The term “aircraft cable” is used to describe both commercial grade (RR-W-410; ASTM A1023) and military specification (MIL-DTL-83420). The term refers to 7 × 7 and 7 × 19 strand core constructions; however, many people will also use the term “wire rope” in reference to the same constructions. Commercial grade can be of import or domestic origin whereas military spec is always stranded and closed in the USA. Commercial grade should never be used for critical aerospace applications. Only MIL-DTL-83420 is appropriate for critical aerospace applications. Diameters typically include 1/32” through 3/8”.

Typically a galvanized cable with a black finish applied, the black finish is not plastic, but installed by powder coating or anodizing. Stainless steel cable can be finished with black oxide.

Plastic surrounds each wire strand. As a result, none of the wire strands rub against each other. Benefits include superior wear resistance and protection of the wire rope from condensation or moisture.

The core of the wire rope is made of steel wires, which run straight through the center. All of the outer strands are laid independently around the wire rope core.

Compacted/swaged wire rope means that the strands are flattened, which results in higher breaking strength and increased abrasion resistance. Compacted/swaged wire rope is available in Bright (plain steel with lube). The typical application is logging. Galvanized compacted is less common, but sometimes used for commercial zip lines.

General purpose wire rope (GP wire rope for short) infers that the stranding construction is either 6 × 19 class or 6 × 37 class. Diameters typically start at 3/16”. The common denominator among GP wire rope are the six outer strands laid around the core. 6 × 19 class means there are 16-26 wires per strand. This class includes 6 × 25 and 6 × 26 constructions. 6 × 19 is commercial grade RR-W-410 Type I, Class 2. 6 × 37 class means 27-49 wires per strand. This class includes 6 × 31 and 6 × 36 constructions per RR-W-410 Type I class 3.

Each strand layer alternates direction to balance the wire rope. The level of resistance to rotation provides distinction among the various types of rotation resistant wire rope. Some examples of rotation resistant wire ropes (listed in increasing order of rotation resistance) include 8 × 19 class, 19 × 7 class and 35 × 7 class.