You're talking about the crimp-on cable ends, right? The ones that keep cable from unraveling? I've found that you can usually get them off with pliers, either by pulling them off with the pliers or by closing the jaws over the cable above the crimp-on and sliding pliers down to knock the crimp-on off. The crimp-ons can be salvaged - just pry it open a bit with very small screwdriver or other suitable tool. By the way, super glue works well to keep cable from unwinding...just dab it on the end of cable and no need for the crimp-on after that...solder works even better.
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Rock Lobster