DIY Network

Cable Stairway: Attach and Tighten the Cables From "Weekend Handyman" episode WKH-310

	In this week's episode of Weekend Handyman, host Paul Ryan will show you how to take out a knee wall (seen here), repair the damaged floor and wall and ...
	then install an extremely urban style cable-and-rail system that will ...
	keep the space open ...
	and give a fun, contemporary look to the home!

Time: 14 hours over two days.
Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 4 out of 5 on the Weekend Handyman difficulty scale.

Materials:

For Demolition of the Knee Wall --

Hammer
Nail set
Pry bar
2 x 4
Level
Pencil
Reciprocating saw
Pliers
Screw gun
Safety glasses
Gloves

For Patching the Wall and Floor --

Screw gun
3" deck screws
Pin nailer
Reciprocating saw
Wood chisel
Drywall
1-1/2" drywall screws
Joint compound

For Installing Metal Framework --

Fabricated metal railing frame
Cordless drill
Screw gun
Tape measure

For Attaching Cables --

Stainless steel cables and hardware
Phillips screwdriver
Tape measure
Cable cutter
Hand crimper
Padded vice grip
Tension gauge

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Attaching the Cables and Fasteners

Note: This particular system consists of a cable, a couple of turnbuckles and a fastening device (figure A). The cable itself is 3/16" -- the most popular residential choice. All the ends of the cable terminated "inside" the turnbuckle, which gives a nice streamline look. Know that there are several options available for this type of project.

1. Measure for the cable length by extending the turnbuckle all the way open (figure B) until the "set" screw stops you. The correct length is from the end of the turnbuckle to the beginning of the flare on the terminal end. The turnbuckle goes into the crimp 2", so be sure to add that 2" to the measurement for the proper length of cables.

2. Cut the cables to length with a sharp cable cutter.

   Tip: It's vital that the cable cutter blade be sharp. It's difficult to fish the cables through the holes if the ends are frayed.

3. Slide the retaining cap and crimping sleeve on the end of the cable (figure C). Crimp three times and attach the turnbuckle.

   Tip: When crimping the sleeve, alternate the direction of the middle crimp to prevent the fitting from distorting.

4. Attach the fitting to the opposite end of the cable and crimp in place.

5. Secure the end fitting by placing the clevis pin through the hole and securing it with a a ring pin (figure D).

6. Screw on the turnbuckle and insert the clevis pin through the hole to attach the turnbuckle.

7. Build all cables from the top down.

8. To tighten the cables, first attach a padded vice grip to keep the cable from rotating. Then tighten the turnbuckle with a small Phillips-head screwdriver.

   Note: International building code calls for no more than a 4" gap in any railing, so make sure your cables are snug and tight.

9. In fact, check the gauge to make sure the tension is at 350 pounds.

RESOURCES :

Linders Abrasive Belt Copper and Custom Metal Fabricating
Brand name: Linders Specialty
Where available: Visit the Linders Specialty website, link below.
Linders Specialty Co., Inc.
432 Atwater St.
Saint Paul, MN 55117
Toll-free: 800-441-0152
Fax: 651-488-1883
Website: www.lscmetalfab.com

Appliance Epoxy (Rust-Oleum)
Brand name: RUST-OLEUM Specialty
Model #: 7887-830
Where available: Visit the Rust-Oleum website, link below, or the www.paintideas.com site.
Rust-Oleum Corp.
Website: www.rustoleum.com

Hardware and Tools (Johnson Architectural Hardware)
3/16" Jaw Smooth Line Turnbuckkle Hand Crimp (Model #: 27-715)
3/16" Toggle Jaw Hand Crimp (Model #: 27-415)
3/16" Stainless Steel Cable -- 1 x 19, 250' spool
Hand Crimp Installation Tool (Model #: 53-215)
FELCO Cable Cutter (Model #: 53-220) Color for all: Stainless steel
Where available: Visit the Johnson Architectural Hardware website, link below.
Johnson Architectural Hardware
PO Box L
East Haddam, CT 06423
Phone: 860-873-8697
Toll-free: 800-874-7455
Fax: 860-873-8589
Website: www.csjohnson.com

GUESTS :

Shane Kretsinger
Vice President, Operations
Autumn River
We apologize no contact information is available.

Vincent Linders
President
Linders Specialty Company
432 Atwater St.
St. Paul, MN 55117
Phone: 651-488-0528

Curt Johnson
President
Johnson Architectural Hardware
PO Box L
East Haddam, CT 06423
Phone: 860-873-8589