How to Install Cable Railing

On the side of the post that you want the cable to run through, mark the posts at 3-inch intervals. Mark the measurement with a straight line across the post and also mark the center of that line. Use a ruler to make the straight line and to find the center point.

Drill a hole on the center point of each line that you have marked on the posts. The holes need to be slightly bigger in diameter than the cable and go all the way through the post. If the railing is being installed on stairs, the hole will need to be drilled at an angle. You will need to measure the distance on the front and the back of the post and drill from the center point of one line to the other.

Insert a protector sleeve into each hole where the cable will enter it. Tap it with a hammer until it's flush to the post.

Attach the end of the first cable to the outside of the first post by passing it through a threaded terminal. Secure with a flat washer and washer nut and screw the nut into the threaded terminal until the cable is tightly in place.

Thread the cable through the holes on the intermediate posts and pull the cable until it's taut. Secure to the end post using a threaded terminal.

Repeat the process on the other holes until all of the cables are installed.

Saw off any excess cable from the end posts.