Originally Posted by operator
Its for cosmetic purposes. If you crimp one on it will be squished and you'll never be able to use that cable again if you take it out.
I usually let small mistakes float by because, well, so what. But you aren't just wrong once, but twice in the same post. The cable caps ( not ends - the ends are just that, the end of the cable)keep the cable from fraying. They do not prevent you from using the cable again, they actually help ensure that it can be. The most common problem that makes cables useless in the future is overtightening the clamping bolt or nut. That will often cut a strand or squash the cable so that it cannot be pulled cleanly or re-inserted back into the housing after servicing. Hope this clears up any mis-conception you may have on this.