Swaged and Swageless Cable Railing: Installation & Tools
Why Cable Railing?
Cable railing systems have become a modern favorite for decks, balconies, and staircases. They provide a sleek, open aesthetic while maintaining safety and durability. Two primary types of cable railing fittings are swaged and swageless. Understanding the difference between these two systems is essential for choosing the right one for your project.
What is a Swageless Cable Railing?
Swageless fittings are slightly less common. These systems utilize specialized proprietary hardware: the cable is inserted into the fitting and secured by an internal locking mechanism that prevents it from slipping out.
How do they work？
Swageless fittings utilize a locking wedge system within the body of the fitting. Using a swageless fitting with stainless-steel cable requires no special tools or equipment. Simply push and twist the cable into the fitting to lock it in place.
One of the most significant advantages of swageless fittings is their ease of DIY-friendly installation. The process typically involves slipping the fitting over the cable, pushing it into place, and then tightening a nut or screw to secure the connection.
What is Swaged Cable Railing?
Swaging remains the most widely adopted method for securing cable railings, offering a reliable and durable connection. This process involves permanently compressing a fitting onto the cable, ensuring it can withstand significant tension without failure. Several tools can be utilized in this process. These tools are designed to securely attach stainless steel fittings onto the cable, providing a tight and permanent connection.
Recommended Swage Tool
IWS-2316LR Stainless Steel Swage Stud Crimper by IWISS is a highly recommended option. This tool is specifically designed for 1/8" to 3/16" stainless steel wire rope tensioners, making it ideal for cable railing applications. Its features include:
- Premium Hardened Steel Construction: Ensures durability and longevity.
- Hexagonal Crimping Profile: Provides a secure and uniform connection.
- Sharp Cutting Blade: Facilitates effortless wire rope cutting.
- Long Handles: Provide sufficient leverage for efficient crimping.
- Adjustable Crimping Force: Enables customization according to specific requirements.
- Rustproof Surface: Ensures a long service life.
For cutting wire ropes, the CWR60 Wire Rope Cutter by IWISS is an excellent choice. It is an essential tool for preparing wire ropes before installation, ensuring clean cuts that facilitate secure connections. Its features include:
- High-Quality Steel Blades: Ensure clean and precise cuts with no frayed ends.
- Ergonomic Handles: Provide comfort during extended use.
- Versatility: Suitable for various types of wire ropes, including bicycle cables, aircraft cables, copper cables, and piano wires.
- Compact Design: Easy to carry and store.
These tools are particularly beneficial for DIY enthusiasts and professionals working with cable railing systems, offering precision and reliability in every cut and crimp.
Installation Steps
Ready-to-install Cable railing kit
There are pre-packaged, ready-to-install kits suitable for most field conditions that do not require any type of field swaging tools. (For more details, please visit the DeckWise® Cable Railing Kit page.）
Depending on the layout of your project, simply choose inside-to-inside or outside-to-outside kits for the perfect match.
- Outside-to-Outside Fittings
Use: Hide tensioners/receivers for unobstructed views (ideal for "View Run" – outward-facing sections).
Requirements: Both sides of the post must be accessible (avoid if posts are near walls/obstacles).
- Inside-to-Inside Fittings
Use: When only one post side is accessible (e.g., against a house or obstacle).
Visibility: Small receivers/lags remain visible on the accessible side.
- Combination Fittings
Use: Mix both types to maintain cable alignment (e.g., combine on corners or stairs).
Example: Pair outside-to-outside on "View Run" with inside-to-inside on adjacent posts to keep cables flush.
Installation Steps
- Drill holes in posts 3-1/8" on center for lags, push & pull locks, as well as receivers.
- Dry fit receivers to ensure proper alignment before running the cable.
- Run swaged cabling through fittings and attach to lags.
- Cut off the excess cable using pull locks and cover the end with a cap.
Cable Railing on Level Straight Runs
Installation: Suitable for any type of wood posts. Use inside-to-inside fittings on a straight run.
Tensioning Mechanism: Adjustable body with a hanger bolt and lock nut to securely tension the cable. The cable is swaged into the fitting and tensioned by rotating the receiver or securing the lock nut.
Cable Railing on a Pitch or Stairs
Installation: Designed for stair runs or pitched applications. The cable passes through the posts at a square angle (not at the stair angle).
Tensioning Mechanism: Similar to the straight run system, but with the use of adjustable threaded eye fittings. For angled runs, intermediate posts are drilled at the angle to guide the cable.
Special Consideration: The top and bottom of the cable run are connected at right angles to the posts. Post-protector tubes may be needed to prevent cable wear where it exits at an angle.
Cable Railing on Level Straight Runs and a Pitch/Stairs (Concealed System)
Installation: Works with any type of wood posts. Suitable for both level and pitched runs. The system requires end posts with accessible backsides for through-the-post installation.
Tensioning Mechanism: Uses a long, concealed receiver installed through the post with a pull-lock fitting on the opposite end. Tension is applied by rotating the receiver to pull the stud into place.
Functionality: This system offers a clean and concealed installation, with hardware hidden inside the posts.
Economical Cable Railing on Level Straight Runs and a Pitch/Stairs
Installation: Best for decks with accessible end posts. Utilizes an economical threaded stud configuration. The system is visible with a brass hex nut extending slightly beyond the post.
Tensioning Mechanism: The system utilizes a simple threaded stud to tension the cable, making it ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly solution.
Functionality: This basic configuration provides tensioning at the back of one post with a pull lock fitting at the other end. This is the most cost-effective solution for straight runs.
Choosing the Right Cable Railing System
Both swaged and swageless systems have their advantages—swageless systems are easy for DIY, while swaged systems offer a stronger, more permanent connection. If you choose the swaged cable railing system for your project, IWISS is your reliable partner！
Reference
