Wire rope consists of several strands of steel wire twisted into a helix. Most wire ropes are made from uncoated high-carbon steel wire, but they can also be made from galvanized wire or stainless steel wire. They are available in diameters ranging from 1/32 to 5 inches or more.
Wire ropes are used dynamically for lifting and hoisting in cranes and elevators. They’re also used to transmit mechanical force. For example, wire ropes connect the control surfaces of some airplanes to levers and pedals in the cockpit. In automobiles, wire ropes can be used to actuate the parking brake, gear shifter and throttle.