17 replies to this topic

[Northernpower]

I use a universal accelerator cable and have to cut it to length. No matter what I try I can't cut the inner bowden cable clean and straight with NO little strands left over. I've tried wire cutters, side cutters, wrapping it in tape first, even a fine bladed hacksaw. Anyone got any tips?

[Midas Mk1]

I had this with mine when fitting the SC injection kit, ended up screwing up my MPi cable.

 

Next one I soldered up, cut the end off, then fitted the univeral nipple on the end. 

[Spider]

I usually do them on the corner of a bench grinding wheel, turning the cable so the stands tighten up, if you're lucky, they will 'fuse' together a bit from the heat.

 

The other way I've done it is to tin (as in solder) the cable where I want to cut it, then cut it through the tinning with side cutters. Sometimes it needs a little reshaping afterwards, but easy enough.

[Northernpower]

Well thats two votes for soldering, I've tried the grinding wheel but didn't have a lot of success.

[russo]

Yip, I’ve always used solder. (a) it makes it easy to cut and (b) stops it fraying.

[nicklouse]

I just use cable cutters.

 

as the cycle industry have done for many many years.

[Northernpower]

I just use cable cutters.

 

as the cycle industry have done for many many years.

So, are cable cutters different to side cutters? If so, do you have a link?

[Steve8274]

I think the key to it is ensuring the cutters are sharp. If not, they will just crush the cable before it cuts through and thats were it starts to fray

[minisi35]

I also second using cycle cable cutters

[nicklouse]

 

I just use cable cutters.

 

as the cycle industry have done for many many years.

So, are cable cutters different to side cutters? If so, do you have a link?

 

I have these (and others)

[Northernpower]

 

 

I just use cable cutters.

 

as the cycle industry have done for many many years.

So, are cable cutters different to side cutters? If so, do you have a link?

 

I have these (and others)

 

Tool envy 

[grizzler73]

I maintain all my bikes so Bike cable cutters are a must, they will do the job, then you can solder after. I prefer to dip the end in super glue, also put a little crimp on cover on the end if you want to be 100%.

G

[Ethel]

Tape and Dremel. Note the twist of the cable so you can have the wheel turning with it.

[Rorf]

Yip the mountain bike etc guys use small cable cutters.

[whistler]

I usually do them on the corner of a bench grinding wheel, turning the cable so the stands tighten up, if you're lucky, they will 'fuse' together a bit from the heat.
 
The other way I've done it is to tin (as in solder) the cable where I want to cut it, then cut it through the tinning with side cutters. Sometimes it needs a little reshaping afterwards, but easy enough.

I use bicycle gear cable for my inner and solder and cut as Moke says if tape and cut doesn't work.