Is there any way to cut cable housings besides using a $30 cable housing cutter?

Question

I tried wire cutters, metal snips, and a hacksaw to no avail. I ordered the cable cutter from REI for $23 and change after current discounts but it won't come until next week and I prematurely pulled out the old cables so I'm stuck in third gear for a week. I figure it's a glorified bolt cutter, right?

Answer 1

A good pair of side cutters should do it but you can't beat the tool that is designed for the job.



http://bicycletutor.com/basic-tools/

Answer 2

Technically, they are glorified bolt cutters....sort of. The cable cutters are designed to slice through the tough cable housing without crushing it. Once it has been crushed, it will be difficult to get a cable through, will cause excess drag on the cable, and will have a weak spot.



Something that you can try is a wire cutter designed for cutting heavy gauge electrical wiring. These have a slightly different blade shape than regular wire cutters.



See the link under sources for an example

Answer 3

I have used side cutters (wire cutters) and tin snips. My favorite tool to use is a Dremel Moto Tool with a cut off wheel. ZZZZZIPP right through the housing. Square cuts, no hanging sharp edge, and no crush to the housing wall. Helps to already have a Dremel handy as they cost more than the cable housing cutting tool.

Answer 4

A non-wimpy pair of wire cutters and a file. Measure twice, cut quickly & forcefully. Use a tap or some other narrow instrument to bend any sharp coil ends out of the housing hollow, then file them down. You're supposed to use metal cable housing ends to clean it up and keep the housing from fraying. As long as no sharp bits are poking inwards into the housing opening, you're all good.

Answer 5

I roll out my homemade buisquit dough and use the pizza cutter it to cut it into squares for square bisquits. Probably could do square cookies, etc.