Abstract: A sub-system for controlling the flow of cable pulled from a cable pack by an automatic cable processing machine. The sub-system may include a barrel cap for containing and controlling the outward momentum of the cable over a cable pack such as a barrel and guiding the cable through a passage in the top of the cap. The passage is positioned in line with a center line of the barrel. A variable rate braking system may be positioned over the barrel and adjacent an outer wall of the barrel to control the circular movement of the cable as the cable is unwound from the barrel. A spacer may be positioned to prevent the cable from being pulled towards the center of the barrel or toward the barrel core and so that the cable engages the variable rate braking system. The system prevents cable from overlapping, entangling, knotting and snapping during the automatic processing of the cable for use in wire harnesses.