Feeney Common Questions (FAQ)

Feeney CableRail is a cable railing infill option for wood or metal balusters that consists of high quality stainless steel cable and fittings. It provides a strong, low-maintenance, attractive, and virtually invisible railing system that can be used in exterior or interior settings. It is a perfect option for homeowners and businesses looking to create a railing system with a modern appearance that doesn't obstruct any views.

CableRail Intermediate Pickets, also known as vertical spacers, are used in place of larger, bulkier posts to achieve a more open railing design. They are made of wood strips, copper water tubing and thick metal flat bar. Intermediate pickets not part of the railings structure and are simply used to maintain the cable spacing and minimize cable deflection.

Straight runs should terminate or have an In-Line Turnbuckle every 50 feet or less. In addition, cable runs with bends should terminate or have an In-Line Turnbuckle after every 2nd bend or 40 feet, whichever distance is less.

No, Feeney strongly advises against exceeding a 3-inch spacing. The International Building Code states that a 4" sphere cannot pass through any opening in your railing, and since cable is non-rigid, the flex of the cable must be taken into account. Therefore, it is recommended spacing the cables no more than 3" apart and the posts or vertical members (intermediate pickets) no more than 3' apart in order allow for possible cable deflection and meet the intent of the code. Before starting a CableRail project, always check with the local building department to see if there are any special local requirements for using and installing cable railings.

Feeney recommends having a post or vertical member (intermediate picket) at least every 3'. With the posts/verticals spaced 3' apart and the cables spaced 3" apart, you should be able to tension the cables such that they won't open past the 4"-inch sphere code requirement when a reasonable force is applied. Please review the CableRail web pages for installation instructions and complete details on frame design requirements.

1. Mark drill hole locations on posts.
2. Drill holes in posts.
3. If using metal posts, insert isolation bushings or grommets, into their corresponding post holes. If using wood posts, insert protector sleeves at necessary locations and tap in until flush.
4. Insert the Threaded Terminal, attach a flat washer and Snug-Grip Washer-Nut. Spin the nut 2 full turns, while holding the terminal shaft with pliers.
5. Lace cable through intermediate posts and Quick-Connect end post. Slide-on a flat washer and Quick-Connect fitting.
6. While holding the Quick-Connect fitting, pull the cable tight and then release to lock the fitting.
7. Use vise-grip pliers to hold the threaded terminal shaft as you spin the Snug-Grip Washer-Nuts with a wrench to tension the cables.
8. Use a hacksaw, reciprocating saw, or electric grinder with cut-off disk to saw off the excess threads.
9. Use cable cutters or an electric grinder with cut-off disk to trim the excess cable. Grind flush the exposed cable ends with an electric grinder.
10. Snap end caps over the exposed Quick-Connect fittings and the Snug-Grip Washer-Nuts.

*View the CableRail By Feeney Step-by-Step Installation Guide (pdf) for more information.

Each cable, when properly installed, will have a tension load of at least 300 lbs to minimize cable deflection. It is important that frames are designed and built strong enough to support these loads. Review frame requirements details to help you prepare the railing for cable infill.

1. Electric drill and bits - to drill holes in posts
2. Vise-grip pliers - to hold Threaded Terminal shaft when tensioning cables
3. 7/16” wrench - to tighten washer nuts
4. Cut-off disk - to trim ends

Feeney cable and fittings are all made from high-grade 316 or marine-grade stainless steel. The high-quality construction of CableRail creates a railing infill option that is beautiful, durable, strong, and low maintenance.

No, the Cable Lacing Needle is too big and will become wedged inside the Quick-Connect fitting. You should remove the lacing needle, cleanly trim the cable end, and only insert the bare cable into the Quick-Connect fitting.