Vr steelbuyersguide v1 2web

Buyer’s Guide Cable Rail Systems designed for STEEL Posts

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

How it Works 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 Mount The 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.

Standard Mount Diagram 7x7 5/32" Stainless Steel Cable

Insert Sleeve Threaded Crimp Fitting Insert Sleeve

Tension Receiver

Fixed End Fitting

*Holes must be 1/2"

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

2

How it Works The Steel Inside Post Mount The 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.

Inside Post Mount Diagram

7x7 5/32" Stainless Steel Cable Insert Sleeve Threaded Crimp Fitting Tension Receiver Short Insert Sleeve Cable Stop Steel Inside Washer

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

3

Steel Bundles Standard Level Fitting Bundle – VR202

This 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.

(x 2)

Standard Angle Fitting Bundle – VR205

This 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’.

(x 2)

(x 2)

Steel Inside Post Level Fitting Bundle – VR222

This 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 – VR225

This 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’.

Dual Tension Level Fitting Bundle – VR212

This 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)

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

(x 2)

4

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.

Stainless Steel Cable – VR100

Our 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.

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 – VR308

This 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.

Insert Sleeve – VR330

This 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 Insert Sleeve – VR335

This 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 – VR332

This 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 – VR333

This part is a way to cover the hole occupied by a Steel Inside Post Mount, when used on an angle.

Angle Washer – VR345

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

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

5

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 Screws Viewrail 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 Screws Viewrail 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 Kit Our 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.

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

6

Posts Viewrail 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.

Materials

Finishes

316 Stainless Steel

Brushed

available on Stainless Steel posts

304 Stainless Steel

Brushed w/ Clear Coat

available on Stainless Steel posts in marine environments

Mild Steel

Powder Coated

available on any post, standard colors are satin black, copper, and gray (custom Powder Coat colors are available)

Aluminum

†

Mounts

ationsSteel Post Configurations

ch

Look for these symbols to know which S universal topCS F corner flat top angle foot S top are Favailable flat topfor A mount sideAmount U side U universal options eachangle post.foot Surface

Top view of•post Standard

3 3/4” square (preferred)

Side

Angle

Mounts Top to verticle surfaces view of post

Mounts to angled surfaces, such as knee walls or ramps

• Corner foot for double joist

A.

side mount CS

• 3x6 for double joist applications

Level Holes

*All posts must be mounted to material that is 3" thick for proper load bearing and stability.

Represents a hole S material beneath the mounting surface may be necessary.

UAdding Fadditional through which cable

s a hole hich cable would pass.

or fittings would pass.

Tops Configurations eel Post Configurations

Angle Holes [Standard angle is 40˚, k for to know which ols to these knowsymbols which custom drilling F flat top universal top A F topUavailable] U universal

Foot Covers

B.

onseach are available for post. for each post.

S Cside S mount S mount flat top foot corner side mount angle foot A S angle side mount corner Cside

A S U Universal

Flat

Optional Elegance

vertical handrail

Accomodates horizontal handrail only

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

Top Top viewhorizontal of post Accomodates or view of post

Level Holes

3-way Post Level Holes Viewrail posts are designed with fasteners to exceed the code requirement of 200 w/ Level Inside Post Mount

IRC

ents a Steel Post Mount.

Represents a Steel Inside Post Mount.

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

[Standard angle is 40˚, gle is 40˚, custom drilling available] g available] U

A

S Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

D.

4-way Post Level Holes w/ Angle Holes

IRC 2 0 1 2

CO

pounds of force in any direction. In-house testing shows that our posts withstand F pounds over CS before any noticeable stress on the posts. Posts U 250 2 0that 1 2meet higher load limits are available. Fasteners must be securely fastened into all mounting holes.

ODUCT EXC PR

DE

NS

C.

S

Represents a hole which cable Loadthrough Bearing through which cable or fittings would pass. or fittings would pass.

DS EE

nt

FRepresents S a hole

THI

U

O R E G U L AT I

7

corner s

Steel Post Configurations

Post Configurations

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.

Look for these symbols to know which options are available for each post.

U universal top

F flat top A

angle foot S

side mount CS

corner side mount

Top view of post

A.

Level Holes U

B.

S

F

Represents a Steel Inside Post Mount.

CS

left

right

4-way Post Level Holes w/ Angle Holes U

E.

A

3-way Post Level Holes w/ Level Inside Post Mount [must select left or right] U

D.

Represents a hole through which cable or fittings would pass.

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

C.

F S

F

A

CS

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

F

CS

e-right.

F.

e-left.

Inside Post Mount 1 side only U

F

A

S

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

8

Steel Post Configurations [continued]

Post Configurations G.

Dual Inside Post Mount at 90º U

H.

CS

F

A

S

h-42. — 2 Level Inside Post Mounts

h-39. — 1 Level Inside Post Mount

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

J.

A

10 Angle Holes Top Holes Level Inside Post Mount [must select 42 or 39] U

I.

F

F

CS

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

A

S

This post is also available in a wall mount configuration.

j-up.

j-down.

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

K.

Angle Holes + Access Hole w/ 3-sided Foot

3-sided Foot

U Access Hole for attaching the post to a vertical surface.

*Custom configurations of this style are available.

Steel Inside Post Mount

L.

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

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

36"

3-sided Foot Steel Inside Post Mount

9

Post Configurations

Steel Post Configurations [continued] M. Inside Post Mounts at 90ยบ 10 Angle Inside Post Mount + 10 Level Inside Post Mount U

N.

M-right.

M-left.

F

CS

N42-right.

N42-left.

O42-right.

O42-left.

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

P.

