBrushed w/ Clear Coat available on Stainless Steel posts in marine environmentsPowder Coated available on any post, standard colors are satin black, copper, and gray (custom Powder Coat colors are available)

Mounts

Tops Foot Covers

Materials316 Stainless Steel304 Stainless SteelMild SteelAluminum†

Load BearingViewrail posts are designed with fasteners to exceed the code requirement of 200 pounds of force in any direction. In-house testing shows that our posts withstand over 250 pounds before any noticeable stress on the posts. Posts that meet higher load limits are available. Fasteners must be securely fastened into all mounting holes.

Surface• Standard 3 3/4” square (preferred)• Corner foot for double joist• 3x6 for double joist applications

*All posts must be mounted to material that is 3" thick for proper load bearing and stability. Adding additional material beneath the mounting surface may be necessary.

†Not all post configurations are available in all materials. Consult our price list for more details.

SideMounts to verticle surfaces

AngleMounts to angled surfaces,such as knee walls or ramps

CODE REGULATIO

NS

THIS

PRODUCT EXCEEDSIRC2 0 1 2

IRC2 0 1 2



A. Level Holes

Top view of post




B.




E.

e-right. e-left.



J.

j-up. j-down.








M-right. M-left.




3-sided Foot




3-sided Foot



36"


A

A

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A S

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SC

SC

SC

SC

SC

SC

SC


P-down.

U F SC


Q42-down.

U F SC

SC



U F SC


AU F



A. Level Holes

Top view of post




B.




E.

e-right. e-left.



J.

j-up. j-down.








M-right. M-left.




3-sided Foot




3-sided Foot



36"


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A

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Q42-down.

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U F SC


AU F



A. Level Holes

Top view of post




B.



C. 3-way Post Level Holesw/ Level Inside Post Mount[must select left or right]

E.

e-right.

left right

e-left.



J.

j-up. j-down.








M-right. M-left.




3-sided Foot




3-sided Foot



36"


A

A

A

A

A

S

S

S

A S

S

S

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A

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U

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U

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U

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SC

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P-down.

U F SC


Q42-down.

U F SC

SC



U F SC


AU F

These are our various post sizes and configurations. Understanding your post options is a key element to designing an efficient cable rail project. All posts listed below are available in 36, 39, and 42 inch rail heights unless post height is noted.


Post Configurations



A. Level Holes

Top view of post




B.




E.

e-right. e-left.



J.

j-up. j-down.








M-right. M-left.




3-sided Foot




3-sided Foot



36"


A

A

A

A

A

S

S

S

A S

S

S

F

A

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

U

F

F

F

F

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F

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F



SC

SC

SC

SC

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SC

SC


P-down.

U F SC


Q42-down.

U F SC

SC



U F SC


AU F


Post Configurations

36 1/8" 34 1/2"

36"

FRONT

*Standard sizes shown. Custom posts available.

BACK

33 1/4"

1 1/4"

3 1/2"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

1 5/8"

1 5/8

3 1/8"

3 1/4"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

9 1/2 – 11 1/2"

1"

7 1/2 – 8 1/2"

RAIL HEIGHT 36"

1 7/8"

37–42º ANGLE

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/4"

Angle Post Cable Spacing[for 36" Handrail Height]

Standard Post Cable Spacing[for 36" Handrail Height]

36 1/8" 34 1/2"

36"

FRONT


BACK

33 1/4"

1 1/4"

3 1/2"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

1 5/8"

1 5/8

3 1/8"

3 1/4"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

9 1/2 – 11 1/2"

1"

7 1/2 – 8 1/2"

RAIL HEIGHT 36"

1 7/8"

37–42º ANGLE

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/4"



36 1/8" 34 1/2"

36"

FRONT


BACK

33 1/4"

1 1/4"

3 1/2"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

1 5/8"

1 5/8

3 1/8"

3 1/4"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

9 1/2 – 11 1/2"

1"

7 1/2 – 8 1/2"

RAIL HEIGHT 36"

1 7/8"

37–42º ANGLE

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/4"



We do custom drilling!Talk with a representative to learn more about how your order can be customized for a perfect fit.


