How to install System S stainless wire balustrade
System S wire balustrade kits are relatively easy to install. All you need is a ruler, drill, drill bit, Blind Rivet Nut Tool and 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 metal posts, install the blind rivet nuts and then install the ready-made wires as described below.
First drill a 10.0mm hole into the anchor posts in the required locations. Install the LHT / RHT blind rivet nuts into the holes using a blind rivet nut tool. The balustrade wires with LHT / RHT swage studs swaged to each end are then screwed into the inserts at each end by rotating the whole wire. This tensions the balustrade wire.
System S is suitable for runs up to 8 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.
Swivel Connectors for System S
Our DIY wire balustrade Swivel Connectors are used with System S where balustrades change direction, such as staircases and inclines. Available in both Left Hand Threads and Right Hand Threads, these swivels screw directly into the Blind Rivet Nuts on the anchor posts. The other end of the connectors have a female thread to accept the swaged studs.
The stainless balustrade wire is easily inclined and tensioned from both ends by simultaneously rotating the left and right hand swaged threaded studs into the left and right hand swivel connectors.
