RailFX designs and manufactures all-in-one aluminum railing systems, cable railing kits, and accessories for interior and exterior applications. Their mission: provide the world’s easiest cable railing solution with all-in-one, affordable systems that are easy to order, quick to receive, and easy to install.
Cable Railing Systems with Push-Lock Technology
RailFX cable systems solve the biggest installation headache in the railing business — tool requirements. Their Pull-Lock fitting simplifies the tensioning process without requiring complex swagging tools. The Basic 102 Series Cable Kit includes Type 316 Marine-Grade Stainless Steel cable in both 1/8 inch and 3/16 inch diameters. Length options run from 5 ft to 70 ft, covering everything from small residential decks to commercial spans.
The system uses a smart two-fitting design. One end features a 2-7/8” pre-swagged threaded stud with brass hex nut and end cap. The other uses their Pull-Lock non-tensioning fitting. Cables can be cut to exact length on-site, which matters when you’re 30 miles from the nearest building supply and discovered your measurements were off by six inches.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Cable Material | Type 316 Marine-Grade Stainless Steel |
| Cable Diameter Options | 1/8” (Standard), 3/16” (Available) |
| Cable Construction | 1x19 strand stainless steel cable |
| Length Options | 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 ft |
| Maximum Cable Spacing | 3-3/16” on center (deflection limited to 4”) |
Works through wood posts and metal posts (stainless steel, galvanized). Maximum 45 degree bend per run; 90 degree turns require a double-corner post configuration. The 316 stainless beats 304 for corrosion resistance — essential when road salt spray hits your deck six months out of the year.
Heavy-Duty Aluminum Top Rails
RailFX offers multiple top rail profiles, with the RFX200 Flat Top Rail leading for over-the-post continuous runs. At 3-1/2 inches wide by 1-7/8 inches high, it’s substantial enough to meet the 200-pound top rail load requirements for both IRC and IBC codes. Available in 94 and 96 inch lengths, field-trimable using a carbide blade.
For stairs, the RFX250 Square Top provides a 2” x 1-5/8” graspable profile that meets residential and commercial stair railing codes. The RFX100 Round Top Rail offers a 2-inch diameter profile — another graspable option contractors appreciate for stair applications.
| Top Rail Model | Profile | Dimensions | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| RFX200 | Flat Top | 3-1/2” x 1-7/8” | Over-the-post continuous rail |
| RFX250 | Square Top | 2” x 1-5/8” | Stairs (graspable) |
| RFX100 | Round | 2” diameter | Stairs (graspable) |
Powder coating meets AAMA 2604 specifications — that’s the standard that survives Montana’s freeze-thaw abuse. Color options include Black, Bronze, Silver, Walnut, and White. Maximum post spacing reaches 96 inches (8 feet), which reduces material costs on those sprawling mountain home decks. Joinable with splices for custom lengths when the architect decides the deck needs to be 37 feet instead of 32.
Aluminum Cable Braces for Long Spans
Cable deflection kills the clean look of horizontal cable systems. RailFX’s aluminum cable braces prevent this, especially crucial when posts are 6-8 feet apart. The RFXCB-3.125-42-SI-AL-12-FLP model uses 5/8 inch x 5/8 inch square tube construction in anodized aluminum.
At 42 inches long (trimmable), these braces feature 12 pre-drilled holes spaced at 3-1/8 inches on-center. The sleek profile provides an expanded view without the need for additional bulky posts. There’s also a 50-inch version for taller rail applications. Slotted versions available for stair applications where the angle creates different spacing requirements.
These intermediate supports make the difference between cables that stay taut for years versus ones that sag after the first winter. Designed specifically for level (horizontal) cable runs, though slotted versions handle stairs. The anodized finish resists corrosion better than painted steel alternatives — no rust streaks on the decking.
Installation Kits and Field Support
The INSTL-KIT-100_200 includes all necessary drill bits (5/32”, 1/4”, 29/64”) — the specific sizes that prevent wallowing out holes and creating sloppy installations. Cable gripper tool for secure tensioning and PL-KEY release tools for adjustments come in the kit. No running back to town because you don’t have the right bit.
Cut-off wheels and mandrel for field trimming handle those inevitable on-site adjustments. Compatible with both wood and metal posts, so one kit covers mixed-material installations. The release tools matter more than contractors realize — being able to adjust cable tension after initial installation saves callbacks.
1/4” tempered glass panels fit the same aluminum framework, with 29” height for 36” rails and 35” height for 42” rails. 60” maximum post spacing for glass — tighter than cable due to wind loads. Integrated gasket system for secure glass placement prevents rattling in Montana’s occasional 70 mph gusts. Compatible with all RailFX top rail profiles, so switching between cable and glass sections uses the same posts and rails.
The ability to source glass locally while using RailFX’s framework saves significant shipping costs. Any glass shop can cut 1/4” tempered to size — they don’t need to order special railing glass from back east.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need special tools to install RailFX cable railing?
The Pull-Lock fitting simplifies the tensioning process without requiring complex swagging tools. The installation kit includes specific drill bits (5/32”, 1/4”, 29/64”), cable gripper tool, and PL-KEY release tools. Standard power tools handle the rest — drill, carbide-blade saw for trimming rails, and basic hand tools.
Q: What’s the actual post spacing I can use with RailFX systems?
Maximum post spacing reaches 96 inches (8 feet) for the RFX200 flat top rail system. For cable infill, maximum post spacing is 5 feet. Glass panels require 60” maximum post spacing due to wind load requirements. Cable braces are ideal when posts are 6-8 feet apart, letting you maintain wider spacing without cable sag.
Q: How does the powder coating hold up to Montana winters?
The powder coating meets AAMA 2604 specifications. This standard specifically addresses color retention and coating integrity through temperature cycling. RailFX offers AAMA 2605 compliant wet-coat finish as a high-quality powder coat alternative for projects needing maximum durability.
Q: Can I mix cable and glass sections in the same railing run?
Glass panels are compatible with all RailFX top rail profiles. The system supports 1/4” tempered glass panels using the same posts and top rails as cable sections. Just remember glass requires 60” maximum post spacing versus cable’s wider options.
Q: What makes 316 stainless steel worth the extra cost?
Type 316 Marine-Grade Stainless Steel contains molybdenum, which dramatically improves chloride resistance compared to 304 stainless. In Montana, that means better resistance to road salt spray, which hits decks and railings all winter. The difference shows after five years — 304 can develop surface rust while 316 stays clean.
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