What nondestructive checking method is normally used to ensure that the correct amount of swaging has taken place when installing swaged-type terminals on aircraft control cable?

Using a terminal gauge to check the diameter of the swaged portion of the terminal is the correct method for verifying that the correct amount of swaging has taken place. This procedure is essential because it provides a precise measurement of the swaged area, ensuring that it meets the specifications required for the connection. A terminal gauge is designed specifically for this purpose and allows technicians to assess whether the terminal has been swaged adequately to maintain the necessary strength and safety standards in aircraft control systems.

Visual inspections, while useful for general assessments, do not provide the exact measurements needed to confirm that swaging has been performed correctly. Measuring tensile strength is not a nondestructive method; it involves applying force to the cable, which could potentially damage it. Checking for visible wear or damage focuses on the condition of the terminal but does not confirm if the terminal was swaged correctly. Thus, using a terminal gauge is the definitive approach to ascertain the adequacy of the swaging process.