As homeowners build cable railings for their homes, they must make many important decisions, including whether to use swage or swageless cable fittings. Understanding the distinction between these two is crucial since it can affect the length of their project and its final appearance. Read on for an explanation of the differences between these two components and how they work.
How Do You Use Swage Cable Fittings?
Manufacturers design swage cable fittings so users can permanently attach them to their cables with a specialized swaging tool. The process involves placing the fitting on the cable and compressing it with the swaging tool, creating a secure and immovable connection.
This method offers a sleek and professional appearance, as the fittings are compact and blend seamlessly with the cable. However, even though they tend to cost less than their swageless counterparts, you will need certain pieces of specialized equipment to add them, which can be rather expensive to rent or purchase yourself.
How Do You Use Swageless Fittings?
One of the major differences between swageless and swage fittings is that the former does not require any special tools for installation. Instead, these fittings have a built-in mechanism that allows you to attach them to the cable by hand. You simply insert the cable into the fitting and tighten it using a wrench or similar tool.
This makes swageless fittings incredibly user-friendly, especially for beginners or those who prefer a quick and easy installation process. They are also reusable, which means you can adjust or relocate your cable railing without buying new fittings.
Which One Is Best For Me To Use?
After reviewing this comparison of swage vs. swageless cable fittings, you can start evaluating which piece of wire cable railing hardware is best for your project. If you are looking for an efficient solution that will allow you to complete your project faster, you should consider using the swageless fitting. However, if you are willing to take your time and use the special tools that will give your cable railing system a more polished look and a secure fit, you should opt for the swage product.
Now that you know this information, you can build the wire cable railing system of your dreams. If you want to purchase swage fittings, American Cable & Rigging Supply can help. We offer these among our wide supply of quality cable rail tools and fittings that will help you build a system that boasts longevity and adds to your home’s value.