Here at the Hotwire, we are often asked questions like, "What is the difference between a 7x19 and 19x7 cable. They both have 133 wires, why are there two different constructions?" We find this to be a very good question!

When choosing a cable or wire rope for a particular application, a product designer is going to be looking for a certain set of product attributes - most of the time flexibility and minimum breaking strength.

In a 7x19 or a 19x7 construction, these attributes are relatively similar (Although in the 19x7, its MBS is slightly lower than in the 7x19). If you look at the "snowflake" of each construction, you can instantly see that they look entirely different, and this is what creates a distinguishable set of characteristics.

When wires are stranded into a rope, they are able to interact with each other. On a 19x7 wire rope, 6 strands are stranded around a core, and then an additional 12 strands are stranded the opposite direction around that. This causes the left and right lays to counteract each other under strain, and with all sorts of newtonian laws at work, this helps make the 19x7 strand become torque balanced. In a 7x19 cable, there is only one set of strands stranded around the core, meaning there is no counteracting forces at work. In application, what does this mean though? It's best to think of this with a common example of a helicopter rescue winch. Now, we've all seen that 80's movie about fighter pilots who play volleyball, and we all probably remember that scene when the pilot and his co-pilot eject, and are plucked out of the water by the helicopter. This helicopter rescue winch uses a 19x7, because of it's torque balanced nature, it is resistant to spinning as the diver and pilots are being lifted to the chopper. If, there was a 7x19 cable on that hoist, chances are that the diver and pilots would be spinning quite a bit on their ride up.

Over the years, Loos has seen just about everything when it comes to cables and related products, so if you still have a few lingering questions, feel free to and we will answer whatever questions you may have. You can check out all of the products we offer at www.loosco.com or contact a product manager to place an order. And to stay updated with the current happenings around at the HotWire!, please