CHOOSING A SUPPORT SYSTEM:
Wire rope systems are a superior support method when compared to threaded rod, jack chain and metal strap.
In particular, while threaded rod is a popular hanging method for large mechanical applications like pipe and duct, wire rope support systems offer unique benefits that often provide a better method of installation.
WAYS WIRE ROPE IS BETTER THAN THREADED ROD:
Wire rope support systems are installed more quickly than threaded rod because of its simple process. Wire rope can easily be attached to both the structure and the assembly. When the wire needs to be looped, it can simply be fed through a locking device and secured in place. The threaded rod method involves more steps and time to complete the tedious tasks of cutting and deburring rods and threading nuts onto the rod.
Threaded rod is very rigid. It demands precision, which can be difficult when also trying to install quickly. With wire rope, contractors have more slack and are better able to accommodate complicated environments such as sloped beams or off-center installations.
If small adjustments in height are necessary after the piece is lifted, wire rope systems are easy to adjust. Conversely, assemblies fastened on threaded rod take a significant amount of work to fine-tune. Tools are required to loosen up nuts, raise or lower the strut, and move the assembly. This process needs to be completed for every threaded rod. With cable systems, installers just need to unlock the locking device, raise or lower the assembly, and lock the wire rope at the desired height.
The strength-to-weight ratio of threaded rod is much lower than wire rope. It takes a heavier threaded rod system when compared to a wire rope system holding up the same load. Thus, wire rope requires fewer trips to the job site, reduces worker fatigue and saves money on transportation. Additionally, once the project is completed, wire rope puts less stress on the structure, improving building safety.
Proper installation of a threaded rod trapeze requires the use of several tools. Wrenches are used to secure the clamp to the structure and to tighten the nuts around the strut. With a cable support system, neither of these tasks are needed, and the entire assembly can be installed without tools. As a result, work is much more efficient and time working overhead is minimized.
CONCLUSION:
Cable support systems offer many unique benefits to installers. To learn more about these advantages and selecting the right product for your next project, click below to download the free Wire Rope Support System whitepaper.
Two infill systems—rod railing and cable railing—have emerged in the metal railing landscape. With sleek lines and hidden hardware, they’re shifting the landscape of modern railing and contemporary design. Both infills are made of durable stainless steel materials and use stainless steel componentry.
Despite these similarities, there are big differences between rod and cable railing when it comes to things: ease of installation, corrosion resistance, long-term maintenance, and curved applications.
Many people are familiar with installing cable railing. Despite its simple and elegant appearance, it can take even experienced installers quite some time to install correctly. Most of the time taken up is in measuring and cutting the cable.
Since cable comes on spools, it always wants to curve back to a round shape, making it challenging to get straight measurements. It also can be tiring cutting the cable wire manually with cable cutters.
We’ve determined that an installer can usually count on about 1 hour of installation time per post for Cable Railing.
how to install cable railing
Fewer people are familiar with installing rod railing, but the mounting of the posts and handrails are all the same. The major difference between them is the time and effort in measuring and cutting the rods.
Rod railing does not arrive in spools. This means they are easy to measure and can be cut with an angle grinder and thin cutting wheel. Compared to cable railing, it’s a much more streamlined process
We’ve determined that an installer can usually count on about 30-40 minutes of installation time per post for Rod Railing.
how to install rod railing
While both cable and rod railing are made from stainless steel, they use different alloys. Cable railing uses a very common alloy in the architectural railing industry, 316L.
This alloy has been considered the standard in corrosion resistance for the last 30+ years in the architectural railing market. However, 316L doesn’t always cut it in the most corrosive environments.
Rod railing utilizes 2205 stainless steel, which is a newcomer to the architectural railing world. But although it’s new to railing, it has proven itself for decades in the extreme environments of deep sea oil drilling.
This duplex stainless steel has a Pitting Resistance Equivalency Number (PREN) of 34, above the score of 32 required for corrosion resistance in oceanside environments. 316L stainless, by comparison, only scores 25, making it vulnerable.
Both cable railing and rod railing are a lower maintenance solution than other modern railing solutions like glass railing. Dirty spots won’t show prevalently on these slim railings. However, just because you can’t see any debris or dirty spots at first glance doesn’t mean you should commit to regular cleaning.
Cable railing is comprised of many different strands of cable wire (Viewrail cable uses 19 individual wires). This creates a finely woven appearance and, if not regularly cleaned and maintained, corrosive elements can enter become lodged within the cable strands which can cause the cable wires to slowly unravel and/or begin corrosion.
While cable railing is woven of many individual wires, rod railing is a single piece of tubular stainless steel, featuring a completely round profile. This gives no opportunity for elements to enter into the material and cause the same kind of unraveling. The bigger area to pay close attention to is making sure debris isn’t becoming lodged in between the rods and the posts, which can cause staining around the holes.
In either case, regular cleaning with a microfiber cloth and soapy water will keep your railing pristine.
The final thing to evaluate when deciding between cable and rod railing is you’ll have any curved sections in your railing. Once tension is applied to cable railing, it will always travel in a straight line from one post to the next, meaning that you won’t be able to create a true curve or radius.
Rod railing, because it is made of a tube, will bend slightly to follow curves that are as tight as an 8’ radius. This makes it ideal for balconies that have a curved overlook or other radius applications.
Now that we’ve gone through the big differences between rod and cable railing, you should be well on your way to making an informed decision on which is best for your project. You can review the chart below to remind you of the similarities and differences between these two railings.
Rod Railing Cable Railing Common in Modern/Contemporary Design Yes Yes Thickness of Infill 1/4″ 5/32″ Material Type 2205 Stainless Steel 316L Time to Install 30-40 minutes/post 1 hour/post Maintenance & Care Necessary Regular Washing Regular Washing Hidden Hardware Yes Yes Radius/Curved Application Will Curve Only Runs in Straight LinesAre you interested in learning more about steel coil weight, hot rolled steel with tight thickness tolerance, cold rolled carbon steel coil? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!