Year: <span>2019</span>

Does your home have multiple levels? Or maybe you’ve just built a new deck. Well, if this is the case, you need to invest in railings for your home. But why?

Railings play a vital role in enhancing safety and style in your home. Statistics show that one in three elderly adults sustain serious injuries from stairway falls in a year. As such, you need to exercise caution when looking for cable and rigging supplies. Here are the basic considerations to make.

1. Be Mindful of the Temperature

Are you looking for a cable and rigging supplies for your home? Start by checking the prevailing temperature where you intend to use the cable hardware.

For instance, will you be using the cable railing supplies indoors or outdoors? Using cable rail fittings outdoors exposes it to harsh conditions like snow, rain, and sunshine. As such, ensure that your ideal railing materials can withstand these harsh elements.

But what happens if you’re looking for cable and rigging supplies for use indoors? The temperature is still a concern. Some railing supplies work best in hot and others cold temperatures. Consider the prevailing temperature when selecting your ideal chain slings.

2. Check the Load Limit

Do you want to lift a certain weight? If so, ensure your ideal lifting slings can handle the size and weight of the load. Remember, the load limit may not be the same for every equipment you use.

For instance, chain slings are ideal for lifting heavier loads. If you choose the wrong sling, you risk dropping the item that you’re moving, which is extremely dangerous.

3. Compare Different Sling Materials

Thanks to OSHA protection measures enacted in 1971, various cable and rigging supplies have been manufactured. This means you’ll have different options to consider in your selection. Such include nylon, polyester, and chain slings.

When looking for cable and rigging supplies, consider their ability of a material to withstand certain weight limits.

4. Consider the Aesthetics

Are you looking for a cable and rigging supplies for your home? Then choose an option that appeals to your home style.

Fortunately, cable railings are versatile and come in different styles, colors, and materials. The style is especially important where the railing will be at the center of your home or any other place that it’s clearly visible.

5. Emphasize Safety

Yes, you’re investing in your dream house and you want the railings to suit your taste. But before you consider how they enhance the appearance of your home, ask yourself: are they safe?

The ends of these cable railings are known as “fittings” or “tensioners.” In most cases, they are used as the anchors thus as the foundation of your railing. Since they are wires, there is a need to make adjustments and tune them, in case the ends become frail or loose. As such, it’s important to make smart choices when investing in railings.

6. Plan the Installation

There are different elements to a cable railing. However, once you cover the basics, the implementation will be quite easy. You can either do the installation yourself or seek help from an expert.

Whichever option you decide on, placing an order should be your next step. Always choose a competent supplier that will meet your diverse needs.

All you need to do is check the prevailing rules and regulations that touch on cable railings installation. Don’t flout any of these laws as they can be expensive.

Looking for Cable and Rigging Supplies?

Installing cable railings is a stylish way to complement the exterior and interior of your property. The unique look and unobtrusive design work with a wide range of décor including the traditional, modern, and contemporary themes. Even better, you can easily incorporate cable railings into your existing staircase with ease. Installing the cable railings will not only help to improve the aesthetics of your home. It will also prevent against accidental falls in the property.

Adhering to building codes plays a critical role not only in enhancing the beauty of the house but also in preventing injuries. When you have unprotected decks and stairs, you are exposing your family to the risk of falls and unwanted injuries. It has been reported that at least 1 million individuals injure themselves on stairs annually, which is a considerable number of people.

It gets worse when you know that these injuries can be prevented by installing rails on the stairs and decks in our homes. If you have exposed stairs in your home, you need to get the right railing materials and fix the problem. Wood rails, chain slings, and stainless steel cables are some of the railing supplies you can use to protect your stairs. So, how do you choose the right railing materials for your stairs and decks?

1. Cost-Effectiveness

The amount of money you have to spend will always determine the type of railing materials you will consider for your stairs and decks. Wood seems to be the simplest and most affordable material, while also being one of the most desirable. But be sure to go the extra mile and get quality wood railings that will protect your family for many years. Cheap wood may not hold up the way you need to prioritize safety. In general, balance cost with quality.

2. Aesthetic Appeal

Railings are not only protective materials, but they’re also essential parts of the house. Therefore, besides offering to protect, they should provide aesthetic appeal to your house. Professionally-curved and installed wood railings will offer the aesthetic appeal that you’ve been looking for. However, stainless steel cable may prove to be the most aesthetically appealing railing material that you can use in your house. The shiny appearance will add something extra to the home, especially if you’re drawn to a more modern design.

