I’m going to store cable railings on a deck that have 10×10 cedar columns. I thought of using a 2×10 as a template to make sure the holes are perfect, but with a large number of holes that template could also be worn out after a while. Is there a jig or a tool that you have used that would fit this project?
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Upgrading the footings and columns that support a girder beam is an opportunity to level out the floor above.
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Check the building code in your area. They are illegal is some jurisdictions, (and should be everywhere). They are a climbing hazard allowing young children to climb over a railing and fall.
Assuming you are undeterred by the climbing hazard, you could press fit or epoxy some bushings into your template. Shouldn’t be hard to find something to accommodate your bits.
The IRC allows horizontal rails, and I'm unaware of any US jurisdictions that don't. That doesn't mean they aren't there. Do make sure you use stanchions on 3 ft. centers or according to the cable manufacturer's instructions. I doubt you'll wear out your 2x10 jig over the course of one installation. There's a good video on FHB's site about cable rail installation. https://www.finehomebuilding.com/2015/03/25/ultimate-deck-build-2015-cable-railings
They weren't legal in earlier versions of the IRC. Local, state and city codes can impose special requirements on top of the IRC. Therefore check with your local building dept. They are not legal here in Ontario, even though they are sold in the big box stores. Manufacturers are pushing and maybe soon, I'm told. Just because they're legal doesn't mean they're a smart idea.
If you don't think that kids climbing things is an issue, read these statistics from the U.S.
"According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, someone is injured in a furniture tip-over accident every 15 minutes and 33,000 injuries are treated in the emergency room." "The statistics are staggering. Every two weeks, a child dies in a furniture tip-over accident. About, two-thirds of fatalities involve toddlers."
https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2017/02/02/staggering-stats-shed-light-on-dangers-of-kids-climbing-on-dressers/