Cheap Cable Railing Kits vs. Custom Swage-Fit Systems: What You’re Really Buying
Thinking about updating your deck or staircase with cable railings? It’s tempting to grab an off-the-shelf kit at a big box store. After all, they promise “DIY-friendly” installation at a low price. But what goes into those kits—and what do you sacrifice when you choose them? In this post, we’ll walk through the key differences between cheap kits and a truly custom, swage-fit cable railing system, so you can decide which route makes sense for your project.
1. Material Strength: Thin-Wall vs. Heavy-Wall Posts
Cheap Kits:
- Most kits use thin-wall, hollow aluminum posts with minimal wall thickness—often 1/8″.
- Base plates are usually flimsy, sometimes made from stamped metal instead of a solid 3/8″ × 4″ × 4″ plate.
- Under constant tension, those posts can flex, bend over time.
Custom Swage-Fit Systems:
- We start with 2″ × 2″ × ¼″ heavy-wall aluminum posts—no thin-wall shortcuts.
- Base plates are a solid 3/8″ × 4″ × 4″, welded and powder-coated for extra durability.
- Every component is engineered to withstand high tension and Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles. That means no wobbling, no warping, and a railing that’s truly built to last.
2. Cable & Fittings: Slide-Lock vs. Hydraulic Swage
Cheap Kits:
- Use slide-lock or set-screw fittings on cable ends. These can slip under tension or loosen over time, requiring periodic adjustments, or complete failure.
- On-site fitting involves measuring and cutting cable yourself—easy to miscalculate and end up with slack,loosening cables. Cutting and swaging cables in the hot sun or cold weather is a real pain.
Custom Swage-Fit Systems:
- We hydraulically swage-fit 316L marine-grade stainless cable to your exact dimensions. Each cable end is permanently crimped for a rock-solid hold—no set screws, no slipping.
- Our two-phase process: first, we ship you the posts and top rails; once installed, you send us “end-post to end-post” measurements. We cut each cable precisely and ship them back within 1–2 days. All you do is slide, tension, and enjoy.
3. Finish Quality: DIY Spray vs. Powder Coat
Cheap Kits:
- Factory finishes are often a thin spray-paint or low-grade powder coat. Over time, UV exposure and moisture can cause peeling or bubbling.
- Color options are typically limited—black or silver—and uniformity can vary from batch to batch.
Custom Swage-Fit Systems:
- Every post, rail, and fitting is powder-coated in our Minneapolis shop. That means hand prepped and inspected, before applying a thick, even coverage that resists chipping and fading.
- We offer Matte Black, Oil-Rubbed Bronze, White, Silver, and custom greys etc..—so you can match your home’s aesthetic precisely.
- Because we oversee the entire process—from raw stock to finished product—you never get unexpected color shifts or weak spots in the finish. Every piece is completely inspected, then carefully packed for shipping.
4. Ease of Installation: Guesswork vs. Guided Process
Cheap Kits:
- The “DIY-friendly” label often requires you to be a professional: measuring, cutting, and fitting cables can be a headache.
- If you mismeasure, you’ll reorder or spend hours re-cutting, adding frustration and delay.
Custom Swage-Fit Systems:
- Our two-phase installation removes guesswork: install posts and top rails first using pre-drilled holes and included lag bolts.
- Send us accurate cable lengths, and we return cables that fit perfectly—no trimming or hand-fitting on-site.
- Because there are no slide-locks, you simply wind the tensioner sleeve and achieve uniform cable tension every time.
5. Longevity & Peace of Mind
When you choose a custom, swage-fit cable railing system, you invest in a railing that’s built for decades, not just a season. You get:
- Rock-solid materials (2″ × 2″ × ¼″ heavy-wall aluminum posts, 3/8″ base plates, 316L cable)
- Permanent, hydraulic swage fittings (no slipping or unnecessary adjustments)
- Factory-grade powder coat that holds up to hot sun, rain, and cold snowy weather.
- Real-person support—we’re here to answer questions, offer design advice, and walk you through installation.
Ready to Upgrade?
If you’re serious about quality, durability, and a hassle-free install, a custom swage-fit cable railing system is the clear choice. We design, fabricate, and powder coat every component in Minneapolis—then ship your system in two easy phases.
👉 Get your free custom quote today and see how easy it can be to frame your scenery with confidence.
About Paul Kraft MPLS
Founded by skilled welder and artisan Paul Kraft, our handcrafted cable railing systems combine precision engineering with clean, modern design. All raw materials are sourced domestically, and every step—from cutting and welding to powder coating and final inspection—happens under one roof. No subcontractors. No compromises. Just a railing system you’ll love for decades.
Learn more about our full range of Cable Railing Systems.
Ready for a quote? Visit our Contact Page to get started.
For detailed information on 316L marine-grade stainless steel, see this overview from Wikipedia: Stainless Steel – Grades & Properties.