CS

Inside Post Mounts at 90ยบ 10 Angle Inside Post Mount + 11 (or 12) Level Inside Post Mount [must select 39 or 42, and left or right] U

O.

F

F

CS

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

F

CS

P-down.

Q.

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

F

CS

Q42-down.

R.

Wall Mount Post 1/2 holes on one side 5/16 holes on opposite side U

F

A

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

10

Standard Post Cable Spacing [for 36" Handrail Height]

Post Specifications Standard Post Cable Spacing 1 5/8 [for 36" Handrail Height]

3 1/8" Standard Post Cable Spacing

[for 36"Level Handrail Standard PostHeight] Specifications 3 1/8"

1 5/8

1/8" 331/8"

1 5/8

36 1/8"

34 1/2"

36 1/8"

34 1/2"

Talk with a representative to learn more about how your order can be customized for a perfect fit.

1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8"

34 1/2"

36 1/8"

We do custom drilling!

1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8"

1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8" 1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8" 1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8" 1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8" 1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8" 1/8" 331/4" 3 1/8" 3 1/8" 3 1/8" 3 1/4" 3 1/8"

RAIL HEIGHT 36"

3 1/4" Angle Post Cable Spacing

LE NG HEIGHT 36" A RAIL º

[for 36" Handrail Height]

Angle Post Spacing Standard Angle Post Cable Specifications 1 1/4" [for 36" Handrail Height] 3 1/2"

3 1/8" [for 36" Handrail Height] 1 1/4"

3 1/8" 1 7/8"

331/8" 1/2"

1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8" 1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8" 1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8" 1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8" 1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8"

FRONT

1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8" 1 5/8" 3 1/8" 3 1/8" 3 1/8" 3 1/8" 1 5/8"

1/8" 331/8"

1 1/4"

36"

3 1/8" 1 5/8"

–4

37

LE

NG

A 2º

1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8"

33 1/4"

1"

1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8" 36" 36"

33 1/4"

1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8"

33 1/4"

1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8"

1" 1"

1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8" 1/8" 331/4" 3 1/8"

BACK BACK

3 1/4"

9 1/2 – 11 1/2"

*Standard sizes shown. Custom posts available.

7 1/2 – 8 1/2" 7 1/2 – 8 1/2"

3 1/4"

BACK

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

7 1/2 – 8 1/2"

3 1/8" 3 1/8"

*Standard sizes shown. Custom posts available.

FRONT

–4

37

1 7/8" 1/8" 331/8" 3 1/8"

3 1/8" *Standard sizes shown. Custom posts available.

FRONT

RAIL LHEIGHT 36" E NG A 2º

1 7/8"

3 1/8" Angle Post Cable Spacing

1/8" 331/8" 3 1/2"

2

–4

37

9 1/2 – 11 1/2" 9 1/2 – 11 1/2"

11

Standard Post Sizes Post Specifications [All Cable Holes 1/2"]

1 1/4" 1 1/4" 1 1/4"

36"

3 1/8"

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 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

1 7/8"

3 1/8"

33 1/4"

1 7/8"

39"

3 1/8"

36 3/8"

42"

39 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"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/8"

3 1/4"

3 1/4"

3 1/4"

36" Handrail Height Post (10 Holes)

39" Handrail Height Post (11 Holes)

42" Handrail Height Post (12 Holes)

Post Foot Diagram 3.75"

0.25" Corner Radius GRK brand 5/16" x 6" hardened screws*

3.75"

0.38" Hole Diameter

0.375" Extra Block

2x10

2x10

NOTE: Always mount posts to solid blocking.

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

12

Post Specifications 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.

36"

floor height

1.5" 7.5"

6"

3/8" holes 6"

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

3/16" plate thickness

2"

3/8" bolt

3/8" bolt

NOTE: Always mount posts to solid blocking.

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

13

Options for Stairs Side Mount Posts for Stairs This 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.

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

39" These are side mount B-36-left posts.

3 1/8"

Mounting Plate is 6" Ă— 6" This post is side mount A-39.

36"

2

1/

2"

This stair example has posts mounted in Left Hand configuration.

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

14

Options for Stairs Angle Foot Posts for Stairs This 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.

This transition post is a H-39.

39"

These are angle foot B posts.

3 1/8"

This post is an A-39.

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

34" – 36" [depending on curb wall height]

2

1/

2"

Custom sizes are available.

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

15

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

This transition post is an H-39.

39" These are B-36 posts.

3 1/8"

This post is an A-39.

36"

2

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

1/

2"

16

Options for Stairs 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.

This transition post is an H-39.

39" These are B-36 posts.

3 1/8"

This post is an A-39.

36"

2

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

1/

2"

17

Options for Stairs K-Post for Stairs This 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.

This transition post is an H-39.

39" This is a B-36 post.

3 1/8"

This post is an A-39.

36"

2

1/

2"

This is an K-36 post.

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

18

Options for Stairs Fittings for Stairs This diagram demonstrates which fittings would be used to outfit this example staircase.

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.

Short Insert Sleeve

Angle Insert Sleeve

Steel Inside Washer

Cable Stop

Angle Insert Sleeve

Angle Insert Sleeve

Tension Receiver

Fixed End Fitting

Angle Washer

Angle Tension Receiver Insert Sleeve

Insert Sleeve

Angle Insert Sleeve Angle Insert Sleeve

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

19

Code Compliance Information Code 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 Stainless Steel Cable and Fittings 10 Year Warranty Viewrail warrants that all Viewrail stainless steel cable and fittings shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use, conditions, installation 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.

Visit www.viewrailsystems.com

Printed in China

Version 1.2 — 7-15-2014

20