How to Bob the end off of a Cable w/o Spurring It

MrLarkins · #1 (**permalink**) 06-25-2008, 11:00 PM

Ok, I got my bike back together with the new rear freewheel hub, new bearing and new grease. I ran it tonight cause I had the itch (even though it has been riding rough as crap). and low and behold, it was smooth as butter!

so I put my warranty plans on hold to see if it holds up...all my problems may have been coming from that rear freewheel hub.

so here's my next question: How do I cut off and shorten the length of my clutch cable so that it doesn't spur? I just replaced the old crappy one with a nice shiny new one, but it is about a foot too long...it needs to be bobbed off a bit. suggestions?

**Ilikeabikea** · #2 (**permalink**) 06-25-2008, 11:02 PM

Where you are going to cut the cable wrap with several layers of tape. Then take a dremmel tool cutting wheel and cut through the tape and cable. I usually just use masking tape.........................

Skyliner70cc · #3 (**permalink**) 06-25-2008, 11:02 PM

I flux the cable at the location where I want to cut it. I then heat the cable and apply some solder to the location. I cut when cool and no problems.

MrLarkins · #4 (**permalink**) 06-25-2008, 11:07 PM

i don't have a dremmel tool but i might know someone who does.

and what is flux?

Pablo · #5 (**permalink**) 06-26-2008, 12:14 AM

Your engine running rough with the clutch in had nothing to do with the freewheel. I don't believe it. Something else got fixed.....just watch what you change now.....but I am glad it's fixed!!!

Anyway my clutch cable is plain nasty and too late. I just cut the rear dérailleur cable and did the solder thing as well. Worked great - I used plumbing solder and plumbing flux paste with MAPP gas. Flux cleans and activates the metal and essentially draws the solder to it. You can get this stuff at Home Despot/Lowest/etc - but I already had it for sweating copper pipes. No sense buying it for one cable.

You can buy the crimp caps as well at any bike shops (wish I had some in stock!!)

MrLarkins · #6 (**permalink**) 06-26-2008, 08:03 AM

ok, i can solder it i think.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #7 (**permalink**) 06-26-2008, 08:06 AM

Just make sure you remove the cable from the housing before cutting either.

In a pinch, you can cut the cable or the outer with a bench grinder. Remove the cable and hold it at a 45 degree angle and rotate it then do the same with the outer....smooooth.

You can also cut the cable with a cold chisel.

MrLarkins · #8 (**permalink**) 06-26-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikeguy Joe

Just make sure you remove the cable from the housing before cutting either.

In a pinch, you can cut the cable or the outer with a bench grinder. Remove the cable and hold it at a 45 degree angle and rotate it then do the same with the outer....smooooth.

You can also cut the cable with a cold chisel.

the cable is not shielded where the cut will be...so why not use wire cutters?

Pablo · #9 (**permalink**) 06-26-2008, 12:50 PM

If you have good stong, sharp cutters that will work on steel, no problem. Most lineman piers and other cutters for copper/electrical wire will not work. I have some end cutters that work great - but I just found this out by trial and error.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #10 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008, 09:05 AM

Yeah, it mashes the end of the cable and makes a mess of it. There are also expensive cable cutters that look like pliers.