Which Wire Rope is Stronger: 7x7 or 7x19?

It’s a common question in the rigging world: Which wire rope is stronger—7x7 or 7x19? The answer depends on how you define “strong.” While 7x19 aircraft cable generally has a higher rated breaking strength, the difference is often modest. Strength alone shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. Flexibility, resistance to abrasion, fatigue life, and how the cable is used in the field are just as important when choosing between these two popular wire rope constructions.

Key Takeaways

• 7x7 cable is stiffer and more abrasion-resistant—best for static or semi-static applications.
• 7x19 cable is more flexible and generally has a higher rated breaking strength.
• Breaking strength differences are usually modest; selection should focus on performance characteristics like flexibility, fatigue life, and resistance to crushing or abrasion.
• Both 7x7 and 7x19 constructions are available in galvanized and stainless steel finishes.

Understanding 7x7 and 7x19 Construction

The designation "7x7" means the cable is made from 7 strands with 7 wires per strand—49 wires total. "7x19" means 7 strands of 19 wires each, totaling 133 wires. This difference in wire count changes how the cable behaves in use:

• 7x7: Tighter, more rigid construction. Good for bracing, guy wires, and static load applications.
• 7x19: Looser, more flexible construction. Ideal for pulleys, winches, or repeated bending.

Is One Stronger Than the Other?

According to manufacturer data, 7x19 cable is generally rated with a higher breaking strength than 7x7 of the same diameter. For example, in galvanized cable:

• 3/16" 7x7 has a breaking strength of approximately 3,700 lbs
• 3/16" 7x19 is rated around 4,200 lbs

That said, the difference in strength is often modest—and in some sizes, the two constructions are rated nearly identically. For this reason, it’s best to select your cable based not solely on strength, but based on the performance needs of your application:

• Flexibility: 7x19 is much more flexible and can bend around smaller sheaves.
• Abrasion Resistance: 7x7 is stiffer and better resists wear in straight-line runs or when passing through bushings.
• Fatigue Life: 7x19 generally performs better in dynamic applications with repeated movement.
• Elongation Under Load: 7x19 tends to stretch slightly more, which may be a consideration in precision applications.

In short: Choose your construction based on how the wire rope will be used—not just the load rating.

Typical Applications

7x7 Wire Rope

• Cable railings (clean look, minimal sag)
• Guy wires and structural bracing
• Security cables and tie-downs
• Garage door assemblies (in some designs)

7x19 Wire Rope

• Winch lines and hoist cables
• Sailboat and marine rigging
• Fitness equipment and exercise machines
• Pulley systems requiring tight bends and high movement cycles

In practice, 7x19 is by far the most common construction used in larger diameters like 5/16" and 3/8", especially for applications such as winch lines, zip lines, and marine rigging. Its superior flexibility and higher cycle durability make it the preferred choice where the rope needs to bend around drums or pulleys, or where frequent movement is expected. While 7x7 may be used in some static systems, 7x19 dominates in dynamic and load-moving setups in these sizes.

Galvanized vs. Stainless Steel Aircraft Cable

Both 7x7 and 7x19 constructions are commonly available in:

• Galvanized Steel: Offers good corrosion resistance and is suitable for most outdoor and industrial environments.
• 304/316 Stainless Steel: Provides superior corrosion resistance in marine or chemical environments. Type 316 is preferred for saltwater exposure.

Many users refer to either galvanized or stainless steel small-diameter wire rope as “aircraft cable.” However, it’s important to note that commercial aircraft cable is not certified for aerospace use unless it meets military specification MIL-DTL-83420 and is on the federal Qualified Products List (QPL).

Conclusion

The real question isn’t “which wire rope is stronger,” but rather: which wire rope is right for your job? While 7x19 generally offers higher breaking strength and better flexibility, 7x7 holds advantages in stiffness and abrasion resistance. The differences in strength are typically modest, so focus on how the cable needs to perform under your specific working conditions.

At Bishop Lifting, we offer both 7x7 and 7x19 aircraft cable in galvanized and stainless finishes. Whether you need control cables, marine rigging, winch lines, or architectural railings, we have the right cable for your application. Browse our wire rope selection online or contact our team for guidance.

FAQ

What does 7x7 or 7x19 mean?

These numbers describe wire rope construction. 7x7 has 7 strands of 7 wires each (49 total wires). 7x19 has 7 strands of 19 wires each (133 wires). More wires = more flexibility.

Is 7x19 stronger than 7x7?

Generally yes—7x19 wire rope typically has a higher rated breaking strength. However, differences are often modest, and application-specific performance matters more.

Which is more flexible, 7x7 or 7x19?

7x19 is much more flexible than 7x7 and is better for pulleys, winches, and dynamic applications where the rope bends repeatedly.

What are the best uses for 7x7 wire rope?

7x7 is ideal for static applications like guy wires, cable railings, and bracing where stiffness and minimal elongation are important.

What finishes are available for aircraft cable?

Aircraft cable is typically available in galvanized and stainless steel. Galvanized offers solid corrosion resistance; stainless (especially 316) is best for marine or chemical use.

Is commercial aircraft cable approved for airplanes?

No. While commonly called “aircraft cable,” most commercial-grade wire rope is not certified for flight use. It must meet MIL-DTL-83420 to be used in actual aircraft.