3. General Upkeep

Not everyone is fond of regular maintenance. If you’d rather not devote a lot of time to upkeep, make sure that you select railing materials that require minimum maintenance possible. Although you’ll have to take on some tasks to maintain your handrail for longevity, you don’t want to choose an option that will require constant attention. Make sure that you understand the basic maintenance techniques such as painting, sealing, or regular cleaning. The aesthetic appeal this area of the home will depend on how much general upkeep you do of your rails.

4. Durability and Longevity

Aluminum, cable rail fittings, and stainless steel cable railing fittings are some of the durable railing materials you’ll find in the industry. Every homeowner wants to install materials that will last for many years before they can be replaced. Durability and longevity are important factors that you should consider, particularly if your handrails are located outdoors. Due to extreme weather conditions, railings located outside could wear and tear with ease. Even if your railings are indoors, they could become damaged with rough handling. Regular repair and maintenance will play a vital role in their longevity, but be sure to choose a railing that will stand the test of time.

5. ADA Compliance

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) is a government regulation that requires that all railing materials used be consistent with the needs of people with disabilities. ADA compliance is an important consideration in commercial properties. However, the government has also reinforced the standards in residential stairs. Always check whether the materials you’re using (and the overall design) are ADA compliant. When you buy railing materials, consider recently manufactured materials because they are more likely to be compliant, as compared to materials manufactured some years ago.

6. Building Codes

Besides being ADA compliant, other building codes are usually enforced by the local authorities when building deck or stair rails. You may not know all the necessary building codes in your area, which means that you have to liaise with railing suppliers to understand what works in your area. Height is an important building code that you should check when you are buying railing materials. Working with reputable contractors will allow you to easily access the information you need and ensure your design will be executed properly the first time.

Protect your family against injuries by buying railing materials from reliable American cable and rigging companies. At American Cable and Rigging, we’ve been in the industry since 1987, making us among the most experienced and reliable companies when it comes to cable and rigging supplies and railing materials. For more information, please contact us today.

You may encounter many terms when reviewing rope and cable specifications. Sometimes these terms may be used in confusing ways. For example, “strength” may be used to describe “tensile strength” or the completely different concept of “yield strength.” Here is an overview of some terms you may see in rope and cable descriptions:

Strength

Generally, strength refers to the amount of stress a material can bear before its properties change. “Yield strength” is the stress that causes a material to transition from elastic deformation (deformation from which the material can recover) to plastic deformation (deformation that permanently deforms the material). Thus, ropes and cables will “bounce back” after a load below the yield strength, but will be permanently stretched after a load above the yield strength.

“Tensile strength” or “ultimate strength” means the maximum load a material can withstand. The tensile strength is generally greater than the yield strength because materials can usually withstand additional loads even after reaching a plastic state. However, once the tensile strength is reached, deformation of the material concentrates stresses and ultimately results in fracture.

“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” so remember to account for the strength of knots, fittings, and rigging. Knots can reduce the tensile strength of cable and rope by as much as 50% because the knot compresses and deforms the cable or rope. Similarly, turnbuckles, such as toggle turnbuckles, can shear or fracture below the tensile strength of the rope or cable. Moreover, even though the pin of a toggle turnbuckle may relieve torsion shear, bearing shear remains a potential failure mode.

Abrasion Resistance

Abrasion occurs when two parts wear against one another. In the case of lifting slings, abrasion can occur when rope or cable wears against itself, a load, or rigging. General statements can be made about rope and cable materials – metal wire resists abrasion better than polymer fibers and natural fibers. However, specific values are difficult to find because abrasion depends on a number of variables, including:

• Load
• Material properties of both materials
• Wire or fiber diameter
• Surface shape and roughness

For example, a smooth round metal pin of a toggle turnbuckle would cause less wear to rope than a rough or sharp edge.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a failure mode that results from cyclical loading and unloading. Fatigue is less of a concern in applications where cables or wires are replaced after being subjected to impact or stress. For example, cable railings used for vehicle barriers may be replaced at the OSHA mandated height of 42 inches, plus or minus three inches, after being impacted. In this case, the cables would never experience cyclical loading.

However, most other applications experience some amount of fatigue. A common source of cyclical loading comes from the vibration of motors or engines in contact with ropes or cables. In maritime applications, waves or wind can subject lines to cyclical stress. Similarly, various types of lifting slings can be subjected to cyclical stress by swinging loads.

Fatigue creates micro-cracks that weaken the material and create sites for stress to concentrate. Under repeated loading, the micro-cracks grow and eventually lead to fracture. And again, do not forget that rigging, such as toggle turnbuckles, can fatigue as well.

