MILITARY

Lexco®Cable is an industry-leading wire rope assembly
manufacturer providing innovative assemblies, products, and
solutions to government and commercial customers.

Lexco
SUPPORTS
THE FRONTLINE

Lexco
SUPPORTS
THE FRONTLINE

A FIVE STAR FABRICATOR

Lexco® Cable is an industry-leading wire rope assembly manufacturer providing innovative assemblies, products, and solutions to government and commercial customers. Founded in 1952 by Harold Karbin after his tour of duty in the Korean War, Lexco has since garnered a long and well-established reputation for providing quality products such as fore and aft adjust cable assemblies, hoist and stowage assemblies, winch cable assemblies, lanyard assemblies, drive cable assemblies, brake cable assemblies, as well as specializing in custom assembly solutions.

Now in its third generation as a family-run company, Lexco Cable can meet challenging, custom specifications. With an unrivaled depth of knowledge and breadth of experience, Lexco Cable is a premier manufacturer for coated aircraft cable, a wide variety of fabricated wire rope assemblies, push-pull controls, perimeter/barrier cables, cable lanyards, tie-down cables, wire rope slings, and countless custom projects.

Lexco Cable, the DBA (Doing Business As) name for K.N.M. Industries, can be found in the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) portal using the CAGE Code: 1VXG5.

already
know what
you need?

FIRST TIME?
GET A QUOTE
IN THREE STEPS!

Military Grade Certified

Lexco® Cable is certified to deliver the precision and reliability
needed for military applications. Take a look at why we’re a
trusted brand for military wire rope.

To view a complete list of the military specification Lexco® Cable is able to provide, please click here.

• MIL-DTL-83420 •MS20667
• MIL-DTL-87161 • MS51844
• MIL-DTL-18375 • AN100
• MIL-DTL-83140 • AN111
• MIL-C-5651 • NAS1435
• MS21259 • MS16843
• MS21260 • MS20664
• MS20668

Lexco® Cable works hard to ensure clear processes, communication structures, as well as task and responsibility management in every aspect of manufacturing and is proud to be ISO 9001 certified. We also can submit First Article Inspection (FAI) including an AS9102 report. With Lexco Cable, you can rest assured you’re in the safe hands of some of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts.

At Lexco® Cable, we’re intimately familiar with the particular needs and intricacies of large bureaucracies and government organizations. With past clients including the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Illinois Parks Department, and the U.S. Army’s Rock Island Arsenal, we can appreciate and accommodate the needs of any sized company or institution.

With our extensive expertise and strategic partnerships, Lexco® Cable is proud to provide a wide range of specialized services including

MIL-DTL-781 Wire rope swaging.

MIL-DTL-5688 Proof testing and pre-stretching.

MIL-I-631 Flame retardant and anti-fungal coating.

To view a complete listing of categories for the products and services Lexco Cable is proud to offer, including fittings, hardware and tools, push-pull controls, assemblies, and more, please click here.

Lexco® Cable’s custom wire rope assemblies are built to your unique specifications and delivered when you need them. Our custom assembly guides allow you to easily specify a wire rope assembly design while providing a convenient, accompanying visual display. We’re proud of the fact that special projects and custom requirements are our specialties.

Other Lexco Specs and Certifications

Access more information about US/CA Joint Certifications, our
ITAR registration, and conflict minerals policy below.

Guides And White Papers

Want to learn more about Lexco’s wire rope specifications, or see
them in action yourself? Get started with some of our guides:

MILITARY
LANYARDS GUIDE

Lexco® Cable has an extensive history fabricating military lanyards, typically from MIL-DTL-83420 aircraft cable. These featured examples are a snapshot of our work. Whether you have an existing drawing or are seeking guidance in your lanyard design, we will provide you with estimates and expertise at every stage of your project.

PUSH-PULL
CABLES GUIDE

To meet a wide variety of different needs, Lexco® specializes in non-standard push-pull controls with unique dimensions that are made possible by the dedicated engineers in Lexco’s CNC department. This guide looks at several of the unique push-pull cables that Lexco has manufactured for numerous industries, including military, aerospace, construction, transportation, recreation, sheet metal machining, and more.

