CableRail | Custom Cable & Hardware : Installation

The perfect solution for projects with a view. Standardized, prefabricated, 1/8in diameter, stainless steel cable assemblies for infill on railings, fences and trellises.

A selection of other sizes and types of cables and end fittings that can be used to make custom assemblies to meet your specific architectural applications.

overview

key features & benefits

frame requirements & details

maintenance

environmental

warranty

specs & detail drawings

ordering

Complete, easy-to-install, pre-engineered, aluminum railing frame systems with powder coated color finishes and glass, picket, vertical cable or horizontal cable infill options.

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Custom Cable Assemblies That Are Versatile and Easy-To-Install.

The most common use for custom cable assemblies is for railing infill, and the installation steps outlined below are directed specifically to that usage. However with our extensive selection of cables and easy-to-use fittings you can design and build assemblies for other uses such as trellises and fences. If you need assistance bringing your cable ideas to life, just give us a call, and we can help with the details.

Important Note: Building codes vary by city and county; therefore, following the installation and railing design instructions detailed on this website does not necessarily ensure code compliance in all areas. So, before starting your project, be sure to consult your building department on local requirements for using and installing cable railings. Also check our Drill Hole Chart for more information. CableRail custom cables, fittings and assemblies should never be used for lifting, hanging or other high-load applications.

Tools You'll Definitely Need:

Pencil
Measuring Tape
Electric Drill
Drill Bits
Safety Glasses
Work Gloves

Tools You'll Possibly Need:

Cable Cutters
CableCrimp™ Crimper
Crescent or Box Wrenches
Pliers or Vise-Grip Pliers
Electric Grinder
Grinding & Cut-Off Disks
Hand Hack Saw or Electric Reciprocating Saw
Saw Blades

Follow These Easy Steps:

step 1 <click to see the larger version>

Carefully review all of the information on the Cables, Fittings and Frame Requirements & Details pages in this Custom Cable & Hardware section.

step 2 <click to see the larger version>

Select your cable and fittings, and then design and construct your railing frame accordingly (see Frame Requirements & Details). Determine which walls or posts will be used for terminating the cable assemblies. Give us a call if you have any questions or need assistance and recommendations, 1/800-888-2418.

step 3 <click to see the larger version>

Mark and drill holes in all posts for attaching and lacing cables. Be sure to space cables no more than 3 inches apart for safety. Stair post holes should be drilled parallel to the slope of the stairs. Hole sizes will vary depending on the types of cable fittings used. See Recommended Drill Hole Charts. Our sales staff can assist you with drill hole sizing recommendations.

step 4 <click to see the larger version>

Determine the lengths of your cable assemblies by measuring your railing frames between the cable termination points from step 2 above. Refer to the attachment drawings for each of the fittings (see Fittings) for details on how to attach and measure.

step 5 <click to see the larger version>

Call to order your cable assemblies or bulk cable and CableCrimp™ fittings; toll free 800/888-2418 or phone 510/893-9473. Be sure to include any accessory items or tools.

step 6 <click to see the larger version>

Lace the cable assemblies through the intermediate posts and attach the end fittings to the termination posts. See drawing at bottom of page for details on angled stair terminations.

step 7 <click to see the larger version>

Tighten the cables by spinning the bodies of the Turnbuckles or the nuts on the Threaded Terminals. Follow the recommended tensioning sequence shown in the diagram below.

step 8 <click to see the larger version>

Depending on the fittings used, cut and trim any excess threads or cable and apply a cap to finish.

Typical Angled Terminations

(These attachment details would also apply to the corresponding turnbuckles)

Internal Thread Adjuster with Beveled Washer
Threaded Terminal with End Cap and Beveled Washer
Threaded Terminal with Hex & Cap Nuts and Beveled Washer
Fixed Cap End with Beveled Washer
Fixed Ball End
Quick-Connect® SS with End Cap and Beveled Washer
Fixed Jaw End attached to welded tab
Fixed Surface Mount bolted to post face.
Fixed Lock Toggle
No termination, cable runs continuously

Recommended Cable Tensioning Sequence