Cut Cable Overhang

What happens in this clip

Once the cables are fully tensioned to the desired tautness, use specialized cable cutters to neatly trim any excess cable extending from the tensioning fittings. Cut flush or to a specified length for a clean and professional appearance.

Goal: Remove excess cable for a clean and finished look.

What's used

Tools

• Cable Cutters
• Hacksaw (will fray)
• Stainless Steel Cable

About the full video

This DIY project demonstrates how to install a modern cable railing system on a deck. It involves preparing deck posts by drilling holes, installing specialized through-post cable fittings, threading stainless steel cables through these fittings, securing one end of the cable with a swaged sleeve using a crimping tool, attaching the other end to a tensioning mechanism, and tightening the cables to achieve proper tautness. The process concludes with trimming excess cable and installing decorative grommets for a clean, finished appearance.

Step 10 of 11: Trim Excess Cable

Once all cables are tensioned to the desired tightness, use cable cutters to trim any excess cable that extends beyond the tensioning hardware. Cut as close as possible to the fitting for a neat appearance. Be careful not to scratch or damage the posts or other hardware while trimming.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in Cable Railing Installation

1. Step 1: Layout Post Locations

   • 6:04–7:34 Install Stair Posts
   • 0:34–0:52 Determine Post Positions
   • 0:09–0:56 Plan Post Placement and Gather Tools

2. Step 2: Drill Post Mounting Holes

   • 0:41–1:07 Pre-drill Mounting Holes
   • 1:54–2:34 Pre-drill Post Mount Holes
   • 0:05–0:09 Install Base Posts

3. Step 3: Attach Railing Posts

   • 6:04–7:34 Install Stair Posts
   • 2:06–2:45 Install Railing Posts on Stairs
   • 3:04–3:39 Mount and Secure Post with Through-Bolts

4. Step 4: Mark Cable Attachment Points

   • 0:10–0:35 Understand Cable Rail Layout and Code
   • 0:47–1:53 Establish Cable Spacing and Drill Pilot Holes
   • 0:21–0:32 Measure, Mark, and Install Eye Straps on Posts

5. Step 5: Install Cable Termination Hardware

   • 3:38–7:37 Install and Tension Cables with Lag Screws
   • 8:19–10:38 Feed and Crimp Cable (Fixed End)

6. Step 6: Cut Cables to Length

   • 2:23–3:38 Cut Cables and Plan Installation Order
   • 0:59–1:19 Cut the Cable
   • 0:53–1:00 Measure, Cut, and Insert Cable

7. Step 7: Attach Cables to Terminals

   • 8:19–10:38 Feed and Crimp Cable (Fixed End)
   • 0:16–0:32 Insert and Anchor Cable on First End
   • 6:21–7:49 Tension and Cut Cables

8. Step 8: Thread Cables Through Posts

   • 3:19–4:10 Thread Cable Railing
   • 0:08–0:09 Thread Cables Through Railing Posts
   • 0:09–0:29 Thread Cables Through Hardware

9. Step 9: Install Tensioners and Tension Cables

   • 1:09–1:18 Final Cable Tensioning
   • 0:44–0:51 Install and Tension Cable Strands
   • 0:29–0:46 Tension the Cables

10. Step 10: Trim Excess Cable

    • 6:43–7:27 Trim Excess Cable and Tighten Nuts
    • 0:24–0:25 Cut Cable Overhang (this video)
    • 0:46–0:54 Trim Excess Cable

11. Step 11: Final Inspection and Testing

    • 0:16–0:28 Perform Final Inspection and Safety Check