veneer

ok.. i'm on my second project now. it's just converting my sirrus back to stock, so my wife can ride it. before, i had the whole handle bar changed and everything.. so now it's back to flatbar.

so the question is.. will i need a cable puller for doing the shifter cables? they are a bit on the short side.. and was wondering if i can just use a plier instead. but i've noticed when i use a plier to pull.. the cable starts to fall apart.

sydney

D'oh? I simply have no clue what you are talking about.

veneer

i was refering to this one.. should've check parks site first.

https://www.parktool.com/tools/BT_2.shtml

neil0502

I'm going out on a limb here and guessing that you're asking whether a tool like this one (Park Tools cable stretcher)

https://www.parktool.com/tools/BT_2.shtml

will be necessary for installing and adjusting your derailleur cables.

If I got this right, then:

1) I should get a prize

2) They're nice to have, but not essential. If you've left yourself a good length of cable before you make the final cut, then a) you can usually apply appropriate tension by pulling the cable tight by hand, or b) you can use those aforementioned pliers, then cut the cable (closer to the cable fastening bolt than where you crimped with the pliers)

CdCf

I think the question is whether veneer needs to use a cable puller such as this one:
https://www.parktool.com/tools/BT_2.shtml

The alternative seems to fray the cable ends...

Or maybe ol' sydney is playing thick tonight?

CdCf

Hahaha, funny how other posts manage to sneak in before mine...

veneer

of course.. hehe..

veneer

btw.. any other brands of Cable Stretcher out there besides Parks?

el twe

Get the Pedro's. It's half the price of the Park!

veneer

ah... but that's in supergo.. kinda far from my house. maybe this weekend.

el twe

It's worth the wait.

veneer

yup.. for sure. it's like only 12.95... what a great investment! guess my sirrus will have to wait on the stands.

shane45

I've literally changed hundreds of brake and gear cables and I have never needed a cable puller. I don't think I've even used pliers or vice grips.

sydney

Yeah, but I bet that even with pliers, a wrap of duct tape, the universal fix anything stuff would keep the cable from 'falling apart'...LOL

veneer

shane.. i'm gonna need it as the shifter cable is trimmed before already. if it's hella long.. then perhaps i can just use my hands.

shane45

Gotcha - but if the cable is that short, just splurge a couple bucks and buy a new one. You will appreciate having a longer "tag end" if you ever have to do repairs on the road/trail, and your heavy cable puller is on your workbench.

It's always good to have 2"-3" of excess cable past the pinch nut (no comments required from the weight weenies). That gives plenty of grabbing room if you need to make an unscheduled adjustment.

veneer

ah yes.. i know shane.. unfortunately.. it was previously trimmed to about 2 inches long. so now.. i'll need to get a cable puller.. i know i could just get a new set of cables.. but.. i like tools.. so i'll opt for the cable puller...... can't wait~

shane45

Yeah, me too. I didn't mean to make it sound like I was trying to talk you out of buying a puller. It's just that I have never needed one. That is not to say that I don't have a ****load of tools that I have never needed!

veneer

no no.. none taken. too bad ur not my neighbor. i have so many tools for cars.. now i just need some more tools for my bikes.. haha.

roadfix

I've had that exact tool for a dozen years now and have never used it. I can't even remember why I bought it in the first place. It's basically for mechanics with absolutely no manual dexterity. You can simply use your fingers to squeeze brake calipers and pull the cable through. Don't waste your money such a useless tool.

veneer

fixer.. no no. not to use on the brake cables.. but for the front and rear deraileur cables. i've done the brake cables already.. just as u say.. squeeze the calipers.

roadfix

Yes, I understand you can use this tool for pulling derailleur cables taught as you tighten clamp bolts. But believe me, you don't need it..... If your cables are too short that you can't pull them with your fingers, get new cables.

veneer

fixer.. ur right.. i got the front deraileur done using a vice grip. now i almost done the rear.. except i'm missing some ferrels for the shifter cable. grrr..

Retro Grouch 

I don't see how a cable puller would be very useful for derailleurs. Cable pullers actually require quite a bit of cable sticking out to work anyway. I'd think that needle nose pliers would be better for your use but I really suspect that you need new, longer shift cables.

I can see how cable pullers might help for old style canty brakes because they can lock in the cable tension and give you another hand to use. The only thing that I use mine for any more is snuging up wire ties. They're not a tool that I'd buy if I was doing it over today.

If you're having trouble with shift cables fraying, I'd suggest putting your cable puller budget toward a better cable cutter.

sydney

Duct tape or a big juicy booger.