Hawser vs. Cable — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
A hawser is a thick rope or cable used for mooring or towing ships, while a cable is a strong rope, especially one made of metal wire and used for construction or electrical transmission.
Difference Between Hawser and Cable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A hawser, typically made of fiber or wire, is used primarily in maritime contexts for securing ships to docks or for towing. On the other hand, a cable can be made of various materials including metal, fiber, or plastic and serves multiple purposes beyond maritime, such as in mechanical systems and electrical installations.
In terms of construction, hawsers are often larger and designed for high strength and durability under tension from ships. Conversely, cables may vary widely in size and strength, tailored to specific needs like supporting bridges, transmitting power, or bearing mechanical loads.
The design of a hawser focuses on flexibility and abrasion resistance, important for withstanding natural elements like sea water and weather. Cables, however, are engineered for specific properties like conductivity for electrical cables, or high tensile strength for structural cables.
Usage scenarios for hawsers are mostly limited to marine and shipping industries where they are essential for mooring and towing operations. Cables, in contrast, have a broad range of applications, including telecommunications, power transmission, and construction.
Maintenance and handling of hawsers require regular inspection for wear and damage due to their critical role in maritime safety. Cables also need maintenance but the type and frequency depend significantly on their application, such as regular checks for electrical cables for safety and functionality.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Typically fiber or wire
Metal, fiber, plastic
Use
Mooring, towing ships
Construction, power, telecommunications
Design Focus
Flexibility, abrasion resistance
Conductivity, tensile strength, or flexibility
Application Scope
Primarily maritime
Varied, across many industries
Maintenance Needs
Regular inspection for wear
Depends on application, often safety-related checks
Compare with Definitions
Hawser
A robust tether used in marine settings for towing or mooring large boats.
The hawser snapped during the tow, causing a moment of panic among the crew.
Cable
A rope made of metal wires twisted together, used in constructions like elevators and cranes.
The crane’s cable was tested to ensure it could lift the heavy load safely.
Hawser
A heavy rope or cable used especially in mooring or towing ships.
The hawser was secured tightly to the dock as the storm approached.
Cable
A thick, strong rope or wire used for various mechanical and structural purposes.
The suspension bridge was supported by multiple steel cables.
Hawser
A durable cable made of fiber or wire, designed to withstand maritime environmental conditions.
The crew checked the hawser for any signs of damage after the rough sea crossing.
Cable
An insulated wire or wires having a protective casing, used for transmitting electricity or telecommunications signals.
The workers laid new optical fiber cables along the highway.
Hawser
A specialized rope used primarily in shipping and boating to secure ships to piers or other vessels.
The captain instructed the deckhand to coil the hawser neatly on deck.
Cable
A flexible conductor for transmitting electrical power or signals, covered in a protective sheath.
The electrician routed the new cables through the building’s walls.
Hawser
A thick, strong rope, typically used in nautical applications for securing vessels.
They replaced the old hawser with a new one to ensure the tugboat could perform safely.
Cable
A multi-purpose rope, capable of being used in a variety of industrial, structural, or electronic contexts.
The company specializes in the manufacturing of rugged cables for extreme environments.
Hawser
Hawser is a nautical term for a thick cable or rope used in mooring or towing a ship. A hawser passes through a hawsehole, also known as a cat hole, located on the hawse.
Cable
A strong, large-diameter, heavy steel or fiber rope.
Hawser
A cable or rope used in mooring or towing a ship.
Cable
Something that resembles such steel or fiber rope.
Hawser
(nautical) A cable or heavy rope used to tow or moor a ship.
Cable
(Electricity) A bound or sheathed group of mutually insulated conductors.
Hawser
A large rope made of three strands each containing many yarns.
Cable
A sheathed bundle of optical fibers.
Hawser
Large heavy rope for nautical use
Cable
A heavy rope or chain for mooring or anchoring a ship.
Cable
A cable length.
Cable
Cable television.
Cable
A similar service providing internet access.
Cable
A cablegram.
Cable
Of or relating to a subscription television or internet service that uses cables to carry signals between local distribution antennas and the subscriber's location.
Cable
To send a cablegram to.
Cable
To transmit (a message) by telegraph.
Cable
To supply or fasten with a cable or cables.
Cable
To send a cablegram.
Cable
(material) A long object used to make a physical connection.
