What is a satisfactory method for inspecting a stainless steel control cable for broken strands?

The most effective method for inspecting a stainless steel control cable for broken strands is running a piece of cloth over the cable. This technique allows an inspector to feel for any irregularities on the surface of the cable that may indicate the presence of broken strands or cuts. The cloth can catch on the broken strands, making them more detectable than visual inspection alone.

Visual inspection, while useful for checking overall condition and noticing obvious damage, may not reveal all broken strands, especially if they are small or not easily visible. Testing the cable tension can assess how the cable performs under load but does not directly reveal internal damage such as broken strands. Applying lubricant to the cable serves to reduce friction and wear but would not aid in detecting structural integrity issues.