Definition
A cable end fitting attached to a control cable by squeezing (swaging) the metal sleeve of the fitting tightly around the cable using a special tool or machine. The cold-flowing of the metal grips the cable strands so firmly that the joint develops the full rated strength of the cable.
Plain English
A metal end-piece that has been crimped onto an aircraft cable using high pressure, so the fitting and the cable become one strong unit that won't pull apart.
Context Anchor
Seen during aircraft control-cable installation, inspection, and maintenance, especially where a cable end connects to a control part or bracket.
Derivation
From an old Scandinavian word meaning to beat or shape metal by pressure. The fitting is shaped onto the cable by squeezing, not by heat or welding.
Why Pilots Care
Provides the high-strength, reliable connections required for flight controls to function without failure.
Analogy
It is like a metal tip pressed firmly onto the end of a cord, except it is made and inspected to carry aircraft loads safely.
Intuition Check
A swaged terminal is not tied, glued, soldered, or welded on. Its strength comes from the metal fitting being compressed to the correct shape and size around the cable.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic inspected each swaged terminal on the elevator cables for cracks before signing off the annual.
Example Sentence 2
During the inspection the pilot verified that all swaged terminals on the rudder cables showed no signs of corrosion or slippage.