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.

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
   • 6:21–7:49 Tension and Cut Cables (this video)

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