Post Specifications

Standard Level Post Specifications

Standard Angle Post Specifications

3.75" 0.25" Corner Radius

GRK brand 5/16" x 6" hardened screws*

3.75"

0.38"HoleDiameter

0.375"

NOTE: Always mount posts to solid blocking.

2x102x10ExtraBlock

36"

36" Handrail Height Post(10 Holes)


[All Cable Holes 1/2"]


33 1/4"

1 1/4"1 7/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/4"

39" 36 3/8"

1 7/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/4"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

42" 39 1/2"

1 7/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/4"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

Standard Post Sizes

1 1/4"

1 1/4"

Post Foot Diagram


Post Specifications

36"

7.5"

6" 2"

6"

1.5"

3/8" holes

floor height

3/16" platethickness

Side Mount Post

Shown in 36" rail height; available in 39" and 42" as well.Most steel post configurations can be made with a side mount.


GRK brand 5/16" x 6" hardened screws*

NOTE: Always mount posts to solid blocking.

3/8" bolt

3/8" bolt

Post Specifications

39"

Mounting Plate is 6" × 6"

This post is side mount A-39.

This stair example has posts mounted in Left Hand configuration.

This transition post is a side mount H-39-left.

These are side mount B-36-left posts.

36"

3 1/8"

2 1/2"

Side Mount Posts for StairsThis example demonstrates how a system with side mount posts could be configured including stairs. To see more post configurations, please refer to Steel Post Configurations.


Options for Stairs

39"

This post is an A-39.

This transition post is a H-39.

These are angle foot B posts.

34" – 36"[depending oncurb wall height]

3 1/8"

2 1/2"

Our Angle Foot B posts for stairs are designed toaccommodate a range of curb wall heights from 2 to 4inches [measured from the nose of the stair]. In this example, the curb wall is 2 inches above the stair whichcreates a rail height of 34 inches. If the curb wall is 4inches, the rail height becomes 36 inches.

Custom sizes are available.

Angle Foot Posts for StairsThis example demonstrates how a system with angle foot posts could be configured for stairs. To see more post configurations, please refer to Steel Post Configurations.


Options for Stairs

39"


This transition post is an H-39.

These are B-36 posts.

36"

3 1/8"

2 1/2"

Standard Posts for StairsThis example demonstrates how a system with standard posts could be configured for stairs. To see more post configurations, please refer to Steel Post Configurations.


Options for Stairs

39"



These are B-36 posts.

36"

3 1/8"

2 1/2"

Standard Posts for Stairs [alternative]This example demonstrates another way standard posts could be configured for stairs. To see more post configurations, please refer to Steel Post Configurations.


Options for Stairs

39"



This is a B-36 post.

36"

3 1/8"

2 1/2"

This is an K-36 post.

K-Post for StairsThis example demonstrates how a system can use an K-post as a solution for stairs. To see more post configurations, please refer to Steel Post Configurations.


Options for Stairs

Angle Insert Sleeve

Angle Insert Sleeve

Angle Washer

AngleTension Receiver

Tension Receiver

Fixed End Fitting

Angle Insert Sleeve

Cable StopSteel Inside Washer

Angle Insert Sleeve

Short Insert Sleeve

This transitions 10 angled cable runs to 11 level cable runs. The 10 angled runs are continuous and the 11th (top) cable run starts here via Steel Inside Post Mount.

Insert Sleeve

Insert Sleeve

Angle Insert Sleeve

Fittings for StairsThis diagram demonstrates which fittings would be used tooutfit this example staircase.


Options for Stairs

Viewrail Stainless Steel Cable and Fittings 10 Year WarrantyViewrail warrants that all Viewrail stainless steel cable and fittings shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use, conditions, instal-lation and maintenance in accordance with product specifications for ten (10) years on cable and fittings, five (5) years on posts, and one (1) year on aluminum products from date of purchase.