Heat Resistance

Heat resistance is relevant for two reasons:

1. Heat can alter material properties; metal tends to soften, and plastic tends to melt, under heat
2. Heat combined with load can cause creep; creep is a phenomenon where failure can occur due to heat plus a load even when the amount of heat or load by itself would not cause failure

Corrosion

Corrosion occurs when metals in contact with one another in the presence of an electrolyte undergo chemical change to reach a more stable form. For example, metals containing iron will oxidize in the presence of oxygen ions in water. Applications requiring metal rope are prone to corrosion because water can work its way between the wires and core of metal rope or between the metal rope and its rigging. Polymer rope does not suffer corrosion, although other environmental conditions, such as exposure to chemicals, ultraviolet light, and heat, can cause material degradation.

In sum, understanding the failure modes and the descriptions used for cable and rope can help you select the right cable or rope for your particular application.

As much as American employers have made important steps towards better conditions for their workers and making the workplace safer, there are still lots of concerns regarding hazardous work environments. In 1971, OSHA published its fall protection measures, meant for general industry regulations. These regulations forced specific requirements into the workplace, and if observed perfectly, they usually greatly cut down on the risk of injury at work. Of course, while actions at the workplace often have the greatest impact on employee safety, the specific products used by employees can also have a significant impact on injury risks. Combined with the improper observation of regulations, subpar equipment is perhaps one of the greatest contributors to the risk of injury. With that being said, let’s take a deeper look into safety at the workplace, and how everything from the use of chain slings versus other types of lifting slings to the types of guard rails implemented can strengthen or weaken employees’ safety.

OSHA Regulations: How Important Are They?

OSHA was established in 1970, and its primary purpose is to keep workers safe and healthy. While everyone is expected to follow OSHA regulations, some employers neglect them, whether on purpose or by pure accident. No matter the reason, it is important for employees to report unsafe working environments. Even if you aren’t worried about your individual safety, other employees may be at risk. On that same note, you as an employee are expected to follow OSHA regulations. Even the seemingly minor regulations can have a major impact on workers’ safety. For example, guardrail openings being specifically required to not be wider than 19 inches and taller than 42 inches may seem arbitrary, but OSHA has performed specific tests to determine these requirements. For that matter, if you don’t follow OSHA regulations, you may very well be at risk of losing your job. Of course, the equipment you use, particularly when it comes to cable and rigging supplies, can also affect safety standards at work.

Lifting Slings: What Should You Use?

There are a number of different types of lifting mechanisms that you may have encountered at the workplace. However, chain slings offer a number of different advantages, not least of all the fact that they are often the safest to use. Chain slings are reliable, and can be used to lift incredibly heavy objects without breaking. The makeup of chain slings allows them to remain relatively flexible, and their makeup means that they can withstand an incredible amount of heat. A major risk that comes with lifting heavy objects is the sling itself breaking — which can injure or kill any employees in the vicinity. However, a chain sling allows workers to do what they need to do without the risk of the sling itself buckling under the pressure.

Cable Rail Fittings: Monitoring Them For Safety

Cable rails are standard in many workplaces. These railings are flexible, and often valued due to the fact that they can easily be seen through, and do not obstruct views. However, if not properly fitted these railings can produce hazardous conditions. Due to the force applied to the end posts of the railings, they must be made with very rigid frames. Furthermore, the cables themselves must have a great deal of tension, but not without giving up their flexibility. Any sort of slack in the cables, or instability in the frames, should be immediately reported and mended. Otherwise, they could give out and result in injury or even death.

Ultimately, you must hold yourself responsible for reporting any issues at your workplace — whether they’re in the construction of railings, the types of slings used to lift heavy objects, or more. It doesn’t particularly matter what the problem is; it simply must be reported. Keep in mind that thanks to OSHA, you’ll haven regulation expectations on your side. Safety first isn’t just a rule for kids to follow. You should take it seriously as well.

Safety always has to be a priority with rigging. Your rigging is only as good as your cable and rigging supplies. Safety starts with high-quality cable and rigging supplies from a trusted supplier. The right supplier will have the well-made cable and rigging supplies that you can count on.

Reliable safety protection equipment is a must. It helps reduce the risk of injury and keeps your business compliant with the OSHA laws. OSHA is constantly monitoring and tightening the laws to try to help keep people safe. They are even instituting new laws that will require ladder safety systems to be installed on all ladders that extend 24 feet or more.

