Surgical tools and related methods articulate an actuation rod assembly via an actuation tension member. A surgical tool includes an end effector, an instrument shaft assembly supporting the end effector, an actuation rod assembly drivingly coupled with the end effector, a guide surface, a flexible tension member connected to the actuation rod assembly, and an actuation portion. The actuation rod assembly is mounted to slide within the instrument shaft assembly. The flexible tension member is connected to the actuation rod assembly at a connection. The flexible tension member includes a first portion that extends distally from the connection to the guide surface, is wrapped around the guide surface, and extends proximally from the guide surface. The actuation portion is drivingly coupled with the flexible tension member and operable to articulate the tension member to articulate the actuation rod assembly to actuate the end effector.