Cable
A strong, large-diameter wire or rope, or something resembling such a rope.
Cable
An assembly of two or more cable-laid ropes.
Cable
An assembly of two or more wires, used for electrical power or data circuits; one or more and/or the whole may be insulated.
Cable
(nautical) A strong rope or chain used to moor or anchor a ship.
Cable
(communications) A system for transmitting television or Internet services over a network of coaxial or fibreoptic cables.
I tried to watch the movie last night but my cable was out.
Cable
(TV) cable television, broadcast over the above network, not by antenna.
Cable
A telegram, notably when sent by (submarine) telegraph cable.
Cable
(nautical) A unit of length equal to one tenth of a nautical mile.
Cable
100 fathoms, 600 imperial feet, approximately 185 m.
Cable
(finance) The currency pair British Pound against United States Dollar.
Cable
(architecture) A moulding, shaft of a column, or any other member of convex, rounded section, made to resemble the spiral twist of a rope.
Cable
(knitting) A textural pattern achieved by passing groups of stitches over one another.
Cable
(transitive) To provide with cable(s)
Cable
(transitive) To fasten (as if) with cable(s)
Cable
(transitive) To wrap wires to form a cable
Cable
(transitive) To send a telegram, news, etc., by cable
Cable
(intransitive) To communicate by cable
Cable
To ornament with cabling.
Cable
(knitting) To create cable stitches.
Cable
A large, strong rope or chain, of considerable length, used to retain a vessel at anchor, and for other purposes. It is made of hemp, of steel wire, or of iron links.
Cable
A rope of steel wire, or copper wire, usually covered with some protecting or insulating substance; as, the cable of a suspension bridge; a telegraphic cable.
Cable
A molding, shaft of a column, or any other member of convex, rounded section, made to resemble the spiral twist of a rope; - called also cable molding.
Cable
To fasten with a cable.
Cable
To ornament with cabling. See Cabling.
Cable
To telegraph by a submarine cable
Cable
A telegram sent abroad
Cable
A conductor for transmitting electrical or optical signals or electric power
Cable
A very strong thick rope made of twisted hemp or steel wire
Cable
A nautical unit of depth
Cable
Television that is transmitted over cable directly to the receiver
Cable
A television system transmitted over cables
Cable
Send cables, wires, or telegrams
Cable
Fasten with a cable;
Cable trees
Common Curiosities
How are cables classified?
Cables can be classified based on their material, use, and design such as electrical cables, structural cables, and fiber optic cables.
What materials are used to make hawsers?
Hawsers are typically made from heavy fibers or wires.
What is the primary difference between a hawser and a cable?
The primary difference is in their usage; hawsers are specialized for marine applications, while cables serve multiple functions across various industries.
Can cables be used for the same purposes as hawsers?
While some cables can be used in maritime contexts like hawsers, cables have a broader range of applications including electrical and structural uses.
What is a hawser used for?
A hawser is primarily used for mooring or towing ships.
How do environmental conditions affect hawsers?
Hawsers are exposed to harsh marine environments, requiring them to be resistant to water, salt, and weather conditions.
Are there specific types of cables for telecommunications?
Yes, telecommunications use specific types of cables like coaxial cables and fiber optic cables, designed for optimal signal transmission.
Why is flexibility important for a hawser?
Flexibility is important for hawsers to effectively absorb the stresses of towing and mooring without breaking.
Are hawsers affected by UV radiation?
Yes, UV radiation can degrade the materials used in hawsers, especially synthetic ones, necessitating protective coatings or additives.
What safety measures are important for hawsers?
Regular inspections for wear and damage are crucial for maintaining safety in hawsers due to their critical role in maritime operations.
What role do cables play in construction?
In construction, cables are used for purposes like supporting structures, lifting materials, and securing components.
What are the maintenance requirements for electrical cables?
Electrical cables require checks for insulation integrity and overall functionality to prevent hazards like fires or outages.
How are cables tested for tensile strength?
Cables are tested using tensile tests that apply mechanical force to measure the cable's strength and elongation until it breaks.
What innovations are present in cable technology?
Innovations in cable technology include development of superconducting cables, enhanced fiber optics, and durable coatings for extreme environments.
Can hawsers be made from plastic?
While less common, some modern hawsers may use high-strength synthetic materials, including certain plastics, for enhanced performance.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
