You only have to buy a specialty tool once! From the first time that you use it you will appreciate the reason for the tool! I used mine a couple of time this afternoon! The first time I just trimmed a frayed rear cable to fit the end cap. Other cutters flatten the cable so that the cable ends don't fit well with out a bit more work! The other time I just shortened a cable that was too long and was hitting my shoe a I pedaled! Snip! Snip! Good to go! Eventually the extra $ spent is forgotten!