Swag. A properly swagged cable, using proper sleeves and stops is superior to hammering. Hammering, (pounding), damages the integrity of the cable, as cable gets its strength from the many small strands of steel making up the cable itself. Different cable types are made using different configurations of the small steel strands such as 7X7 being seven small strands making 1 strand, then seven of those strands of seven making up the 7X7 cable. 1X19 of the same diameter uses 19 strands total, which are thicker than the small strands that make up a single strand, one of seven of those that make the 7 of 7.
When a sleeve or stop is mashed onto the cable, it disrupts the strand configuration, weakening the tensile strength of the cable. When crimping, or swagging, the cable is very slightly compressed, and the result is almost no loss of strength.
Another thing to consider is the sleeve and stop material: Copper is harder than aluminum and has a better tensile strength retention when properly swagged and also is much more resistant to micro-cracks than aluminum. It is also much better under temperature extremes.
While most trappers use aluminum because it "flattens" easier and is readily available, and with proper swagging will be far and away strong enough for our purpose, cable selection and terminal end considerations are the critical components.
How do I know so much about these things? Because part of my job as a facilities integrity contractor for a regional air carrier in Southeast Alaska for ten years included constantly replacing very large bi-fold hanger door cables.
I also became a lift strap expert when two new hangers were built and the enormous bi-fold doors used 10 and 14 lift straps, with each strap rated for 24,000 pounds.
Yes, those steel doors here HEAVY!
