Insert and Anchor Cable on First End

What happens in this clip

After all the necessary holes are drilled, unroll the cable from its spool. Take one end of the cable and insert it into the designated anchor system on the first end post. For this specific type of anchor, the cable needs to be inserted approximately 1.5 inches deep to ensure a secure and immovable grip. Once properly inserted, the cable will be firmly held in place and will not pull out, even with significant force.

Goal: Firmly attach one end of the cable to the anchor system in an end post.

What's used

Tools

• Cable Spool
• Measuring Tape
• Marked cable

Materials

• Anchor System Components
• Cable (3/16 inch thick)

About the full video

This DIY project provides step-by-step instructions for installing a cable railing system on a deck or similar structure. It covers the crucial steps of accurately drilling holes in both end posts (for anchor systems) and intermediate posts (for cable passage), followed by inserting and securing the cable using both fixed anchor and tensioning mechanisms to achieve a taut, minimalist railing.

Step 7 of 11: Attach Cables to Terminals

Feed the cut cable end through the appropriate termination fitting (e.g., a fork terminal, eye terminal, or directly through a post if using tensioners). Secure the cable using the manufacturer's recommended method. For swage fittings, this involves placing the fitting onto the cable end and using a hydraulic swaging tool to permanently crimp it. For other types, follow specific instructions, which might involve set screws or specialized crimps.

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 (this video)
   • 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