Stair and level cable runs place the cable on different paths through the end posts. MR.RAIL therefore separates the standard Quick Lock hardware into stair or angled families and level or straight families. The run geometry must be identified together with the post material, mounting method, cable construction and cable diameter.
A product selected only because it is described as a cable railing tensioner may still have the wrong post interface or cable direction. Record each run separately before ordering, especially when one project combines a level deck, a stair flight and more than one end-post arrangement.
This guide identifies the standard MR.RAIL product families. It does not replace project design, post preparation requirements or the current installation manual.
Why run geometry is a separate selection step
“Stair” and “level” describe the direction of the cable run at the hardware connection. Stair or sloped sections need the product family intended to follow an angled cable path. Level sections use the straight-run family for the applicable post and mounting arrangement.
The geometry decision does not establish the complete model. After classifying the run, confirm whether the end post is wood or metal, whether the fitting attaches at the post face or passes through the post, and whether the cable uses a Quick Lock or Swage connection.
Quick Lock families for stair and angled runs
For a surface-mount wood-post stair run, use the MR-01 / MR-11 / MR-21 category. For a surface-mount metal-post stair run, use MR-03 / MR-13 / MR-23. Both are Quick Lock families for matching-diameter 1×19 stainless steel cable.
Where the approved arrangement passes through the end posts, MR-05 / MR-15 / MR-25 are the through-post Quick Lock stair or angled family. Through-post access, the cable path and model-specific preparation must be confirmed before drilling.
Quick Lock families for level and straight runs
For a surface-mount wood-post level run, use MR-02 / MR-12 / MR-22. For a surface-mount metal-post level run, use MR-04 / MR-14 / MR-24.
MR-06 / MR-16 / MR-26 are the through-post Quick Lock family for level or straight runs with an approved wood- or metal-post arrangement. These families use matching-diameter 1×19 cable, and no hydraulic crimper is required on the Quick Lock end.
One Swage family covers wood-post stair or level runs
MR-08 / MR-18 / MR-28 are the standard surface-mount Swage family for wood-post stair or level runs. The cable is permanently secured with the specified crimping workflow, and the family accepts matching-diameter 1×19 or 7×7 cable.
Quick Lock and Swage should not be treated as interchangeable simply because both product groups contain tensioning hardware. Confirm the cable construction and planned connection method before comparing the run-specific model families.
Stair and level fitting matrix
| Model families | Post | Run | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|
| MR-01 / MR-11 / MR-21 | Wood | Stair or angled | Surface mount |
| MR-02 / MR-12 / MR-22 | Wood | Level or straight | Surface mount |
| MR-03 / MR-13 / MR-23 | Metal | Stair or angled | Surface mount |
| MR-04 / MR-14 / MR-24 | Metal | Level or straight | Surface mount |
| MR-05 / MR-15 / MR-25 | Wood or metal | Stair or angled | Through post |
| MR-06 / MR-16 / MR-26 | Wood or metal | Level or straight | Through post |
| MR-08 / MR-18 / MR-28 | Wood | Stair or level | Surface mount Swage |
Choose the row by application, then select the exact 1/8, 5/32 or 3/16-inch model. Use the cable railing fitting size guide for the complete diameter map.
A practical run-by-run selection workflow
- Draw or photograph each run. Separate level sections, stair flights and changes in direction.
- Mark the end-post material. Identify wood and metal post conditions independently.
- Choose the mounting arrangement. Confirm surface-mount or through-post access before selecting a family.
- Confirm cable construction. Quick Lock uses 1×19; Swage accepts matching 1×19 or 7×7 cable.
- Confirm cable diameter. Select the matching 1/8, 5/32 or 3/16-inch family.
- List quantities by exact model. Do not combine unlike stair and level hardware into one undifferentiated count.
- Review the current manual. Confirm preparation and tools before drilling posts or cutting cable.
Frequently asked questions
Can a level-run fitting be used on a stair run?
Select the MR.RAIL family identified for the actual run geometry. Stair or angled and level or straight Quick Lock families are separate product categories.
Which Quick Lock models are for wood-post stairs?
MR-01, MR-11 and MR-21 are the wood-post stair or angled Quick Lock families for 1/8, 5/32 and 3/16-inch cable respectively.
Which Quick Lock models are for level metal-post runs?
MR-04, MR-14 and MR-24 are the metal-post level or straight Quick Lock families for the three cable diameters.
Does MR-08 work for stair and level runs?
MR-08, MR-18 and MR-28 are the surface-mount Swage family for wood-post stair or level runs. Confirm the selected cable size and installation manual.
Are MR-09, MR-19 and MR-29 stair tensioners?
No. They are matching Quick Lock release tools used for adjustment or cable removal before final tensioning.