How to Install Atlantis RailEasy™ and HandiSwage™ Cable Railing Systems

How to Install Atlantis RailEasy™ and HandiSwage™ Cable Railing Systems


Atlantis Rail Systems are a premium solution for durable, low-maintenance, and corrosion-resistant cable railings — especially in coastal environments. At Builders Stainless, we carry only two trusted Atlantis systems: RailEasy™ and HandiSwage™, each designed for long-term performance and ease of use. 

This guide covers everything you need to install both systems correctly — whether you’re a contractor or a DIYer.


Why Choose Atlantis Cable Railing?

Atlantis cable railing systems offer:

 • Marine-grade 316 stainless steel construction 

 • Designed for coastal durability — no rust or stains 

 • Code-compliant strength with clean, modern looks 

 • Works with wood, metal, or composite posts 

 • Easy installation with minimal tools and training


What’s the Difference Between RailEasy™ and HandiSwage™?


System                       Cable Size                        Mount Style                         Best For


RailEasy™                         5/32" Cable                           Surface-mount                             Simpler installs, exposed hardware, decks


HandiSwage™                 1/8" Cable                            Through-post, low-profile           Clean, minimal hardware, stairs, modern decks


Tools & Materials You'll Need


For RailEasy™:

• RailEasy™ Tensioners 

• RailEasy™ Swivel Ends 

• 5/32" 316 stainless steel cable 

• Drill + Atlantis Drill Guide 

• Stainless cable cutter 

• Wrenches 

• Atlantis Rail Care Kit


For HandiSwage™:

• HandiSwage™ Studs or Lag Studs 

• HandiSwage™ Turnbuckles (for adjustable tension)

• 1/8" 316 stainless steel cable 

• Hand swager tool 

• Drill + bits for through-post installation 

• Cable cutter 

• Atlantis Rail Care Kit


Step-by-Step Installation


Step 1: Plan Your Layout 

• Post spacing: max 4 feet 

• Cable spacing: max 3 inches vertically 

• Rail height: typically 36–42 inches (check local code)


Step 2: Install Posts

Secure wood, metal, or composite posts. End and corner posts must support high tension, especially for long runs.


Step 3: Drill Holes


Use the Atlantis Drill Guide for accuracy. 

RailEasy™: Drill only for tensioners and swivel ends (face-mount). 

HandiSwage™: Drill straight through intermediate posts and ends for clean cable runs. 


Use post sleeves or grommets with HandiSwage for wood posts to protect the material.


Step 4: Attach Fittings 


RailEasy™ System 

• Mount Swivel Ends on one end post. 

• Mount Tensioners on the opposite post. 

• Connect with 5/32" cable, cut to length. 


No swaging required — great for quick surface-mount installs. 


HandiSwage™ System 

Swage Studs or Lag Studs onto the ends of 1/8" cable 

• Use Turnbuckles on one end for adjustable tension 

• Through-post installation creates a cleaner, low-profile look


Step 5: Run & Tension the Cable 

Run the cable through all posts and hardware. Use stainless cable cutters to trim cleanly. Use wrenches to tension: 

 • RailEasy™: Use tensioners to tighten the 5/32" cable 

 • HandiSwage™: Use turnbuckles to evenly tension the 1/8" cable 

 

?? Tip: Tension from the center outward to keep forces balanced. 

 ? Code Reminder: Cable spacing and tension must prevent a 4" sphere from passing through any part of the railing.


Step 6: Protect the Finish with the Atlantis Rail Care Kit 


After installation, apply the Atlantis Rail Care Kit to maintain the finish and extend the life of your railing:

 • Removes fingerprints, grime, and tea staining 

 • Adds a corrosion-resistant barrier for harsh environments 

 •Keeps stainless steel polished and looking like new 


 ?? Order the Atlantis Care Kit


Why Builders Stainless Recommends Atlantis

We stock only RailEasy™ and HandiSwage™ because they: 

 • Are engineered for coastal durability 

 • Offer simple, flexible installation options 

 • Deliver a sleek, upscale look for any railing project 

 • Are backed by decades of proven performance


Shop Atlantis Cable Railing at Builders Stainless

 • RailEasy™ Tensioners & Swivel Ends (5/32” cable) 

 • HandiSwage™ Studs, Lag Studs & Turnbuckles (1/8” cable) 

 • Atlantis Rail Care Kit 

 • 316 Stainless Cable (1/8” and 5/32”


Need help designing your system? Contact us — we’ll help you get everything you need to build a railing that’s built to last.

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