Galvanised Steel Wire Rope Metal Cable Rigging 7 x 7 1mm 2mm 3mm 4mm 5mm 6mm 8mm

The numbers refer to the number of strands and wires per strand. A 7x7 rope has 7 strands of 7 wires each — it is flexible and well-suited for control cables, clotheslines, and light rigging. A 6x7 rope has 6 strands of 7 wires and is slightly stiffer, commonly used for general rigging and fencing. A 6x12 rope has 6 strands of 12 wires, making it the most flexible of the three — ideal for applications involving repeated bending over sheaves or pulleys.

For residential wire balustrade infill, 3mm or 4mm diameter in a 7x7 construction is the most common choice. The 3mm suits lighter decorative applications, while 4mm provides additional tensile strength for longer horizontal runs. Always check your local building code for minimum breaking load requirements before selecting a diameter.

Galvanised wire rope performs well in standard outdoor and garden environments, including areas with moderate humidity and occasional rain exposure. The zinc coating provides a corrosion barrier that extends service life compared to uncoated steel. For heavily salt-laden coastal environments or submerged applications, stainless steel wire rope is generally recommended instead.

This wire rope is compatible with standard wire rope hardware including aluminium or copper ferrules (swage sleeves), wire rope thimbles, bulldog grips (wire rope clips), and turnbuckles. When selecting fittings, match the fitting bore diameter to your chosen rope diameter. For example, a 4mm rope requires 4mm-rated ferrules and thimbles.

Measure the total run of cable required, then add allowance for terminations at each end — typically 150–300mm per end depending on the fitting type. For balustrade runs, account for each individual wire span between posts. It is advisable to add 10–15% to your measured total to allow for cutting waste and any adjustments during installation.

This wire rope is suitable for light-duty rigging and tensioning applications such as shade sails, clotheslines, trellis, and balustrade infill. For certified lifting applications (hoists, cranes, or overhead lifting), you must use wire rope that carries a rated Working Load Limit (WLL) certification from a recognised testing body. Contact us to confirm suitability for your specific load requirements before use in any lifting application.

Before cutting, wrap the cut point tightly with electrical tape or a cable tie on both sides of the intended cut line. Use bolt cutters, angle grinder with a cutting disc, or purpose-made wire rope cutters. Immediately after cutting, apply a small amount of solder or a heat-shrink end cap to the cut end to prevent strand separation. Avoid using standard wire cutters on larger diameters as they tend to crush and fray the strands.