Trim Excess Cable

What happens in this clip

With the cables properly tensioned, the final step is to trim any excess cable. Using a Dremel rotary tool fitted with a cutting disk, carefully cut the protruding ends of the cables flush with the tensioning hardware. Wear safety gloves during this process to protect your hands from the rotating tool and sharp cable ends. This ensures a clean, professional finish and removes any potential snag hazards.

Goal: Cut off any extra cable for a clean finish

What's used

Tools

• Cutting Disk
• Dremel Rotary Tool Dremel
• Specialized cable cutters (for smaller gauge cables)
• Safety Gloves
• Stainless Steel Cables

About the full video

This project guides through the installation of a cable railing system on a wooden deck. It involves securing specialized hardware to wooden posts, meticulously threading stainless steel cables through these fittings, applying appropriate tension to each cable to ensure a secure and taut barrier, and finally trimming any excess cable for a professional and clean finish. The process enhances the deck's aesthetic with a modern, open feel while providing a safe perimeter.

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

11. Step 11: Final Inspection and Testing

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