How to cut wire rope ?

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 ?

 

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

 

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!

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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"

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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