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Cable Railing Direct

FAQ

If you need design help or an estimate, feel free to contact us anytime.

  • Call us directly with questions at 855-820-8439
  • Email the Estimate Request Form with your plans (non-technical drawings are preferred) to quotes@cablerailing.com
  • Fax us the Estimate Request Form with your plans to 855-820-8439

See our Help & Advice page for additional resources.

General Questions

Click on any question to read the answer. Click it again to hide it.

What are Terminal Posts vs. Intermediate Posts?
Our cable railing systems consist of two different kinds of posts: terminal and intermediate. Terminal posts anchor the ends of your cable, using specially designed end fittings that hold your cables, pulling them tight and bearing the tension. Intermediate posts are the smaller posts in between terminal posts. The cables pass through these posts, guided by them, though not supported or pulled by them. In fact, oftentimes the cable won’t even make physical contact with an intermediate post while passing through it.

What distance should posts be placed apart to meet code?

Considering crimp and thread loads, we recommend distance between posts be no more than 5 ft. apart (on center). The reason for this is to reduce cable drop, thus better maintaining tension and minimizing cable deflection.

What are End Fittings?

End Fittings are parts that are attached to either end of a cable, completing a single rung of cable rail. This means that for each strand of cable rail you need a piece of cable with fittings on each end to attach it. These come in both tensioning types and non-tensioning types. Together these fittings are used to take the slack out of cable to tighten it, and meet cable deflection requirements.

Do I need both Tensioning and Terminal End Fittings?

Typically, you’ll need a terminal fitting on one end with a tensioning fitting on the other. This allows you to pull slack from the middle of the cable. In the case of longer cable runs, you will need a tensioning fitting on both ends. This way, you can pull slack from both sides, effectively pulling the slack out of the middle. There are also occasions where you might need an inline (middle) tensioner in addition to the tensioning fittings on each end (thus, three tensioning fittings in total).

How do I know if I need a Tensioner and Terminal, or 2 Tensioners?

This depends on the length of your railing and how many 90 degree corners it has (if any). Railing conditions and their required fittings are listed below:

*50 ft. of cable or less = 1 tensioning fitting + 1 terminal fitting
*50-70 ft. OR less than 70 ft. with 1 corner = 2 tensioning fittings
*Over 70 ft. OR has 2 corners (regardless of cable length) = 2 tensioning fittings

What is Cable Deflection?

Cable deflection basically describes how far apart two cables can be pulled. The less tension, the more the cables can be pulled away from each other; the more tension, the harder it is to pull them apart. This is important when it comes to cable railing systems, as loose cables can allow people to pass between them, possibly creating some serious safety hazards.

The International Code Council requires there be no more than 4 inches between any two adjacent cables, when fully spread. Simply put, if you push down on one cable, and pull up on the one directly above it, you can’t spread the cables more than 4″ apart.

In order to meet this requirement, our posts are pre-drilled with 3 inches between cables. This allows 1 inch of additional spread when load is applied, ensuring that an overall cable spread of 4 inches is not exceeded.

How often do I need to tension my cables?

In short, very rarely. Cables, unlike wires, do not stretch. Changes in cable tension are typically the result of ground movement. This can be caused by seismic activity, and other phenomena which can change the distancing between posts, resulting in slack. Ground movement can be as obvious as an earthquake, common over fault lines, such as the west coast; but nowhere is immune to ground movement. Buildings sway, vehicles can cause significant vibration, and the drop of a heavy object can be felt from quite the distance.  So only tighten when you notice you need to. How often or when that is, will depend on the land under your railing system. As a general estimate, you probably won’t need to tighten them even annually!

What does Marine Grade 316 mean?

SAE International grades steel based on its specific properties. The standard lays out composition, mechanical and physical properties, for each grade of steel. Our products are 316 grade or marine grade. It’s called marine grade because it’s used in most marine applications, due to its resistance to rusting, pitting, and corrosion. In other words, it’s built to handle any exterior application, especially Ocean Air Environments. This doesn’t mean it won’t rust, because it will. Proper care must be taken to passivate the surface iron.

What is Swaging?

Pronounced “sway-jing,” this process is used to attach the cables to their fittings. Cable is inserted into the sleeved portion of a fitting, which is then crimped (squeezed) using a crimping tool, tightly securing the cable within it.

Should I HAND SWAGE or use the PROFESSIONAL SWAGING SERVICE?

Some assembly types have a recommended swaging method, which should be followed. If the assembly type you choose does not have a specifically recommended swaging method, the choice is yours. Here are some of the differences between the two options:

HAND SWAGE

*This method requires a little more installation labor. You’ll also need to purchase a cable crimper and cable cutter.
*Assemblies may be ordered whenever convenient, before or after the handrail is installed.
*Exact measurements are not as critical, which gives the installer/homeowner more flexibility at the job site.
*Holes drilled through the Intermediate Posts will be smaller (6mm rather than 9mm), so that only the cable can pass through and not any pre-applied fittings.

PROFESSIONAL SWAGING SERVICE

*Less installation labor is required.
*Measurements must be taken after the railing framework is installed to ensure accuracy. Many customers choose to order CableView Railing™ or build their own railing framework before ordering professionally swaged cable railing assemblies.
*Holes drilled through the Intermediate Posts will be larger (ie. 9mm rather than 6mm).

Checklist

Changes/Cancellations

See 'Non-Custom Items'

Non-custom items are items which get pulled directly off the shelf and shipped to you with no changes or modifications.

All non custom items are returnable up to 7 days from the confirmed delivery date. Returns must be pre-approved by SC&R and must accompany a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number provided by us.SC&R will refuse any materials that are returned to us without the appropriate RMA number. All returned material must be shipped back undamaged at your expense. Any used materials that were installed prior to the return will be rejected. A 20% restocking fee will be charged for all returned materials.

See 'Custom Items'

Custom items are items which are modified to your project.  Cable is ALWAYS custom cut.

If changes are necessary after custom order has been placed online, or an order given via phone conversation, please call immediately before the order has entered the production cycle. Once the custom order has been processed which can be as soon as the next business day, changes may not be made once production has begun. This is especially important for custom cable assemblies. Your measurements are very important. Please remember to confirm each measurement twice. Once the assembly is mechanically swaged, it cannot be undone.

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Cable Railing Direct
Vancouver Business Park
3315 NE 112th, Ste 90/91
Vancouver, WA 98682

Phone: 855-820-8439
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