Pacific Scientific T5-2001-102-00 Cable Tensiometer

The Pacific Scientific T5-2001-102-00 is a dual-range aircraft cable tensiometer engineered for the mid-to-upper tension demands of primary and secondary flight control cable systems. With a low range of 30–160 lbs and a high range of 30–200 lbs, and compatibility with all five standard aircraft cable diameters — 1/16", 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", and 3/16" — it spans the tension range most commonly encountered during rigging and maintenance of general aviation, turboprop, and military aircraft. Listed under NSN 6635-00-508-2700 with a U.S.A.F. C5 designation, the T5-2001-102-00 has earned its place in both commercial MRO facilities and defense maintenance programs worldwide.

The Right Tool for Mid-Range Primary Control Cables

Many aircraft cable rigging tasks fall above what a light-duty tensiometer can accurately read — but don't yet require a heavy-range instrument. The T5-2001-102-00 is purpose-matched for that zone. Its dual operating range means a single instrument serves both the lower-tension secondary control runs and the higher-tension primary control cables on the same airframe, reducing the number of tools a technician needs to carry. Each unit ships factory-calibrated with its own individual calibration chart (T594-104A), allowing direct conversion of dial readings to actual cable tension in pounds for each supported cable size. The Pacific Scientific T5 series is engineered with zero temperature error — accuracy does not degrade in extreme heat or cold, no preliminary adjustments are needed, and the instrument can be used continuously across a full maintenance shift without resetting or rechecking.

Built for Where Aircraft Maintenance Actually Happens

• Full five-size cable compatibility — a single instrument covers 1/16", 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", and 3/16" aircraft control cables
• Dual operating range — 30–160 lbs for secondary systems; 30–200 lbs for primary control cables
• Pointer lock brake lever — lock the dial reading before removing the tensiometer in low-visibility or confined work areas
• One-handed operation — complete a cable tension check in seconds, no assistance required
• Zero temperature error — calibration-stable from extreme cold to high heat without any adjustment
• NSN qualified — stocked and procurable under NSN 6635-00-508-2700 for government and military buyers
• Compact form factor — fits through tight access panels and confined airframe areas

Technical Specifications

• Tension Range (Low): 30 – 160 lbs
• Tension Range (High): 30 – 200 lbs
• Compatible Cable Sizes: 1/16", 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16"
• Indicator: Black dial indicating
• Calibration Card: T594-104A (individual unit chart included)
• Temperature Stability: Zero temperature error; operates from -53°C to 71°C
• Pointer Lock: Yes — brake lever rod
• NSN: 6635-00-508-2700
• USAF Designation: C5
• Origin: Made in the USA
• Warranty: 1 year on new units

Typical Applications

• Primary flight control cable rigging — ailerons, elevators, rudders
• Turboprop and multi-engine piston aircraft cable tension verification
• Secondary and trim control cable inspection
• U.S. military aircraft maintenance (U.S.A.F. C5 qualified)
• NSN-based procurement for government aviation maintenance programs
• MRO facility line maintenance and scheduled cable tension inspections

Pacific Scientific T5-2001-102-00 Calibration

The T5-2001-102-00 should be recalibrated on a scheduled basis — annually at minimum, and immediately following any overload event, mechanical shock, or drop. Pilot John International operates an ISO 17025-accredited calibration laboratory capable of calibrating Pacific Scientific T5 series tensiometers to original manufacturer specifications, issuing a fully traceable calibration certificate upon completion. For maintenance facilities operating under FAA-accepted quality management systems, DOD contracts, or ISO 9001 programs, PJi's calibration services provide the documentation trail your compliance requirements demand. Whether you need a single out-of-cycle recalibration or want to set up a recurring calibration interval program for your shop's tensiometer fleet, our team handles it with the rigor and traceability your program expects. Learn more about PJi's ISO 17025 Calibration Services →