need4speed Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 I'm thinking the best way to cut large cables is to get a cheap set of bolt croppers from the bay. Any other suggestions/advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoSS Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 hacksaw, wire cutters, angle grinder.... its not difficult and doesnt need a special tool. Bolt croppers work less well than the above, they just squash it I have a pair of wavy blade shears, not expensive and make a clean cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UdderlyOffroad Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 Proper cable cutters will go through your new expensive battery cable like butter... I bought a pair of Irwins from Screwfix which have been fine: But searching Eblag, seems you can get an elcheapo for £4.00 delivered. For the amount of use they'll get, gotta be worth it and better than hacking around... Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave W Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 A ratchet cable cutter is the best tool for the job, neat cut and you can cut through thick cables with one hand. Also really useful for cutting up fuel pipe and radiator hoses. Second choice is a hacksaw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need4speed Posted June 6, 2015 Author Share Posted June 6, 2015 Thanks guys. Il try a cheap set of cable cutters. As mentioned I won't be using them on a regular basis. If it's not neat then I've only lost £4. If they aren't great I will just use a fine blade in the hack saw.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmgemini Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 I've always use a junior hacksaw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackmac Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Angle grinder, leaves a clean cut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anderzander Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 I bought these : http://www.polevolt.co.uk/acatalog/info_TT50.html And they are brilliant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonr Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Up to about 30 sqmm, I use cable shears (Knipex) which are amazing - though look as it they might really have been designed for cutting off fingers! Maybe that's just me! They are also good for cutting pneumatic hose cleanly. Anything bigger I use a 1mm cutting disc in a grinder which makes light work of anything. Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zim Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Garden secateurs ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
studmuffin Posted June 7, 2015 Share Posted June 7, 2015 Totally agree. I always use Knipex cable shears and their snips which are totally stonking. 1mm grinding discs will rip through anything, but important to wear full eye mask protection. Barry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted June 8, 2015 Share Posted June 8, 2015 Angle grinder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GW8IZR Posted June 8, 2015 Share Posted June 8, 2015 If you plan cutting cables every day - week in week out, then buy something. If its a one (or two) off for a vehicle rewire - save your money and improvise with something you already have. Even if the end is a tiny bit ragged it will be inside the crimp and only you will every know how you cut it, the electrons, after all its them that matter, they wont be able to tell the difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superpants Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 I have a pair of the knipex shears which work brilliantly for this- we have some of the ones like the polevolt one at work and they too are good. Beware of using it on any hard materials though- trying to cut armoured cable with them is not a good idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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