Tension and Cut Cables

What happens in this clip

Once all cables are fed through, attach a tensioning sleeve to the end of each cable's stinger that connects to the end post. Use an Allen wrench (hex key) to tighten the tensioning sleeve, creating tension along the entire length of the cable. After the end posts are tensioned, mark the position of each cable on the starting end post with tape. Carefully back out each cable one by one. Using an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel, cut each cable to its marked length. After cutting, crimp a new stinger onto the freshly cut end of each cable. Feed this stinger into a tensioning sleeve on the starting end post, then tighten to tension the cables. Repeat this for all cables to complete the modern cable railing installation.

Goal: Secure and finalize the cable railing installation

What's used

Tools

• Allen Wrench (Hex Key)
• Angle Grinder
• Crimper
• Cut-off Wheel
• Small Piece of Tape
• Stingers Viewrail
• Tensioning Sleeves Viewrail

About the full video

This DIY project details the process of replacing an outdated wooden railing system with a modern cable railing from Viewrail. The project involves demolishing the old railing and posts, repairing any resulting drywall damage, installing new baseboards, mounting new metal posts, attaching top rails, and finally feeding, tensioning, and cutting the cable infill.

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

Other videos for this step

• Feed and Crimp Cable (Fixed End)
• Insert and Anchor Cable on First End