CABLE RAILING SYSTEMS:FINELINE™ LAG ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Choose STAINLESS CABLE & RAILING™ for all your fittings and cablerail assemblies!

SIMPLE, STRONG

Just follow these simple steps:

1. Use either PROFESSIONAL SWAGING SERVICE or HAND SWAGING
   
   
2. Determine the correct assembly length you need. Measure overall length from the inside your first terminal post (End Post), to the inside your last terminal post (End Post). Measure your cable runs twice to ensure accuracy. Use the WORKSHEETS and read MEASURING TIPS for assistance.
   
   NOTE:
   
   Continuous cable runs around 2 corners(45-90 degrees)OK up to 70' Order 7x7 STAINLESS CABLE
   
   Continuous cable runs(0-45 degrees)OK up to 70' Order 1x19 STAINLESS CABLE
   
   
3. Determine the correct number of assemblies you need:
   
   36"(92cm) Posts require 11 assemblies. 42"(107cm) Posts require 13 assemblies. Recommended wire rope spacing is 3"(76mm)starting from the bottom of your post.
   
   Check your local building codes to determine frame requirements. Generally 36"(92cm) height is common in residential applications and 42"(107cm) height in commercial applications.
   
   
4. Order online or call 1-888-686-7245(RAIL) for ordering assistance. All components sold separately. Most orders shipped within 48 hours.
   
   
5. Measure, mark, and drill holes in posts every 3"(76mm) starting from the bottom.
   
   Post hole diameter is governed by the swaging method used.
   
   Use steps 6-8 for the FineLine™ LAG ASSEMBLY that is PROFESSIONALY SWAGED.
   
   Use steps 9-15 for the FineLine™ LAG ASSEMBLY that is HAND SWAGED.
   
   
6. Drilling instructions for PROFESSIONALY SWAGED assemblies : Drill 1/8"(3mm)x 2"(50mm) deep pilot holes, into the inside face of both TERMINAL POSTS, every 3"(76mm), starting from the bottom. Drill 3/8"(9mm) through holes every 3"(76mm) starting from the bottom in all INTERMEDIATE POSTS. Repeat for each cable.
   
   
7. Determine which end of your cable run you want to position the FineLine™ LAG TURNBUCKLE. The turnbuckle will be in the railing section between TERMINAL POST #1 and the first INTERMEDIATE POST. Screw the FineLine™ LAG TURNBUCKLE shaft into the 1/8"(3mm) pilot hole on TERMINAL POST #1. One end of the cable will have the turnbuckle body pre-attached and the other end will have the SWAGE LAG END attached.
   
   
8. Lace the SWAGE LAG END through all INTERMEDIATE POSTS. Screw the SWAGE LAG END into the pilot hole on TERMINAL POST # 2. The cable will spin with the SWAGE LAG END when tightening. Just make sure the cable doesn't bind and is allowed to spin freely in the INTERMEDIATE POSTS. Screw on the turnbuckle body and repeat for each cable. Go to step 16
   
   
9. Drilling instructions for HAND SWAGED assemblies : Drill 1/8"(3mm)x 2"(50mm) deep pilot holes, into the inside face of both TERMINAL POSTS, every 3"(76mm), starting from the bottom. Drill 1/4"(6mm) through holes every 3"(76mm) starting from the bottom in all INTERMEDIATE POSTS. Repeat for each cable.
   
   
10. If cable is uncut and on a bulk spool, cut appropriately sized lengths using CABLE CUTTERS to make it easier to handle. Be careful not to cut the cable too short. A second cut is often necessary with minimal waste to fine tune your cut exactly. Determine which end of your cable run you want to position the FineLine™ LAG TURNBUCKLE. The Turnbuckle will be in the railing section between TERMINAL POST #1 and the first INTERMEDIATE POST. Screw the FineLine™ LAG TURNBUCKLE shaft into the 1/8"(3mm) pilot hole on TERMINAL POST #1.
    
    
11. Swaging Instructions: Insert one end of the cable into SWAGED LAG END body until the cable bottoms out. Using a Sharpie, mark the cable to provide a visual reference that the cable is fully seated down inside the SWAGED LAG END body and does not slip out. Use only the CABLE CRIMPER with the custom hexagonal die. Position the tool at a right angle to the fitting and 1/8" from the end. Turn the knob to close the chamber and close the handle consecutive times until the two die halves nearly touch. Release the pressure by turning the knob. Reposition the tool 1/4" farther and repeat. A total of 3 swages are necessary.
    
    
12. Screw the SWAGE LAG END into the 1/8"(3mm) pilot hole on TERMINAL POST #2.
    
    NOTE Optional: Tap in HOLE PROTECTOR SLEEVES into each drilled hole until flush. HOLE PROTECTOR SLEEVES prevent the cable from cutting into the wood wherever the cable enters the hole at an angle. Install before lacing your cable through the INTERMEDIATE POSTS.
    
    
13. Starting with the last TERMINAL POST # 2 and working your way back to the turnbuckle end, lace the cut cable end through all INTERMEDIATE posts.
    
    
14. IMPORTANT: To determine where to cut the cable, use the following steps: Screw the turnbuckle body onto the shaft which is protruding out of TERMINAL POST #1 only 2 turns which are just enough to engage the threads. Do not unlace cable from INTERMEDIATE POSTS! While applying moderate tension on the cable with your hand, line up the cable outside and next to the turnbuckle body and mark with a Sharpie the exact spot on the cable where the cable will enter the turnbuckle. Make sure that everything is in their correct positions and the cable is taught and not hanging up at the SWAGE LAG END. From your mark, now increase cable length by 2 3/8". This is where you will make your cut using the CABLE CUTTERS. Double check everything to confirm you are cutting the cable correctly!
    
    
15. Unscrew the turnbuckle body from the shaft and slide the turnbuckle body onto the cable facing the correct direction. Then push the nylon O-ring onto the cable. Next, slide the swaging sleeve on to the cable leaving 1/8" of exposed cable from the end of the swaging sleeve. Swage the swaging sleeve a total of 3 times evenly spaced.
    
    
16. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the threads and tighten the turnbuckle with a wrench until cable is taught. About 250 lbs. of tension is desirable. Use Vice-Grips and a piece of leather to protect the cable and to keep it from spinning. Start tightening the middle cable run first then tighten above and below this middle cable in an alternating sequence until all the wires have been tightened. Most codes require that a 4" sphere must not be able to pass between the cables. Check with your local codes to ensure compliance.

Need Assistance? Call 1-888-686-7245(RAIL) Stainless Cable & Railing offers turnkey cable railing using steel posts, wood posts, aluminum posts, and stain less steel posts. Favorite among contractors are the aluminum and stainless steel posts for brand new home projects or remodels. Competitor aluminum posts are not nearly as strong as Stainless Cable & Railings posts. We added additional webbing inside each terminal post to avoid the flexing. The general contractor can be assured their posts are the best in the market and are engineered specifically for cable railing applications. Stain less cable railing systems start as low as $20 a l/f and are a terrific alternative to glass railing systems. Unlike plate glass systems cable rail systems require no maintainence. See our videos on metal deck cable railing at Youtube.com or check out our deck railing designs.