Cable Bullet tensioners are self-tapping in softwood posts. However, in domestic or tropical hardwood posts, additional care must be taken to extend the life of your Bullet drivers and minimize the risk of damage to the cable tensioner.
To ease installation in hardwood posts, first, tap your 9/16-inch pilot holes with the hardwood tap, then apply screw wax to all sides of the first 4 threads of your tensioner. Screw wax is a beeswax-based formula (not petroleum) that stays soft for easy application. It won't corrode the tensioner or stain your posts, a common drawback to other lubricants.
Tap Size: M16 X 2M External Thread, 5/8" OD X 9/16" ID