WIRE ROPE
LANYARDS WHITE PAPER

This white paper highlights the importance of wire rope lanyards used by the United States armed forces and, subsequently, the necessity and criteria needed to find a suitable manufacturer and supplier of wire rope lanyards. Examples are provided that demonstrate previous, current, or emerging use cases for wire rope lanyards and which highlight their importance in providing safety, security, and simplicity for American soldiers.

Military Wire Rope & Cable Assemblies FAQs

What types of wire rope assemblies are used in military applications?2026-05-08T18:13:58+00:00

Military applications rely on highly durable wire rope assemblies such as MIL-DTL-83420 aircraft cable assemblies, winch cables, hoist and stowage systems, lanyards, push-pull controls, and tie-down cables. These assemblies are designed to perform reliably in demanding environments including combat zones, transportation systems, and heavy equipment operations.

Does Lexco Cable fabricate wire rope assemblies using MIL-DTL-83420 compliant aircraft cables?2026-05-08T18:08:16+00:00

Yes. Lexco Cable fabricates wire rope assemblies utilizing materials in accordance with military specifications, including MIL-DTL-83420, MIL-DTL-87161, MIL-DTL-18375, MIL-DTL-83140.. These specifications ensure the assemblies meet strict requirements for strength, durability, and performance in military environments.

What industries within the military sector use wire rope assemblies?2026-05-08T18:08:35+00:00

Wire rope assemblies are used across multiple military sectors, including ground vehicles, aerospace systems, naval equipment, logistics and transport operations, and infrastructure support. They are critical components in braking systems, control mechanisms, lifting systems, and securement applications.

Can Lexco Cable support custom military cable assembly requirements such as MIL-DTL-781, MIL-DTL-5688, MIL-STD-130?2026-05-08T18:08:44+00:00

Yes. Lexco Cable specializes in custom wire rope assemblies in accordance with military specifications. This includes swaging per MIL-DTL-781, Proof-loading per MIL-DTL-5688 and part marking MIL-STD-130. , Lexco Cable’s engineering expertise allows them to support complex and highly specialized applications.

What certifications are important for military wire rope manufacturers?2026-05-08T18:08:55+00:00

Key certifications include ISO 9001 for quality management, AS9102 for First Article Inspection reporting, and ITAR registration for handling defense-related products. Lexco Cable maintains these certifications to ensure compliance with military and government procurement standards.

What is First Article Inspection (FAI) and why is it important?2026-05-08T18:09:05+00:00

First Article Inspection (FAI) is a verification process that ensures a manufactured part meets all specified requirements before full production begins. In military applications, FAI, often documented through an AS9102 report, is critical for validating quality, compliance, and consistency.

What coatings are used on military wire rope assemblies?2026-05-08T18:09:17+00:00

MIL-DTL-83420 is lubricated. MIL-DTL-83420 Type II is lubricated and then nylon coated.

Does Lexco Cable work with government agencies and defense contractors?2026-05-08T18:09:30+00:00

Yes. Lexco Cable has experience working with government organizations and defense-related institutions, including U.S. Army’s Rock Island Arsenals and FFRDC (Federally Funded Research & Development Centers). Lexco Cable supplies Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 defense contractors. Lexco the procurement processes, compliance requirements, and documentation standards required for these partnerships.

What is a CAGE Code and why does it matter?2026-05-08T18:09:44+00:00

A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code is a unique identifier assigned to suppliers doing business with the federal government. Lexco Cable is registered under CAGE Code 1VXG5, allowing government agencies and contractors to easily identify and source their products.

How are wire rope assemblies used in military vehicles and equipment?2026-05-08T18:10:02+00:00

Wire rope assemblies are used in military vehicles and equipment for braking systems, control cables, lifting and hoisting operations, securing cargo, and operating mechanical systems. Their strength and flexibility make them essential components in both mobile and stationary equipment.

What is wire rope swaging and why is it important for military applications?2026-05-08T18:10:34+00:00

Wire rope swaging is a process used to attach fittings to a cable by compressing them under high pressure. This creates a secure, permanent connection that meets MIL-DTL-781 standards, ensuring strength and reliability in high-stress military applications.

How quickly can Lexco Cable deliver custom military assemblies?2026-05-08T18:10:45+00:00

Lexco Cable is equipped to deliver custom wire rope assemblies based on project requirements and specifications. Their streamlined processes and experience with government timelines help ensure reliable lead times for both standard and custom orders.

Go to Top