cable bullet BM24-16-SE Cable Rail Tensioner Kit
OVERVIEW
Clean, simple, beautifulCable Bullet was designed to provide the cleanest possible profile, using only high-quality materials, while keeping installation as simple as possible. Our patented technology in every tensioner allows each cable to fasten neatly inside the post, hidden away, leaving your view free of bulky hardware. To keep installation simple, each end is interchangeable and can be used on level or angled runs. |
 | – BEAUTIFY, DON’T BLOCK YOUR VIEW – Enjoy the view you love, free of bulky turnbuckles and unnecessary clutter |
 | – SIMPLE IS EASIER – Interchangeable ends for level and stair runs means less time installing and fewer mistakes |
 | – QUALITY MATTERS – Proudly made in the USA without cutting corners, so your railing will look great and last for years |
 | – IN STOCK & READY TO SHIP – Get started quickly, finish confidently, and spend more time enjoying your project |
 | – THE SUPPORT YOU NEED – Tackle your project with confidence knowing you’ve got a dedicated team on your side |
HOW IT WORKS
THE ALTERNATIVE TO BULKY TURNBUCKLES
A hidden tensioning mechanism tucked away inside your post!
The Cable Bullet tensioner A is screwed in to the post. The crimped cable end B holds the lobed washer C in place, while a set screw D advances to tension the cable.
Once installed only the head of the tensioner is visible!
NEED MORE DEPTH?
For larger post sleeves or any other application where you need to anchor through a veneer into a structural post, we offer the XL (1-7/8”) and the XXL (2-3/4”) tensioners.
INSTALLATION
TOOLS & SUPPLIES
- Tensioner kits (one Bullet A, crimp sleeve B, lobed washer C, and set screw D per kit)
- Cable Bullet crimper E & stand F
- Cable cutters G
- Drill (1/2” chuck)*, drill bits 9/16” H, 3/16” I, & 5/8” J
- Cable Bullet driver K
- 3/32” Allen key L or hex socket power bit M
- Tape measure* N & combination square* O
- T-10 Star drive P (for post hole covers V)
- Drill guide Q & WD-40* for lubrication (optional)
- Socket wrench R with 7/16” socket* (optional)
- Screw driver S
- 5/32” Stainless steel cable T
- Boeshield T-9® stainless steel lubricant U
- Post hole covers V (optional, each includes a mounting screw W)
- Deluxe post hole covers X (optional, formally known as ‘dummy tensioners’)
*Not for sale at www.cablebullet.com
 | PLEASE NOTE: All Cable Bullet recommendations and rail components are designed to comply with the International Residential Code (IRC). Because building codes may vary, it’s the installer’s responsibility to verify that the installed system complies with all applicable state and local building codes. For more information on Cable Bullet and building code standards, visit: www.cablebullet.com/pages/terms-conditions |
PROJECT GUIDELINES
 | A | CABLE TENSIONING POSTS can be spaced up to 20 feet apart. To maintain optimal tension, add additional posts on longer runs. |
 | B | ADD CABLE SPACER BARS or cable support posts every 42–48 inches to minimize cable deflection under load. |
 | C | SPACE YOUR CABLES every 3 inches apart to allow for some cable deflection while maintaining a 4-inch gap between cable runs. |
 | D | SUPPORT YOUR TOP RAIL as needed with structural posts. For composite top rail, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. |
| IMPORTANT: Your posts and top rail must be able to support the combined tension of the total cable runs, 150–200 pounds each. |
MEASURE & MARK POS
END POSTS
Measure and mark the location for each Cable Bullet tensioner.
To avoid alignment issues, set the top and bottom Bullets before drilling for the remaining Bullets.
PASS-THROUGH POSTS
Do the same for all your cable pass-through holes.
 | PRO TIP: Consider your cable placement relative to any stair runs to avoid off-set cables |
DRILL TENSIONER HOLES
TENSIONER HOLES
For each Bullet on both straight and sloped cable runs, drill a 5/8” level hole through the post sleeve ONLY.
TENSIONER HOLES
Then drill a level 9/16” hole through the sleeve hole into the wood post. Use a brad point bit for clean, accurate holes.
The appropriate depth will vary based on the post, sleeve, and Bullet sizes. Drill deep enough for 3/4” of the Bullet threading to engage in your center wood post.
| CAUTION: If there’s a gap between the sleeve and post, add shims where the Bullets will be installed to avoid accidentally compressing the sleeve during installation. |
DRILL PASS-THROUGH HOLES
PASS-THROUGH HOLES
Use a rigid, high-quality 3/16” bit to drill your cable pass-through holes.
Thicker posts and sleeves will need to be drilled from both sides to maintain a level hole.
Use the Cable Bullet drill guide (optional) to assist in drilling your pass-through holes.
Make sure your drill bit is long enough to clear the 3” drill guide head.
| CAUTION: Exercise caution if using the drill guide with sleeved posts. Use painter’s tape and do not clamp too hard or it may scratch your post sleeves. |
INSTALL TENSIONERS
Use a drill with a 1/2” chuck and the Bullet driver to screw each Bullet and fitted steel cover ring into the posts.