High Quality Supplies Make for a Safer Rig

When it comes to rigging supplies, quality matters. Well-built supplies mean a well-built rig. There are a few things you can look for to ensure that you are dealing with a reliable supplier that does not compromise on quality:

• The supplier has a positive reputation
• They specialize in these types of supplies
• They deliver added value perks like fast turn around times on all orders

A supplier with a positive reputation earned that reputation by treating their customers well and providing the high-quality supplies that they can depend on. Enough cannot be said about choosing the established supplier with a positive reputation.

They are Specialists

When you buy cable railing hardware, cable rail fittings or rigging supplies from a company that specializes in these supplies and equipment you get the expert input that you need. There is nothing worse than ordering critical supplies and not being able to get a straight answer. Getting the expert support that you need is one of those added-value effects of turning to a firm that specializes in this type of equipment and supplies.

You Get Your Order Fast

Another one of those added-value benefits that you get when you are dealing with a firm that specializes in cable and rigging supplies is that they often have exactly what you need on hand so you get your order fast! You do not have to wait weeks to get your order.

Turn to the supplier that can meet all your rigging and cable needs!

Whether you build homes or are looking for homes, railing isn’t always a priority or much of a concern. But consider that not all workplace falls are the result of improper ladder use; improper fall protection and lack of safety railing can be hazardous as well. When it comes to working on homes or buying homes, consider the benefits of cable railing.

Visual Appeal

Cable rails, from a homeowner’s perspective, are appealing because they are aesthetically pleasing. In addition to that, the space between the cables allows for unobstructed views, which would be appealing for homeowners who have decks overlooking the city, mountains, or bodies of water.

Home Safety

Fastened with deck toggles (which allows the cable rails to match the angle of any stairway), cable rails are safe and can withstand impact that wood and other types of traditional railings cannot. They can absorb significant weight and impact with breaking.

As a stair railing, cables are equally attractive and effective for safety. While other factors are involved in stair safety, any consideration should be made since over a million Americans are injured on stairs every year!

Durability and Maintenance

Compared to other railing materials, cable rails are very durable and easy to maintain. Generally connected to metal or wood posts with a deck toggle or toggle turnbuckle, depending on the size and material of the post, cable railing is built to last. They also do not require the maintenance of other types of railing–for example, glass railing provides a great view, but they’re very cumbersome to clean. And wood railing also requires frequent staining and painting to maintain.

Conclusion

For the people building the home as well as people who are potentially going to live in the home, cable rails are an excellent choice because of their safety features, their appearance, and their durability and ease-of-maintenance. Once they’re installed, they provide home builders with an adequate safety railing, and they can withstand impact without damaging, which will keep the owners of the home safe as well.

When compared to glass, wood, or other types of railing, cable is an efficient, long-lasting solution for all purposes. They also add value to a home and work with any aesthetic design scheme without making the home look outdated.

Stairways provide access to more places in a building, but they are one of the most dangerous places if navigated incorrectly. Falling down stairs is the second leading cause of accidental injury affecting over one million Americans a year. In construction alone, falling, in general, is the number one cause of death. Installing a cable railing can help reduce the number of times people may fall around staircases or around any building premises.

Three Benefits of Cable Railing Installation

Cable railing is becoming more popular in homes and in businesses. All your options surrounding rigging and cable needs can be explored by speaking with cable railing supply companies. They stock the necessary cable railing supplies and can explain the benefits of choosing to install cable railing hardware over any other type of rigging.

1. Safety and Durability: Choosing to install cable railing around potentially hazardous zones is ideal because the hardware is made out of stainless steel cable. This material is durable in tough weather conditions and is able to take a hit when people need to lean on it. Most people hang onto railings, fall against them, or use them to pull themselves along, so it is important the material is able to withstand multiple stress impactions overtime. Stainless steel cable railing does not rust and is also easy to grasp in a moment of panic.
2. Design: Rigging and cable needs do not just apply to functional purposes, they also target design aesthetics. Cable railing is becoming more of a modern design that blends in well with the neat lines of a contemporary feel. Glass railings are similar, but cable has an added benefit because it is more durable than glass, but still provide an unobstructed view. Cable also does not require the cleaning maintenance glass and other railing materials are subjected to.
3. Value Increase: With the installation of a cable railing, the value of the home or building increases. Railings add extra design and value to the place with the added bonus of security measures. A home with strategically incorporated railings will be more appealing to a variety of potential buyers. As it is now, one in three elderly people are likely to suffer a serious staircase fall, so they are likely to consider a place with security measures around staircases and open areas already in place.

Any rigging and cable needs you might have can be satisfied by contacting a respected company specializing in cable railing supplies. Evaluate what you need for your home or business and start constructing your new cable railing today.

