For most people, time is money and the ability to save both is sweet success. Saving time and money is even better when it is easy.
Here are three great time-saving tips anyone can use when installing cable railing on a wood frame.
1. Purchase and use a guide for drilling cable railing posts where the cable will feed through. The recommended drill sizes are small and can drift if not used very slowly and in a very straight alignment. For $20 to $50 you can acquire a decent drill guide to assist in this task. The drill guide will be a handy tool that you will likely use on other projects after your cable railing is installed.
2. Use cable sleeves regardless of the tools used for drilling. When using cable sleeves, the hole size is 1/4” instead of 7/32”. This does not sound like a big difference but the difference in rigidity using a 1/4” bit is surprising and makes drilling straight holes much easier. When coupled with a drilling guide, this is a sure way to have a cleaner and quicker install.
3. Do not skimp on tools. If the manufacturer offers a template to assist in drilling, buy and use it to mark your hole locations. If the manufacturer offers basic and premium (heavy duty) tools, invest in the heavy-duty versions. Specific tools where you gain significant efficiency are; Cable cutters, swaging tools, specific wrench sets, templates, and any other tool required to do the job.
Atlantis Rail Systems: The Leader in Cable Railing Systems
To learn more about beautiful and practical cable railing systems for your deck, stairs, and balconies, browse the Atlantis Rail Systems website. This Plymouth, MA-based company offers many unique, easy-to-install configurations complete with all necessary hardware to ensure a safe and code-compliant railing system.
For more information on planning cable railings for decks, contact the railing experts at Atlantis Rail Systems at 1-800-541-6829 or by completing the Contact Us Form.