Installing Brake Cable Help.....
 

I threw out my old front brake cable so I cannot gauge how long I should have the new one. My other problem is I don't want to buy a $25 wire cutting tool. Any other suggestions as to cutting it? I heard a diagonal cutter or maybe an angle grinder???? Thanks

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!

IF you don't want to spend the money, install the cable and let the LBS finish it up.
I wish I'd bought my cutter sooner instead of fighting frayed ends. It's just so much better looking to have a cable end without frayed or unwinding strands and a nice crimp on properly installed.

Sharp diagonal cutters do a fine job cutting brake or gear cable. They may fray the end, so be sure to cut the wrong head off a double-ended wire very close where some solder will keep it together.

Then do not cut to length until the job is 100% finished. Then cut about 2" beyond the pinch bolt. The cable may fray slightly but can be twisted back to form and a crimp or piece of shrink tubing can be slipped on to keep it there.

I bought the Park cutter about a year ago and have used it countless times since. I should have bought one 30 years ago and I wouldn't have been so frustrated by cable cutting, or even worse, housing cutting. Just buy the tool.