How to install System L stainless wire balustrade
System L wire balustrade kits are easy to install. All you need is a ruler, drill, drill bit and Lag Screw Terminal Spanner.
Follow the steps in our DIY Stainless Wire Balustrading Brochure or our instructional video above. Please note that the cutting of the wire rope and swaging of the fittings (as shown in the video) is done by us in the factory - you'll simply need to drill your posts, install the timber inserts and then install the ready-made wires as described below.
First drill a 5mm pilot hole in the anchor posts to a depth of at least 40mm. Pre-cut the threads into your anchor posts (LHT one end and RHT the other end), using the spare LHT or RHT lag screw terminal provided with your wires. The balustrade wires with LHT / RHT swaged lag screw terminals are then screwed into the threaded anchor posts at each end using a lag screw terminal spanner. This tensions the balustrade wire. It is best to get someone to help you install the terminals at both ends simultaneously, to avoid putting excessive twist in the wire.
System L is suitable for runs up to 6 metres. For longer straight runs, you can simply split the long run into two shorter runs.
The stainless balustrade wires should be spaced a maximum of 80mm apart, provided the distance between the intermediate posts is no greater than 1200mm.
Do not bend wire around corners. It can damage the balustrade wire, put excessive stress on the anchor posts and make it difficult to tension. It is also not compliant with the building code requirements.
The tension of the stainless wire balustrade can be checked by hanging a full 2L milk container on the wire in the mid-point between the posts and measuring the deflection. If the wire deflects more than is allowed by the BCA Guidelines then it will need to be tensioned further. Be careful not to over tension the wires as this will put excessive strain on your anchor posts.
Drill a 7.5mm hole to allow the swage stud to pass through the intermediate posts. If split grommets are to be inserted into intermediate posts, a 9.0mm hole is required.
Stainless balustrade supplies are shipped from AAA Metal Suppliers' factory in Sydney.