How to cut wire rope ?

[boony]

Hi, I need to cut a few sections of wire rope which is 10mm in diametre.

I could rush out and spend money on a giant cable cutter but for a one off job was wondering if a hacksaw with a fine blade will do ? Or will this take to long ?

[FAST FRED]

A QUALITY fine hacksaw blade will do just great,

BUT!

You must wrap the wire with tape first and cut thru the tape to keep it neat.

A vice also helps the cut quality, necessary for Norseman or other similar terminal ends.

FF

[cameron.d.mm]

Having been it the situation of cutting metal lines with out a proper cutter before, I can say that a cut off disk and a Dremal-type tool will also work well.

Like Fred said, wrap the line with something first!

[LyndonJ]

Small angle grinder with a thin cutting disk is used for stainless. Provides a neat cut in cable.

[alan white]

Drill a hole in hardwood. Slot the wood to cross the hole. Slip wire through. Use an angle grinder with a thin (1/16") cutting wheel and cut the wire.

[gonzo]

On trawlers we used a chop saw with an abrasive blade.

[DianneB]

To do a nice job with a neat end, braze or silver solder a few inches where you want to cut, cut with a hacksaw, and the brazing will keep the end neat and "hand-friendly"

[BayouDude]

I have always used one of these to cut wire rope. Just hit it with a sledge hammer and it cuts clean.

[boony]

Cheers for all the replies. I should have mentioned that I won't have access to electricity. I also don't need a good finish.

Seems the hacksaw is the way to go.

[Easy Rider]

No ... the best way to cut multistrand wire rope is w a special shear that cuts at an angle while pulling the wire inwards tward your hand that grips the tool. One of the best tools I've ever bought. I don't know what they are called but I used mine first to cut flying wires for ultralight aircraft I may have gotten mine at an aircraft supply store. It's great to have one for electrical wires .. the largest wires go easily into crimp connectors. For me it's a must have tool.

Easy Rider

[portacruise]

I've used a hammer & chisel with a hardened edge on wrapped section of cable. But I don't do this often enough to invest in a special tool.

Porta

[Lurvio]

I have used a oxy-acetylene welding torch for bicycle brake wires. I had two metal blocks with a small hole drilled in the seam for the wire. Makes an easy cut and the end will never unravel.

Lurvio

[gonzo]

You can get the type of wire cutter that looks like a bolt cutter with a notch. It takes a bit of effort, but they even work underwater.

[Grant Nelson]

Originally Posted by DianneB

To do a nice job with a neat end, braze or silver solder a few inches where you want to cut, cut with a hacksaw, and the brazing will keep the end neat and "hand-friendly"

Will not this weaken the wire, heating it, or does it not get hot enought when only soldered/brazed?

[gonzo]

You wouldn't be able to splice it if it was soldered.