Cut Cables and Plan Installation Order

What happens in this clip

The system utilizes both left-hand and right-hand threaded lag bolt fittings for tensioning the cables. Begin by cutting the stainless steel cable strands. For this system, the cable should be cut 1.5 inches shorter than the distance between the two posts it will span. Mark the desired length on the cable and use the specialized cable cutters to make clean cuts. It is recommended to start the installation with the middle cable first, rather than beginning from the top or bottom. This approach helps distribute tension evenly and provides support in the center of the post, preventing smaller posts (like 4x4s) from bowing outward as cables are tightened. If you start from the outside, tightening subsequent cables can cause the already tightened cables to loosen.

Goal: Prepare cables to length and begin installation with the middle cable.

What's used

Tools

• Cable Cutters Deck Man
• Left-Hand Thread Lag Screws Deck Man
• allowing for tensioning.
• Pencil
• Right-Hand Thread Lag Screws Deck Man
• Stainless Steel Cable
• Tape Measure

About the full video

This project demonstrates the installation of an easy and attractive cable railing system, highlighting its rapid installation process and clean aesthetic. The system uses specialized lag bolt fittings that eliminate the need for turnbuckles or through bolts, making the installation straightforward and ensuring proper cable tensioning without complex measuring.

Step 6 of 11: Cut Cables to Length

Measure the distance between the installed termination hardware for each cable run. Add extra length as recommended by the cable system manufacturer to accommodate the swaging process or for winding around terminal posts. Use a specialized cable cutter designed for stainless steel to ensure a clean, burr-free cut. Avoid using bolt cutters, which can deform the cable.

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 (this video)
   • 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
    • 0:46–0:54 Trim Excess Cable

11. Step 11: Final Inspection and Testing

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