[marimba_artist]

What is the best way to cut cable housing? I've used the Park Tool Co. cable/housing cutters and am not happy with how they crimp the housing. I've heard of some people who use Dremel-type tools. What are my other options? Preferably something inexpensive. Thanks.

 

[TimA]

A dremel works great or try putting an old piece of cable in the housing before cutting.

 

[Spoke Wrench]

I cut the housing with a Shimano cable cutter, use the indentation in the cutter to squeese it back round and dress up the end with a bench grinder. I do it this way rather than use a Dremel bacause I think that it's faster.

 

[MShaw]

I cut the housing with a Shimano cable cutter, use the indentation in the cutter to squeese it back round and dress up the end with a bench grinder. I do it this way rather than use a Dremel bacause I think that it's faster.

I've gotten to where I do the same thing.

Cut with the Shimano tool, then grind the end flat.

Then again, when I didn't own a bench grinder, I never noticed any problems braking either. So, my point is you don't NEED to grind the end, but I think it can't hurt.

Mike

 

[Cory]

The "only got my Dad's tools" approach

I use a Dremel with cutoff wheel, then use the flat side of the wheel to dress the ends flat. Takes a little while to get the thing out of the drawer, but once it's set up, the job takes a few seconds.
When I was working in my dad's garage, I used to use a hacksaw with a fine-tooth blade and light pressure, just the weight of the saw. It does a pretty good job, and you can dress any rough edges with a file, sharpening stone or piece of sandpaper.

 

[torquecal]

Second the Dremel

Easiest way I've found to cut cable cleanly.

A dremel works great or try putting an old piece of cable in the housing before cutting.

 

[xrmattaz]

Dremel with the cut-off wheel! Works like a charm...everytime!

 

[russw19]

Park's cutters are cable cutters

Shimano's cutters are housing cutters. If you are doing this enough, you really should have both. A dremel works if you have one, but so does having the proper cutting tools.

I use Park for cables, Shimano for housing.

Russ

 

[DropTheHammer]

I use a Shitmano cutter and then push a center punch through the end of the housing to clear the way.

 

[Spinfinity]

Felco cable cutter.

Sometimes need an awl to reopen the hole, but not usually.

 

[jschrotz]

Re: cutting housing

Without having a Dremel available, I simply put a length of old cable in the housing. Make sure not to f*#* around when you go to cut it. Squeeze down hard and fast to make your cut is as straight and clean as possible.