How to cut Bowden cables

sanins192
sanins192 Posts: 38
edited November 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
What can I use to cut bowden cables? I do not have any specific tool to cut through them, and when I use these primitve wire strippers the cable simply frays and doesn't give a good cut.

I do not want to invest in a proper cutter, so do you think Halfords will cut my cables for free if I mark them and take them in? Would tin snips work?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    buy the correct cutters or have fun.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Vivid
    Vivid Posts: 267
    Get your LBS to cut it for you.
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    Slide a cut-off end cap over the cable and crimp it very lightly to stop the strands fraying, then use a really big pair of pliers to slice through the cable *

    * so I'm told
  • sanins192
    sanins192 Posts: 38
    Problem is my piers aren't strong enough to cut through anyway. I'm sure I'll find a way.
  • Vegeeta
    Vegeeta Posts: 6,411
    Back in the day before I had cutters.... It's hard to imagine nowdays... I used to use a junior hacksaw for brake outer and I just manned up and cut the inners with pliers or if there wasn't much left just coil it up.
    Rule 64:

    Cornering confidence generally increases with time and experience. This pattern continues until it falls sharply and suddenly.

    http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    sanins192 wrote:
    I do not want to invest in a proper cutter, so do you think Halfords will cut my cables for free if I mark them and take them in? Would tin snips work?

    Halfords Bike-Hut cable cutters - £12.99 when I bought 'em. They'll even cut through hydraulic hose.

    It's either that or a set of Snap-On side cuts for about £75.

    Get your money out and go to Halfords!!!
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  • Dr S
    Dr S Posts: 146
    Blow lamp, solder, snip.

    Bob uncle derivative.
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  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Dr S wrote:
    Blow lamp, solder, snip.

    Bob uncle derivative.

    great for the inner part but the outer half? :wink:
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • milkywhite
    milkywhite Posts: 534
    A decent basic tool kit that includes cable cutters can be had for less than 30 quid :roll:
    2006 Trek Fuel 80
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    Yup, I think Wiggle has the small lifeline kit on for £29 or thereabouts- comes with decent cutters, as well as all manner of other handy stuff.
    Uncompromising extremist
  • stubs
    stubs Posts: 5,001
    I have a pair of CK cable cutters that cost me a tenner about 5 years ago and they have been used a lot and have probably paid back the cost about 5 times over and they should last me for ever if I look after them.

    Good quality tools are a pleasure to use and polish :D
    Fig rolls: proof that god loves cyclists and that she wants us to do another lap
  • sanins192
    sanins192 Posts: 38
    I borrowed my friends cutters in the end. Worked like a charm. Problem is that one of the cables frayed, which means it is too short and I need to buy a new bowden cable for the rear, than use the rear one on the front.

    Any idea where I can buy just the inner cable? My LBS is quite a drive away, so Halfords is easier. Would they sell any spare cable they had lying around?
  • gcwebbyuk
    gcwebbyuk Posts: 1,926
    Northwind - is the lifeline kit good qualitty then? Have you used it - may get it.
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  • Vegeeta
    Vegeeta Posts: 6,411
    Halfords will have the inners seperately... Clarks ones. But TBH I'd rather drive 100 miles to an LBS even go online than go to Hellfrauds.
    Rule 64:

    Cornering confidence generally increases with time and experience. This pattern continues until it falls sharply and suddenly.

    http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/
  • marky2484
    marky2484 Posts: 160
    Local cheap tool /pound shop ( everywhere has one, surely) -got a wicked set of cutters, just like the more expensive Park/Shimano/Bikehut ones -grand total £2. Cut inners, outers, whatever -so impressed I went straight back and got another set. :lol:
    If I had a baby elephant, I\'d be asking my girlfriend some SERIOUS questions.....
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    gcwebbyuk wrote:
    Northwind - is the lifeline kit good qualitty then? Have you used it - may get it.

    Yup- it's not pro quality but it's good enough for pretty much any DIYer. The big kit is for people who lack any tools, the little kit is for people with a good range of general tools but no bike tools. (The general tools in the big kit are of lower quality than the bike specific stuff, the t-handles and screwdrivers are adequate but they're not too nice) The only real glaring omission I've seen so far is that it doesn't have an old-style shimano bottom bracket tool. VERY good buy, IMO.
    Uncompromising extremist

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