Conditions:

1. This warranty excludes normal weathering, scratching, tarnishing or product failure caused by exposure to corrosive elements or atmospheric contaminates (e.g. salt spray/air, chemical fumes, pollution, etc), negligence, abuse, vandalism, alteration, accident, shipping, improper maintenance, improper use, improper installation, or acts of God or other causes beyond the control of Viewrail.

2. Buyer shall give Viewrail prompt written notice upon discovery of any such defect. Upon receipt of such notice, Viewrail reserves the right to inspect the product under claim and at its sole option determine whether to repair or replace said product or refund the Buyer the full purchase value of the product. This shall be Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy under this agreement.

3. This warranty only covers the costs of defective materials, not the costs of shipping, reinstallation, work displaced, or other incidental costs associated with any warranty claim.

4. Warranty applies only to the original buyers who purchased the product directly from Viewrail. A copy of the original receipt or invoice is required for any claim.

5. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Viewrail’s liability for any and all injuries, claims, losses, expenses or damages whatsoever, including any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, arising out of or in any way related to this agreement (including but not limited to Viewrail’s negligence, strict liability, breach of contract or breach of warranty) shall be limited to the sole and exclusive remedy specified above.

6. Except as specifically provided herein, Viewrail makes no other warranties, expressed or implied.

All claims are to be made in writing and addressed to Viewrail, 1722 Eisenhower Dr. North, Goshen, IN 46526. Any questions or concerns may be answered by telephone at 574-975-0288.

Version 1.2 — 7-15-2014Printed in China 20Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

Code Compliance InformationCode Compliance For 200lb Force on a Handrail or Guardrail in Any Direction

Viewrail posts are engineered and tested to exceed the 200 lb. Force Code when properly installed. We submitted a post to Graham Engineering in Nappanee, Indiana. Doug Graham’s calculations (as well as our own in-house tests) showed repeatedly that the fastener is the weakest part of the system that we provide. But the fasteners aren’t weak. Installed correctly the fasteners exceed the 200 lbs. with a safety margin of over 200%. The shear strength in LBF for our 5/16ʺ × 4ʺ screws is 2948. The weak point in post installation is moved farther down into the deck structure which we do not provide and have not controls. The critical piece is the lumber where the screws are inserted. Lumber should have properties that meet or exceed those of Southern Yellow Pine. Each screw should be pre-drilled to avoid splitting the wood. A 7/32” drill bit is recommended. The screws must be inserted into wood for the full length of the screw, a minimum of 2×6 is recommended. In most cases extra blocking must be installed prior to installation of posts so that 4 screws can be inserted into the deck structure. The blocking must meet or exceed the screw holding Southern Yellow Pine and it must be adequately attached to the deck sctructure.

In addition to the 200 lb. Force Code, installers should be concerned with the quality of fastener selected for corrosion resistance. We offer both a coated fastener and a stainless steel fastener. Both of these fasteners meet the IRC code AC257. The AC257 is the updated code related to the corrosive properties of ACQ treated lumber. It is very important that any fastener used meets or exceed AC257.

Code Compliance for 4ʺ Sphere

Meeting the 4ʺ sphere rule means that cables should be spaced on the standard spacing provided in the viewrail posts. The standard spacing is 3 ⅛ʺ O.C. which allows a reasonable amount of deflection of the cable when the posts are spaced no more than 4' apart. When laying out a deck or balcony it is tempting to space posts farther than 4' apart, however the deflection of the cable increases dramatically and it cannot be overcome with increased tension. Do not place posts more than 4' apart and do not space cables more than 3 ⅛ʺ apart to conform to the 4ʺ sphere rule. Often posts are placed adjacent to each other for a dual corner. When placing two posts in a corner, be sure to place them no more than 4ʺ from each other.

viewrail steel buyers guide

Documents

steel bundles steel

post mountthe steel

worksthe steel

cable run

post wall

insert sleeves

guide cable rail systems

special short insert