The Common Uses of Aircraft Cable

Aircraft cable is among the most useful types of steel cables available. The thin, flexible, and exceedingly strong material consists of thin steel wires (between 8 and 28) that have been stranded together to provide a combination of strength and flexibility. Although aircraft cables rarely have a diameter greater than ¼ inch, they are strong enough to hold an aircraft securely in place.

However, aircraft cable is used for much more than just aircraft. It comes in a variety of sizes and can serve a broad range of personal, commercial, industrial, and military purposes. For example, stainless steel aircraft cable is frequently used in strenuous applications due to its ability to withstand harsh temperatures and its resistance to corrosion. Galvanized steel cable is more affordable and almost as strong, but is better suited to more mild environments. In this blog, we will cover the eight most common uses for aircraft cable.

Aircraft Control

As stated, stainless steel cable is used to secure and control aircraft. It is commonly needed during aircraft shipping and transport.

Securing Cargo

Aircraft cable is frequently used to tie down heavy cargo aboard ships. Stainless steel is once again recommended for this application as the cabling will likely be exposed to the elements and salt water, both of which could corrode other materials.

Docking and Maritime Applications

Stainless steel aircraft cable has many uses within boats and docking, ranging from securing boats to hoisting them out from underwater. It also has many helpful uses in sailboat rigging, fishing boats, and more.

Pulleys and Winches

Aircraft cable’s strength makes it extremely useful for lifting and hoisting applications, making it popular for winches and pulleys of varying types and sizes. Depending on the specific application, both stainless and galvanized steel cables could be used.

Stage Rigging

Cables are used in live theaters where they do things like open, close, and lift heavy curtains, move backdrops, suspend, raise, and lower lighting fixtures, and more. For applications of this type, galvanized steel is most ideal.

Zip Lines

Aircraft cabling is sturdy enough to handle the weight and tension of zip lines and similar amusement and recreation activities. Depending on their location and weather conditions, either galvanized steel or stainless steel are used.

Garage Doors

Aircraft cable is frequently used in garage door raising and lowering mechanisms due to its strength. This can be either galvanized or stainless steel.

Exercise Equipment

Galvanized or stainless steel aircraft cable is useful in a broad range of exercise equipment, especially weight machines.

Although aircraft cable is extremely strong, they are often used in very harsh environments and therefore should be inspected regularly. During every inspection, control cables should be inspected for broken wires. This includes sections of cable that may be hidden behind or within a structure. Any cables, even those with just a single broken wire strand around a critical fatigue area, should be replaced. Broken wires in certain areas are ok, but it is always best practice to consult your service or maintenance manual.

For a vast and diverse selection of aircraft cables and much more, look no further than ASAP Part Services. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all types of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, defense, electronics, industrial, and IT hardware markets. Dedicated account managers are always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-partservices.com or call us at 1-702-919-1616. Let us show you why we consider ourselves the future of purchasing.