Product Description
The Wood Level Tension Kit contains everything you need to tension one end of a run of cable.*
1 – Tension Receiver
1 – Threaded Crimp Fitting
1 – Wood Insert Sleeve
1 – Stainless Steel Washer
These components are crafted from marine-grade 316 stainless steel for lasting beauty and strength. We recommend putting a cable every 3 1/8″, we’ve found that this spacing (when combined with an intermediate post placed every 4 feet), allows for minimal cable deflection, so that you stay within the common 4″ sphere rule for code. If your overall system height is 36″ tall, typically a 10 pack for each post is required (depending on your handrail setup, it might be less). For 39″ systems purchase a 11 pack, and for 42″ systems purchase a 12 pack.
*You will need to purchase a kit for the other end of your cable, either another Wood Level Tension Kit, a Wood Angle Tension Kit (for starting or ending on a staircase), or a DriveTite Kit. We highly recommend using our Cable Rail Installation Tool Kit to install this product.
Product Q&A
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What is the thread size and diameter of the threaded crimp
They threads are 1/4 – 20. And the overall size of the fitting is around 9/32″ x 1 1/4″.
Please let us know if you have any other questions.
how many feet of cable span can one fitting support?
Hi Jason,
Assuming you are doing a fixed end on one end, this can pull tension on around 35 feet of cable. If you’re using a Level Tension Kit on both ends, then we recommend that you only try to pull tension about 60 feet in total. The key to being able to pull tension on these long runs is to ensure that you cut and crimp the cable to the optimum length (covered in our instructions).
Please let us know if you have any other questions.
What sized holes do you need to drill into the wood posts to fit these level tension kits?
These fittings require a 1/2″ hole drilled all the way through the post. We recommend that you drill half way through both sides of the post, to ensure the straightest hole possible.
can this product be used on existing 4×4 wood posts?
Hi Kristen,
The Wood Level Tension Kit is perfect for existing 4″x4″ posts. Please let us know if there’s anything else we can help you with!
How does one drill wooden corner posts to accommodate Wood Level Tension Kit components and still maintain the same level of cables on each side of the corner?
Hi Mary,
In order to avoid a slight offset, you need a post that’s greater than or equal to 4 1/2″ square. This gives the fittings plenty of clearance inside the post. If your posts are smaller than 4 1/2″ square, doing a small offset (1/8″-1/4″) should allow them to fit inside of a single post. Please let us know if you have any additional questions!
When you say that “you don’t need an offset” when the post is equal to 4 1/2″ you’re referring to drilling to holes “at the same height” for each of the two runs and simply having the cables internally deflect slightly?
Hi Brian,
That’s correct. If your post is 4 1/2″ wide or greater, you can drill holes at the same height without worrying about the fittings hitting each other. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
In the case the that nominal 4×4 posts are used can one use two posts close to the corner and use a continuous cable through them?
Hi Brian,
Yes! When doing so, we recommend using Wood Insert Sleeves to ensure that the holes maintain a clean appearance.
What is the minimal thickness of the wood that these can be used in? I have a a rough cedar board that is 2″ thick (actually 1 3/4″ thick). I would like to use this system in that board, is that too thin?
Hi Eric,
From the standpoint of fitting the components inside a post, a 2″ post is the minimum size. However, your ability to tension the cable will be limited by the strength of that board. In addition, your system would not be structurally sound as the post would not be able to stand up against strong lateral forces. We recommend using nominal 4×4 posts with this system.
what is the required cable thickness
Jeff,
All of our cable railing kits are designed to be compatible with our 5/32″ cable.
What is the overall length of the tension receiver and the threaded crimp fitting (not including the wood insert sleeve) when screwed in all the way?
Hi Tim,
Thanks for your question. The Tension Receiver is 1″ in length and the Threaded Crimp Fitting is 1-1/2″ in length. Properly installed, you would see only the head of the tension receiver and the wood insert sleeve outside a wooden post.
Best,
The StairSupplies Support Team
Regarding quantities – Assuming the ‘2 pack’ “contains everything you need to tension one end of a run of cable”, So a ’10 pack’ will cover 5 lengths of cable?
Thanks for your question,
A 2 pack of our Wood Level Tension Kit would provide a tension system for both ends of a single run of cable. If you have additional questions, please give us a call at 1 (866) 226-6536.
Best,
The StairSupplies Support Team
Would 1/8” cable work with these fittings?
Thanks for the question Margo.
All of our products are designed to work with our 5/32″ cable. We cannot guarantee them when used with a different sized cable.
Best,
StairSupplies Customer Support
Can I use both Wood Level Tension Kits and Wood Angle Tension Kits in one support post? I would like to use one post where I transition from level deck to stair railing.
Thanks for the question Jessica.
It’s possible in theory, but both the level and angle tension kits go all the way through the wood post and you would likely have trouble with the spacing. A better solution to what you want to do would probably be our DriveTite Exterior Kit – it can be used for both level and angle runs.
Best,
StairSupplies Customer Support
Best,
StairSupplies Customer Support