Other uses for cable/housing cutters (slightly OT)
01-21-10, 07:22 AM
#1
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Other uses for cable/housing cutters (slightly OT)
I'm about to do a bit of rewiring of my home theater, and have been ordering up some supplies and tools, including some bulk RG6/U coaxial cable and F type compression connectors.
To save a bit of money, it occurred to me that I might be able to use my Felco C7 to cut the cable, rather than buy the special coax cutting tool. The design of the cutters look similar, except the coax-specific ones have curved blades vs triangular. No doubt the Felco is made with better steel and higher tolerances than the budget tool I'm looking at.
Has anyone tried this? If not, I suppose I could sacrifice one of my existing cables and give it a try before I place the order.
To save a bit of money, it occurred to me that I might be able to use my Felco C7 to cut the cable, rather than buy the special coax cutting tool. The design of the cutters look similar, except the coax-specific ones have curved blades vs triangular. No doubt the Felco is made with better steel and higher tolerances than the budget tool I'm looking at.
Has anyone tried this? If not, I suppose I could sacrifice one of my existing cables and give it a try before I place the order.
01-21-10, 07:45 AM
#2
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I have a true and fast rule: Bicycle Cable-Cutters cut cables and housing. Period.
If you want to get into the habit of saying: "Aw - this won't hurt 'em." - Then fare thee well. I mean c'mon! Radio Shack. $5.00 - tightwad.
If you want to get into the habit of saying: "Aw - this won't hurt 'em." - Then fare thee well. I mean c'mon! Radio Shack. $5.00 - tightwad.
01-21-10, 08:02 AM
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I've used my Parks for years on coax, clothesline, 14/2, and phone wire.
No issues to report.
No issues to report.
01-21-10, 08:17 AM
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Unless you want to deal with years of crappy connections, get a REAL coax cutting tool, and a REAL coax connection crimper.
A bike cable cutting tool won't properly cut the casing of a coax while leaving the shielding uncut, among many issues.
A bike cable cutting tool won't properly cut the casing of a coax while leaving the shielding uncut, among many issues.
01-21-10, 08:18 AM
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Since bicycle cable cutters routinely cut stainless steel cable and steel housing reinforcing wire, I can't believe copper electrical wire would do any damage to them. Whether they would damage the co-ax is another question entirely.
