How to fix loose cable

How you fix the loose cable rail will depend on the type of system you’re using. Each manufacturer uses a slightly different fitting to hold the cable to a post. Each fitting may require a different technique to tighten the rail.

Gather your cable railing tools in one location to make the process move along faster. When beginning this process, start with the middle cable and alternate the above and below cables to provide an even amount of tension to this space.

Clamp down on the rail with a vice grip to hold it in place. Use a socket fit with a hex bit to slowly turn the screw and fittings in the post so you can tighten the loose cable railing. Do this on each wire, and check the tension by pinching two together—if they can still touch, you need to add more tension.

If you are unsure of the type of fittings used in your railing system, contact the company you bought the material from. It is always best to tighten and add tension to the rails as the manufacturer intended. Remember to check this cable rail once a year to ensure it has maintained the correct amount of tension between cables.