

CHOOSING THE RIGHT STAINLESS STEEL FITTINGS FOR YOUR PROJECT When we began installing cable railings in the early 2000’s internet shopping was still rather new and so was the retail cable rail industry. Utilizing marine and aviation rigging was often required in order to put together enough parts and pieces to create a cable railing. Actual cable railing systems were hard to come by and all too often we would see people using large commercial eye bolts and turnbuckles. Finishing cable ends used to require crimp eyes and clasps in order to secure fittings in the field. Much of the hardware at this time was bulky and difficult to handle. The utilitarian aspect of cable railings was not in question but it was a challenge to create a “polished” residential style that could appeal to the masses. Cable railing hardware evolved from the marine rigging and aviation industries but it doesn’t need to follow the same aesthetics. These industries require the absolute most durable hardware; period. It has to be strong enough to withstand huge loads all the while being beaten by salt air and UV. Marine grade stainless steel has performed well for decades and much of the original technology is still used today; however marine rigging needs to be refined for use as railings. Stainless steel fittings used for railings should be attractive and user friendly. “Quick Connect” technology by Feeney showcases these attributes. QUICK CONNECT FITTINGS ARE ATTRACTIVE AND EASY TO INSTALL Quick Connect Fittings allow us to secure cable fittings with no special tools; no crimping or large bulky hardware. New installers or contractors just getting started in to cable railings can achieve professional results with a simple pair of cable cutters. Quick Connect fittings utilize a one way locking mechanism which allows the cable to enter the fitting in one direction and secure itself in the other. The use of a release tool allows the installer to remove the fitting from the cable if necessary. Today’s modern railing systems are more technologically refined and user friendly. A huge selection of fittings are available without the need to special order and our customers have many choices when purchasing stainless steel fittings and hardware. At San Diego Cable Railings we encourage potential customers and new installers to factor the time required as well as the finished product that will result from their hardware choices. High end installations should be sleek and minimize visible hardware. We are no longer bound by old technology or bulky parts. Our aim is to create aesthetics that do not resemble commercial settings unless that is the intent of the designer. Our sales and installation team has performed and assisted thousands of cable railing installations for well over a decade now. Our sales staff can cater a parts list to fit the exact needs of our customers. For customers shopping for a turnkey installation we have preferred installers to assist you all the way through the process. If you have questions about which type of cable hardware is right for your install; give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request form today.
Utilizing Swageless Cable Railing Technology for Fast and Easy Installations A swageless cable railing fitting does not require and type of special tools, crimping or machinery. These fittings have become very popular with DIY installers and professionals for reasons of versatility and ease of installation. Often compared to “compression fittings” used in other industries, swageless fittings use a one way locking mechanism to secure the cable to the fitting. Stainless steel cable is allowed to enter the fitting in one direction while grabbing if pulled in the other direction. In the case that a cable is cut too long or the railing system needs to be dismantled for any reason; the fittings can also be released and re used. Swageless cable railing systems save installers time and money by eliminating the need for expensive machinery or crimping tools. The aesthetics are also improved by offering a wide variety of fitting choices without the visible marring that can be caused by field crimping. The strength of attachment provided by a swageless fitting can exceed the breaking strength of the cable itself, ensuring the safety and durability of the system. If you are a professional or DIY installer looking to construct a cable railing or fence, check out our DIY Cable Assemblies. SDCR do it yourself cable assemblies feature a machine swaged fitting and pre-cut length of cable combined with a swageless fitting for field installation. This combination saves time and cuts your installation cost while including all the necessary hardware. We offer fitting styles for surface mounting or thru post installations; with options for wooden and steel railng posts. SDCR cable assemblies are available in the two popular cable diameters; 1/8″ and 3/16″. They are perfect for deck rails, stairways and fences, as well as a variety of specialty architectural projects. If you have questions or would like pricing for a swageless cable railing system, please visit our quote request page or give us a call at 844-277-7327.
Easy Installations With DIY Cable Assemblies and Quick Connect Cable Rail Fittings Quick Connect fittings are a simple and cost effective way to install a wide variety of cable railing systems. If you are a do it yourselfer or a contractor that doesn’t want to purchase or use special swaging equipment, self locking cable rail fittings may be the answer. A locking mechanism inside the fitting allows the installer to simply cut the cable and insert it into the fitting. This inner jaw allows the cable to travel only one direction and locking it in the other. The ease of installation provided by these fittings does not sacrifice any connection strength. They are tested up to the breaking strength of the stainless cable which can exceed 1800 lbs. for one 1/8″ strand. This level of strength and safety is unmatched by railing members of standard wood picket and composite balustrade railings. Quick connect cable rail fittings are sleek and attractive and do not require any crimping equipment or special tools. Additionally, if a cable is cut too long, the fittings can be released with a simple tool. Hand crimping cable railing can be effective, however crimping introduces the possibility of bending or damaging a cable rail fitting. It is not the most attractive or the strongest way to attach cable and hardware. All of our stainless steel cable assemblies utilize type 316 marine grade stainless cable for a high level of corrosion resistance. DIY cable assemblies include all of the necessary hardware and instructions for installation. Our cable assembly options offer compatible solutions for deck railings, interior cable railings, stairways, surface mounting, and hardware for both wooden and steel posts. We recommend using an approved stainless steel cable cutter when cutting architectural braided rigid stainless cable. If you have questions about which DIY cable assembly is right for your particular application; call one of our cable railing professionals at 844-277-7327 or use the online quote request.