Cutting wire rope

Graham_Wright

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Multi-strand (i.e. 7 X 19) SS rope, especially small diameters, defies all my efforts to produce clean ends ready for terminals.

I've tried insulation tape, heat shrink and self-amalgamting tape each side of the cut, with wire rope cutter (not bolt cutter), snips for trimming frayed ends, side cutters and a fine pitch saw but I always end up with intractible strands that need a lot of persuading to lie in the cone.

All this is on the hard. I dread to think how I would manage in a seaway.

Anybody have any magic solutions to offer please?
 

Norman_E

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If using angle grinder it is possible to get very thin disks. These have to grind away less metal, hence generate less heat. I bought some from Screwfix to cut up old steel waterpipes, and I notice they now list special disks for stainless steel in packs of 10. These are only 1mm thick, Makita brand. Screwfix reference is D63124-78. They are probably also available from large tool dealers
 

Strathglass

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I find Felco cutters are fine whenever I have used them for up to 4mm 1/19 ss wire.

Although the small pair I have are no match for my present 8mm wire.
I have cut it ok using the thin disks (I did get them from Screwfix) as has been said above.

Iain
 
G

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The old fashioned way is best ...... bind in two places with about 1cm between .... take a sharp cold chisel and heavy mallet .... use a cast iron block or similar ....

One almighty hard strike and its clean .....
 

ShipsWoofy

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Really?

I would never have thought to try that, surprised the chisel would not just slip sideways when you belted it.

Do you sharpen the cold chisel cos they're quite blunt really?
 
G

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As Cadet in Plymouth .....

and on ship ..... all small wire up to about 1/2" diameter was cut this way .... when we were taught to wire splice in college - we had to cut our won 3ft length from the coil. That taught us a) how to take wire from a coil without kinks / hanging yourself ! b) to cut it clean.

The secret is the sharp cold chisel...... and hit it square and with deliberation !! Weansy strikes and trying to do it in 3 or 4 hits will make a mess .....
 

MASH

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Cast Iron block? The only one of those on my boat is stamped "Yanmar". Will that do? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 

oldsaltoz

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If cut with a steel cold chisel on a steel block, then presumably it needs to be pickled prior to use, or you will have a rust problem from the steel particles left on the stainless steel strands.

Avagoodweekend......
 
G

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Did I hear someone say splitting hairs ?????

Ok - so you only have a lump of engine .... any suitable hard surface block will do - but wood will not - as it allows the strands to 'gouge' in away from the cut of the chisel .... it has to be a hard metal surface that withstands the force .... anvil is another item ... but of course some smart alek will comment on that one as well.

I passed on the way that it has been done for years ... the only other clean way I have seen it done is to have a special wire guillotine.

OK - I have a suggestion to all those who wish to use a hacksaw etc. - fit a compression ferrule / talurit to the wire at the cut ... press and then cut through the ferrule / talurit ... that will keep strands under control. Then its knock of the remains of talurit leaving a clean end.
or
using vice and suitable small gauge rod .... bind very tightly the wire either side of cut with lashing .... then cut - BUT the lashing must be extremely tight and close together so that cut area is minimum.

over to you guys now .... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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