Despite their name, aircraft cables are no longer used solely in the aerospace industry. Their strength and durability have made them valuable tools for winching, slinging, and rigging applications across a wide range of industries.

With over 25 years of experience manufacturing cables and chains, Armstrong / Alar Chain Corporation has the skills and knowledge to guide clients through the decision-making and purchasing processes. Our expert team can advise on the relative advantages of galvanized vs. stainless steel cables and on other factors that affect cable performance, helping our diverse clientele to choose the right cable product for their application.

What Is Aircraft Cable Used For?

Aircraft cable commonly finds application in commercial and military airplanes, including for controls, slings, winch lines, tow cables, and hoists. However, its properties make it ideal for any situation that demands high tensile strength. These cables are present in everything from exercise equipment to garage doors and fencing. In agriculture, aircraft cable is used for irrigation systems, while in the construction industry, it’s used for lifting, pulling, or securing heavy components. 

To accommodate such varied applications, Armstrong / Alar Chain Corporation offers a full range of cable sizes with a variety of tensile strengths. Our strands include 1x7, 1x19, 7x7, and 7x19 variants with sizes ranging from 1/32 inches to 3/8 inches. Depending on these variables, the tensile strengths range from 120 to 14,400 pounds. 

In addition to size and tensile strength, the other key consideration for aircraft cable is the material. At Armstrong / Alar, we offer galvanized steel and stainless steel options, each of which presents its own distinct advantages.

Stainless Steel Aircraft Cable

Stainless steel aircraft cable is a general-purpose cable suitable for both industrial and commercial aircraft. Compared to galvanized steel cables, these cables demonstrate greater resistance to corrosion, heat, cold, which allows them to withstand more extreme environments.

Stainless steel cable is available in several material grades tailored to different applications. For example:

• Our 316 stainless steel cables offer higher corrosion resistance, making them better suited for industrial aircrafts.
• Our 302/304 stainless steel cables have higher strength but lower resistance, making them better suited for commercial aircrafts.

Galvanized Steel Aircraft Cable

Galvanized steel cables are a more economical choice that provides the same strength and durability as stainless steel cables, provided they are used in moderate climates. When not exposed to the elements, galvanized steel cables also maintain their ductility for longer than comparable stainless steel cables.

Altogether these characteristics make galvanized steel cables suitable for use in commercial aircraft, which experience more controlled conditions and environments. However, thanks to their durability and low cost, galvanized steel cables have also worked their way into other industrial applications, such as stage rigging, non-aircraft control cabling, slings, winches, and hoists.

How Can Armstrong / Alar Help?

The growing ubiquity of aircraft cables across industry has resulted in the manufacture of a wide selection of cable products, each suited to a different application. As an industry leader in the supply of chains, cables, and wire ropes for almost three decades, Armstrong / Alar has the expertise necessary to help customers navigate the vast inventory of aircraft cables available and choose the right one for their unique application.

Our full product line includes chains, cables, wire ropes, and accessories, all of which are made in the USA to rigorous standards of quality. We provide aircraft cables to both retailers and consumers in stock, custom, and bulk lengths. Spooled options are also available. Additionally, most items are available to ship within one business day, making it fast and easy to incorporate aircraft cable into your operation.

Want to Find Out More?

Regardless of industry, aircraft cables serve as a solution for applications that require high-tensile strength wire rope. With options for galvanized or stainless steel aircraft cables in a broad range of lengths, sizes, and strengths, Armstrong / Alar has what you need, when you need it.

To learn more about our cable offerings, give us a call at 847-808-8885 (or toll-free 800-927-8549) for the quickest response. You can also submit our contact form with your inquiry or quote request.

 

1 x 7 Strand Cable

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1 x 19 Strand Cable

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7 x 7 Strand Cable

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7 x 19 Strand Cable