Bullets should thread into the wood post, not the post sleeve. The rubber O-ring allows contact between the Bullet and sleeve without applying excessive pressure.
 | WARNING: Do not use an impact driver or you risk damaging the set screw channel and increasing the likelihood of seizing during installation. |
Use a socket wrench and 7/16” socket to align tensioners so the set screw channel is accessible relative to the angle of the cable.
INSTALL PASS-THROUGH HARDWARE Optional
POST HOLE COVERS
Each post hole cover is secured to the post with one #4-24 x 5/8” SS socket head cap screw using a T10 x 2” star drive power bit.
For post sleeves, drill a 3/32” pilot hole.
| PRO TIP: Use a scrap piece of cable to “hang” your post hole cover in place while fastening it to the post. |
DELUXE POST HOLE COVERS
Drill a 1/2” hole through the sleeve, centered on your 3/16” pass-through hole.
Use the Bullet driver and a drill or socket wrench to set the deluxe post hole cover.
| PRO TIP: Use deluxe post hole covers on transitional posts that break a straight run, e.g. at the top of stairs, two-post corners, and 45-degree turns to save on tensioners and protect your post from abrasion and the resulting compression load. |
CUT ROUGH CABLE LENGTHS
Measure your runs and cut oversized, rough lengths of cable for each.
Be sure to leave an extra few inches so as not to end up short.
You will make a finish cut later.
Use wire cutters designed for cutting steel wire to ensure clean cut ends.
LUBRICATE TENSIONERS
Apply a drop of Boeshield T-9 lubricant to the set screw channel of each tensioner to ease installation, reduce the likelihood of seizing, passivate the stainless, and help prevent corrosion.
| WARNING: Take special care to avoid staining, and do not spill T-9 on the surface of your posts. Hold a shop rag underneath the tensioner if necessary. |
CRIMP CABLE ENDS
Fit the first end of your cable with a lobed washer and crimp sleeve.
Use the Cable Bullet crimper to firmly set the crimp. This should take 10-12 pumps. A properly crimped cable end will show a distinct hexagonal imprint pattern.
SET CABLE ENDS
Insert the crimped cable and lobed washer into the tensioner and use a 3/32” Allen key or hex socket power bit to advance the set screw until it is flush with the face of the Bullet.
With the crimped end locked in place, thread your cable through all intermediate posts and spacer bars (if applicable).
| CAUTION: ON: To minimize the risk of cross-thread or or galling, use a manual socket screw driver or Allen key. |
CUT EXACT CABLE LENGTHS
| Repeat steps 9 and 10 to secure the second end of your cable, then repeat the entire process for each of your cables. |
FINAL TENSIONING
| Repeat steps 9 and 10 to secure the second end of your cable, then repeat the entire process for each of your cables. |
SET SPACER BARS
| WARNING: We do not recommend using fixed spacer bars with composite top rail. For alternative options for structural handrail support, visit www.cablebullet.com. |
CARE & MAINTENANCE
After you’ve finished the installation process, follow the Cable Bullet Care & Maintenance Instructions.
“There’s got to be a better way.”In 2012, I had a project that called for cable railing. Looking at what was available, the thought kept coming to mind, “There’s got to be a better way.” There were nice looking and easy to install systems, but they were so expensive! There were cheap systems, but the aesthetics seemed lacking. And then there were all the parts and pieces, fixed ends, tensioning ends, straight and sloped ends, through the post ends, or surface mount ends. On and on it went. “There’s got to be a better way.” Several years (and a lot of evenings and weekends in the shop) later, we have a new system that’s simple and elegant. It installs the same way in any application. It’s aesthetically consistent in any application. In all applications, the tensioning is done inside the Bullet within the post. An elegant look with no caps or nuts on the opposite side of the post. No surface-mount, inline tensioner to clutter up short runs. Just cable disappearing into a stainless disk. Elegant, simple, and intuitive. – Daniel Schlatter, Co-Founder |
VISIT CABLEBULLET.COM FOR MORE OPTIONS
MINIMAL PROFILE FOR A MODERN DESIGN
Versatile machine-threaded Bullets for use in custom aluminum or steel posts, as well as with our Signature Series aluminum railing.
A MODERN TOUCH FOR WOOD DECK OR STAIR RAIL
Cable rail tensioners in 3 lengths, designed for use with interior or exterior hard and softwood posts.
MASONRY ANCHORS
Specialty kit that includes a stainless steel sleeve that allows you to anchor your cable railing to any structural masonry post or wall.
START YOUR PROJECT WITH CONFIDENCE
 DON’T LIKE IT? DON’T PAY FOR IT |  RETURN WHAT YOU DON’T USE |  NO-PENALTY EXCHANGES |
Some restrictions do apply. For full details, please visit our www.cablebullet.com.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
If you have any questions about our system or your project, give us a call or send us a message. We’re open Monday-Friday from 9 am-5 pm EST.
WWW.CABLEBULLET.COM | [email protected] | 574.742.2737
CABLE BULLET
300 EASTLAKE DR.
WARSAW, IN 4658
All products which contain, or make use of, Cable Bullet’s tensioning mechanism are covered under U.S. Patent 10,352,066.
This includes our Cable Rail Kit for Sleeved Posts.
Cable Bullet Cable Rail System | Hidden Cable Rail Tensioners
Cable Bullet Cable Rail System | Hidden Cable Rail Tensioners