When setting up stairways or the guardrails for them, thinking of safety should always be the focus, especially with the number of accidents that happen on them every year. More than one million Americans are injured on stairs every year, according to a study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine. One in three elderly adults will have a serious fall on a stairway this year. Ensure the stairways you are putting together have the proper cable rail fittings.

Having strong cable railing hardware for your stairways is crucial, but it is also imperative to have them for your landing, deck, or patio railings. If you’re thinking about investing in cable railing supplies, there are a few things to keep in mind when looking at cable options.

Keep Everything Up to Code and Safe

When looking at your rigging and cable needs, the safety of the cable rail fittings is the first thing to consider. You are going to want to make sure your railings can carry a heavy load. The number one function of the rigging and cable setup is to prevent falling, so there are things to keep in mind to prevent an accident happening in your area. According to American Cable and Rigging Supply, “when your cable railing hardware is installed, ensure it’s up to code. There are regulations regarding how far apart cables can be and railing heights so double check on those.” These regulations include no opening greater than 19 inches. Also, guardrails are required to be a height of 42 inches, plus or minus three inches, and by 2036, ladder safety systems will be required on all heights of more than 24 feet. It might be best to look into what regulations your situation calls for.

Minimize Stretching and Give

Overall, cables have a lot of capabilities and applications. That means different cables have varying degrees of elasticity. For your railings, it is best to choose a material that has the least amount of stretching or give. When keeping people from falling, you want to ensure that should someone lose their balance, they will not fall through the railing. A tough, sturdy railing will keep everyone safe and sound.

Use a Proper Grab Rail

You may have safe, sturdy cable rails on your stairs that will help prevent people from falling off the stairway, but what about if someone loses balance and falls down the stairs? This is where a grab rail comes in handy. Generally, grab rails are supposed to be between 34 and 38 inches above the lip of each stair below it. Setting the proper height of the grab rail on top of the cable rail fittings will help give people walking up and down them better comfort.

The diameter of the rail itself should be between one and a quarter inch to two inches around to be easily graspable for most hands. Also, when putting in the railing, you want to make sure there is at least more than an inch between it and any wall to allow for the person to be able to completely wrap their hand around the grab rail. Also, if the stairway turns, be sure not to leave a pinch point against the wall or an ending that can easily catch loose clothing or other items.

Keep It Aesthetically Pleasing

At the end of the day, the railing is going to be used primarily by people who are in the area often. If this is your property, be sure to coat and paint the railing with different colors that you like. Also, be sure to look into methods of preventing rust or tear and wear from the everyday use of hands moving along the railing.

If you’re looking to upgrade your home or office but can’t seem to find that finishing touch? Want to make an improvement but don’t want to get tied down with a full renovation? Improve the view inside and out of your home with railings stainless steel cable. How will cable railing supplies add the fresh new look you’re searching for you ask? Stainless steel cable railing offers a modern, stylish appearance, a big improvement in the view of your outdoor space, as well as an eco-friendly option that will surely bring the wow factor!

Upgrade your staircase railings with a sleek new design

This simple and smooth transition from a normal boring staircase to railings stainless steel cable will make a lasting impression; taking your staircase from underwhelming to unbelievable with this sleek and modern appeal. Plus, railings stainless steel cable stairs are more durable, especially with a stainless steel frame. What does this mean for you? This cable hardware is rust resistant and has long-lasting durability characteristics.

Invest in your outdoor space

Homeowners today are commonly investing in their outdoor spaces. After all, nothing says summer like spending an afternoon hanging out on the deck with friends and family. Railings stainless steel cable is another great way to ensure your views aren’t blocked…by your own guardrail. These railing materials are the epitome of security, and, in order to comply with OSHA standards, guardrails must be a height of 42 inches, plus or minus three inches, which is easily done with railings stainless steel cables.

Don’t like the stainless steel frame with the stainless steel cable design? Just warm up the look with a wooden frame! And did we mention these stainless steel cables don’t rust? Talk about the weather-resistant material for outdoor deck.

Invest in a sustainable, eco-friendly style

How are railings stainless steel cable eco-friendly? Great question. Cable railing hardware made from stainless steel, which is not only one of the most recycled materials in the world and one of the easiest to convert. The Steel Recycling Institute states that one ton of recycled steel saves 120 pounds of limestone, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 2,500 pounds of iron ore. Plus, you won’t need stringent chemicals for regular maintenance for your guardrail. No high maintenance upkeep here to it looking presentable. Railings stainless steel cable is a fabulous low maintenance option.

Sleek, impressive, eco-friendly, railings stainless steel cable is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a stunning upgrade to your home – inside or out!