How to Find Cable Diameter

Cable, also known as wire rope, isn't measured in the same way as fiber rope. Fiber rope, whether a natural fiber like manila, or a synthetic fiber like nylon, or polypropylene, is measured by its average diameter. Cable is measured by its greatest diameter. You can't always substitute cable for fiber rope because fiber rope can make a tighter change of direction. Unlike fiber rope, which can flex along its length, cable has a solid core and cannot flex along its length.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Open the jaws of the adjustable wrench wide enough that the cable can fit between the jaws of the wrench without binding. Cable is made up of six strands. This means that each strand has another strand directly opposite it.

2. Lay the cable into the jaws of the adjustable wrench. Turn the cable so that the top of one strand is touching one jaw of the wrench. Close the jaws of the adjustable wrench until the top of the opposite strand is just touching the other jaw of the wrench.

3. Remove the cable from the adjustable wrench without opening the jaws of the wrench.

4. Use the measuring tape to measure the distance between tips of the jaws of the adjustable wrench.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't allow the cable to twist in the jaws of the adjustable wrench while measuring the cable.

• Wear leather gloves while working with cable to avoid injury from "fish hooks," which are broken wires with sharp edges, within the strands.

References

• NAVEDTRA 14251, Ch. 5, "Wire Rope"; p. 5

Resources

• Construction and Home Repair Techniques Simply Explained