ZIP WIRE CABLE

Zip Wire Cable

One of the most important parts of any zip wire is the wire itself.

There are many wires out in the marketplace that have been suggested for use with zip wires. After many years of field testing, and the selling of hundreds of zip wire kits, we have two recommendations as to which wire to use.

To be able to get the best out of your zip wire, it is strongly recommended that you use a Galvanised. The wire we sell comes in 10mm and 12mm diameter and is available in two different specifications. The choice is either a 7x19 construction, which offers a moderate speed to the rider or, a 19x7 construction which offers not only a smoother ride, but also a faster ride.

What's the difference between the two constructions?

7x19 construction:

The 7x19 unlubricated wire is constructed by spinning 7 strands of wire - each strand itself being made from 19 strands - together to form the actual cable and this is what gives the cable its flexibility, durability and great strength.

Because the overall finished wire is constructed from 7 strands, (and not so rounded) this leaves the finish round edge a bit knobbly. This makes for a moderate speed ride, which can sometimes be a bit jumpy.

19x7 construction:

The 19x7 lubricated wire is constructed by spinning 19 strands of wire - each strand itself being made from 7 strands - together to form the actual cable and this is what gives the cable its smoothness, flexibility, durability and great strength.

As the overall finished wire is made from 19 strands, the overall finished edge of the wire is much smoother than the 7x19. This means that the rider will always get a much smoother ride. And because the wire itself is lubricated; the rider can also expect a faster ride.


The range of wires offered allows for zip wires to be installed in both domestic and commercial situations and allows you to build you own style of zip wire.

If you are considering putting up a zip wire new the coast, please bear in mind that you will be better off using Stainless Steel wire for your run as this much more suited for use near the sea and salty water, as it has a higher resistance to corrosion than galvanised cable.

How to measure length of cable:

When buying a zip wire one of the most important jobs to do is to measure correctly the amount of cable that will be needed. It is very easy to underestimate or pace out incorrectly the length required, so please make sure that you make an accurate measurement as ultimately it will be you that will have to pay for the mistake later (literally)

When measuring for the length of wire that you require, please follow these simple instructions to help you:

For use between two trees:

1) Start by measuring the distance from the tree at the receiving end to the tree at the sending end
2) Now measure the circumference of the tree at the sending end
3) Add together both these measurements and then add on at least another 5m (36m + 5m = 41m) or (62m + 5m = 67m)
4) Round up to the nearest 5m to find the amount you need to order (41m rounded up to 45m) or (67m rounded up to 70m). This is the amount of wire that you will need to order.
5) You can always cut this wire using good bolt cutters or an angle grinder (put electrical tape around wire before cutting)

For use between a tree and a support frame:
1) Start by measuring the distance from the support crossbar at the receiving end to the sending end tree
2) Now measure the circumference of the sending end tree to be used
3) Add together both these measurements and then add on 2m (39m + 2m = 41m)
4) Round up to the nearest 5m to find the amount you need to order (41m rounded up to 45m) - giving amount of wire to order
5) You can always cut this wire using an angle grinder (put electrical tape around wire before cutting)

For use between two supports frames:
1) Start by measuring the distance from the support crossbar at the starting end to the support crossbar at the receiving end
2) Now add on 3m (39m + 3m = 42m)
3) Round up to the nearest 5m to find the amount you need to order (42m rounded up to 45m) - giving amount of wire to order
4) You can always cut this wire using an angle grinder (put electrical tape around wire before cutting)

When unwinding this wire, please make sure that you DO NOT kink the wire in any way at all. Depending on the length of wire ordered, this wire can be very heavy and will require two or three people to assemble in place. If you do need to cut the wire, this is easily done by taking care and using an angle grinder.


It is always best to over order on wire (allowing for slackness in the wire) than under order.