Cable Rail Tensioner Kit for Metal Posts

• Overview
• Installation

• Clean, versatile, & simple

  Every Cable Bullet kit includes the same basic components: a tensioner “Bullet”, a lobed washer, crimp sleeve, and set screw used to anchor and tension one end of a single cable run. Cable Bullet tensioners are fastened to the inside of the post on either side, eliminating the need to drill through the post or stagger your cables around corners. Each cable end is universal and interchangeable, meaning there is no distinction between tensioning and non-tensioning ends. Furthermore, the same hardware can be used on straight, angled or sloped railing sections.
  Cable Bullet metal post tensioners feature a finer machine thread ideal for steel or aluminum post walls.

  Cable Bullet tensioners are designed to fit our Signature series tensioner posts. Their versatile design and minimal profile also make them a popular option for aluminum, steel, or stainless custom metal railing.

• Installation Instructions

  1 | General Guidelines

  End posts should be spaced no more than 20' apart and must be braced top and bottom to support the combined tension of every cable run within a section (150–200# per run). Add intermediate (pass-through) support posts every 3-½ to 4 feet. Cable runs should be spaced 3" apart.

  2 | Preparing Your Posts

  If you are fabricating your own posts, we recommend using 1/4" thick aluminum or 3/16" thick steel-walled tubing. Bullet holes should be drilled at 37/64" (aluminum), or 19/32" (steel), and tapped for 5/8" x 18 threading. Intermediate support posts should be drilled at 3/16" to accommodate 5/32” diameter cable.

  3 | Installing Cable Bullet Tensioners

  The Cable Bullet InstallationKit (sold separately) is required to set all endpoints, securely fasten cable ends, and tension each section. It includes Bullet and set-screw drivers as well as amodified YYQ-300 16-ton manual hydraulic crimper that's been refitted with a custom hexagonal die. The hexagonal crimp along the full length of the crimp sleeve is necessary to securely fasten each endpoint under tension. Because crimp sleeves are machined from marine grade stainless steel, they are virtually impossible to crimp using standard cable crimpers.

  Shop Cable Bullet Installation Kit >

  For full details & installation instructions see How it Works.

What's included in a kit?

Each cable rail tensioner kit includes all the fittings necessary to anchor and tension a single cable end:
(1) Cable Bullet for metal posts, (1) crimp sleeve, (1) lobed washer, (1) #10-32 x 1/4" half dog socket set screw.

Each Bullet also includes a rubber o-ring (pre-installed) on the shank underneath the head. As the Bullet is advanced into the metal post the o-ring acts as a cushion, allowing the installer to adjust the alignment of the set screw location relative to the post. Once set, the o-ring also serves as a lock washer, tensioning the Bullet to it's preferred position.

How many Cable Bullet kits should I order?

Every single cable run will require two Cable Bullet tensioner kits to complete, one for each end. To calculate the number of kits required for your project, simply add up the number of terminal cable ends along your railing. Use the same kit on level or sloped runs up to 20 feet long.

If you have questions or would like assistance with quoting your project, give us a call or submit an estimate request.

Quality & craftsmanship

To guarantee long-lasting durability and beauty, Cable Bullet hardware is machined from type 316 marine grade stainless steel and made exclusively in the U.S.A.

What cable should I use?

All Cable Bullet cable railing kits were designed exclusively for use with 5/32" cable. If your project includes sloped or angled rail sections, we highly recommend using 7x7 cable. The additional flexibility of the 7x7 cable braid allows for cleaner lines and tighter angles between staggered posts.

Shop 5/32" 316 Stainless Steel Cable 7x7 >