How to Choose the Right Pull-Only Mechanical Control Cable

Ever found yourself staring at an engine bay, brake system, or control box and wondering: Which cable actually fits here?

You’re not alone.

Choosing the right pull-only control cable isn’t just about picking a length and connector. It’s about understanding how your system moves, what force it needs, and how that cable behaves under pressure, heat, and motion.

We’ve helped hundreds of engineers, mechanics, and OEMs figure this out—so here’s our no-fluff breakdown of how to make the right choice.

1.  Start with the Application Type

Not all cables are created equal, and certainly not all are designed for the same job. Ask yourself:

• Are you controlling a parking brake on a trailer?
• Adjusting throttle on a generator?
• Engaging a clutch on a truck or piece of equipment?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to get you started:

2. Understand Your Load Requirements

If your cable is pulling 100 lbs or less, it doesn't need to be built like a tank. But if it's holding a vehicle in place? That’s a different story.

• Light load? → T-Flex or Tension Series
• Heavy hold? → 3000lb Brake or high-durability Clutch Series

Tip: Over-spec’ing costs more and doesn’t always help. Stick to what the system actually needs—plus a safe margin.

3. Consider Stroke, Backlash & Environment

Cables are all about motion. But how much do you need?

• Stroke: The total distance the inner core moves
• Backlash: How much "slack" you can tolerate before engagement
• Working conditions: Extreme heat? Tight bends? Heavy vibration?

If you’re working in confined or high-temp spaces, consider T-Flex or Clutch variants. They’re built for it.

Need specifics? Check out our comparison chart here →

4. Get the Fittings Right

It doesn’t matter how strong the cable is—if the ends don’t match your hardware, it’s not going anywhere.

Some quick guidelines:

Not sure which one you need? Shoot us a drawing or photo—we'll recommend the best match.

5. Think About How You’ll Install It

Too many good cables go to waste because they’re a nightmare to install.

Do you need:

• Sharp bend routing?
• Adjustable length on-site?
• Corrosion-resistant materials?

These options aren’t just “nice to have”—they can save hours of labor and avoid future downtime.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• T-Flex → tight routing, great for dashboard panels
• Tension → clean finish, simple mounting
• Clutch → engine bay durability under heat
• Brake 3000lb → heavy-duty and vibration-resistant

Final Thoughts

Still not sure? You’re in good company.

Tell us what your system does, what space you’ve got, and what kind of motion you need—we’ll help you figure out the rest.

Submit your use case here →