What You Need to Know About Cable Assemblies



The dream home you have always wanted is now a reality. The years of hard work have paid off in a living space that allows you to enjoy life to its fullest. You no longer have to prepare the family Christmas dinner in a cramped area - your new kitchen is bright and spacious. You can now entertain in style as there is plenty of room for everyone.

The most stunning aspect, however, is the view. The sunsets, trees and terrain make you want to spend every possible moment outside. You do not want anything to ruin the perfect sightlines. Morning coffee and late night star gazing are on your to do list.

Sorry to interrupt, but someone says you need a fence. Children and pets need to be monitored and kept safe. There are also balconies, decks and other spaces that need to be sectioned off in order to keep people safe.

Won't a fence threaten the view? While many popular fencing options are indeed highly visible and are designed to keep the world out, other types provide the benefits of fencing without obstructing those beautiful images that attracted you in the first place.

Cable assemblies are one such option. Practically invisible, cable assemblies can be installed during initial construction or later on when a change is desired. They come in different diameters that meet the rigors of any situation. Most styles work well with both wood and metal railings.

Cable assemblies can also be used indoors. They provide the same unencumbered view as they do outside, making them perfect for open concept office and residential spaces. Those working with smaller areas find cable assemblies help to make the room appear as big as possible. Staircases, balconies and second floor views can all be safely protected without being visually cut off from the rest of the area.

Many projects use 1/8" diameter cable. That thickness works best in lower traffic areas or when a more sleek and elegant look is desired. This is why it is a popular choice for some lighter traffic commercial projects as well as most residential interiors and exteriors.

Some homeowners prefer the look of a thicker cable or need something more durable to withstand the treatment that often comes from young and active children. Designers working with these requirements or ones developing solutions for normal work environments often use 3/16" cable. Extremely busy workplaces commonly use 1/4" cable due to its superior durability. Such environments often introduce a greater amount of stress to the product.

With so many products on the market, it can be confusing for the first-time buyer. Here are a few traits to look for that will help you with your purchase decision. Look for a product that is easy to trim. Each space is unique, so some cutting will most likely be required. Some brands come in many lengths, so make sure you take proper measurements before you start so you do not spend more than you need to and that waste is kept to a minimum. Stainless steel is a desirable finish as it is durable and easy to maintain.

People of all ability levels find they can easily install most cable assemblies. The only tools often required are an electric drill, a wrench and cable cutters.

Many cable packages come with threaded terminal fittings on one end that get attached to an end post with a flat washer and a washer-nut or similar piece of hardware. Just drill holes in the intermediate posts and thread the cable through. A fitting is attached to the opposite end without any need for tools. One-way jaws permit easy sliding one way but lock tight when the cable is released.

The washer-nut hardware is adjusted to set the desired tension. It tends to be smaller for metal posts than it is for wooden ones. End caps come in plain stainless steel or a wide variety of colors. They can also be hidden in the end posts to provide an even clearer look.

An important consideration is cable spacing. Keep them no more than three and one-half inches apart, because most building codes mandate that cable systems must not be able to allow a four-inch object to pass through. Leaving this extra bit of room protects the property owner should the cable system experience some release of tension in between maintenance periods.

Another important maintenance tip to keep in mind is that because most cable packages are made of stainless steel they will stretch over the years, given the material's comparative softness. Periodically check the cable and when necessary tighten the turnbuckles. Because of the high probability of stretching you should leave thread available during the installation in order to accommodate this future step.

So when it is time for your next fencing or railing project consider cable wire assemblies. They provide you with all of the benefits of separation without compromising views or shutting off sections of space. The different thicknesses and styles of finishing parts give the user many different decorative options to choose from. They are also durable and easy to maintain.


For more information on cable assemblies please visit http://www.buyrailings.com/c-55-cable-railings.aspx

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