Tension Pliers and Cable Cutter
Tension Pliers and Cable Cutter
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- Ships in 1-2 Business Days
Made in the USA
- 60 Day Returns
Kit Includes
- 1x Cable gripping pliers
- 1x C-7 cable cutter
- 1x 3/16" Allen wrench
- 1x Jaw insertion tool
Item number: K-CIK-125
Tension Pliers and Cable Cutter
The Essential Toolkit for a Perfect Installation
While our swageless fittings install without special equipment, this hand-picked toolkit provides everything you need to make the process faster, easier, and more precise. Each tool has been selected to complement our system, helping you achieve a truly professional, trouble-free result. This is the only toolkit you'll need to complete your entire Keuka cable railing project, from start to finish.
Inside the Toolkit
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C-7 Cable Cutter
Don't settle for a frayed, messy cut. This hardened steel cutter is specifically designed to make a clean, square cut on stainless steel cable, which is essential for our swageless jaws to grip properly.
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Cable Gripping Pliers
A must-have for proper tensioning. These unique pliers have parallel jaws that grip the cable securely without damaging the wires, allowing you to hold the cable steady as you tighten the fitting.
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3/16" Allen Wrench
The perfect size for applying final tension to our tensioner fittings for metal posts.
Why Go Swageless?
Skip the expensive tools and permanent mistakes. Discover why both DIY homeowners and professional contractors prefer Keuka's crimp-free fittings.
Traditional Crimped
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Expensive Tools Required
Requires buying or renting a heavy, expensive hydraulic swaging tool to complete the installation.
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Permanent Mistakes
Once you crimp, it’s permanent. If a measurement is off, you have to cut the cable and throw the fitting away.
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Time Consuming
Pumping a hydraulic press for dozens of cable ends takes a heavy physical toll and slows down the project.
Swageless System
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No Special Tools
Installs rapidly using pliers and an Allen key. No hydraulics required.
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100% Adjustable
Cables naturally settle over time. Our fittings allow you to quickly re-tension your runs years down the road without cutting or replacing parts.
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Engineered for Strength
Features a specialized mechanical locking jaw that securely bites into the cable, making it perfect for both DIYers and pros.
The Keuka Installation Guide
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Prepare the Cable
Ensure your 1/8" stainless steel cable is cut cleanly. Slide the Threaded Stud onto the cable first. Important: Ensure the smaller end of the hole goes onto the cable first, with the larger opening facing the cut end of the cable.
2. Install the Jaws
Push the Jaws onto the end of the cable using your fingers. Slide them on just enough so that approximately 1/8" of cable is exposed at the very end of the jaws.
3. Lock the Assembly
Pull the Threaded Stud back up toward the Jaws. Pull it firmly until you feel or hear a distinct "click." This indicates the jaws are seated correctly inside the stud.
4. Install the Washer
Place the Delrin Plastic Washer onto the threaded stud assembly.
5. Connect the Fitting Assembly
Insert the Level Fitting Body into the post to meet the cable assembly. Begin threading the stud/jaw assembly into the fitting body by hand until it is hand-tight.
6. Tighten and Tension
Once all cables are installed, use your Allen wrench (or ratchet with 3/16” hex bit) to apply final tension.
Tip: Hold the cable steady with your pliers to prevent it from spinning while you turn the fitting.
Tensioning Order
How far apart do I space my cables?
Approximately 3" apart. The general rule is that a 4" ball should not pass through the railing infill. Cables are flexible therefore 3" spacing is recommended.
What is swaging?
To swage (pronounced swaj) is to press a solid fitting or threaded end onto a cable using the force of either a leverage type hand tool or hydraulic press. The tool has dies that shape the fitting to a specific diameter. Also sometimes referred to as a crimper.
What does swageless mean?
A cable fitting that is swageless does not require a swaging tool to install it on a cable. Swageless fittings generally have jaws that "bite" into the cable under tension. All the Keuka fittings are "swageless".
How far apart do I space my posts?
48" maximum distance between posts is recommended. This is also to help prevent cables from separating.
What colors do the cables and fittings come in?
Currently the cables are available in stainless and blackened stainless steel.
What is the best cable size for cable railing?
1/8" diameter is the most commonly used cable diameter. It is also relatively transparent. Larger diameter cables become more difficult to manage as the thicker cable has more spring back force and becomes more difficult to cut and bend on site.
Where are Keuka products made?
Our products are proudly made in the United States.
How tall should my railing be?
36" measured from the surface of the deck to the top of the railing for most residential applications. 42" is required for commercial applications and also for California residents on guard railing. Guard railing is defined as any railing that presents a fall hazard (30" above ground or higher).
Is cable railing safe for children?
Yes. The flexibility and small diameter of small cable makes it difficult to grasp and climb. Of course no railing is climb proof.
Can cable railings be used outside?
Yes, cable railings can be used inside or outside. Mother nature will cause any product to weather at an accelerated rate which will not be experienced indoors.
How do you ship your railing parts?
We ship all orders via FedEx.
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