interested

Yes, Knipex cable cutters are very, very good. "Knipex" only make pliers (of every kind and variety); they don't make hammers, drill bits, chisels or screwdrivers, but only pliers.

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Regards

scylla

If your talking about the cable itself, any sharp pair of diagonal cutters work.
And here's a tip- before you cut the cable put a drop of super glue on the cable at the cut point. After it dries then make your cut. Elimination of frayed ends.

For the housing I just use a fine tooth hacksaw blade SLOWLY. Works like a charm.

DRietz

OK, what's my best option for cables and housing? 'Twas the original question.

scylla

Get a bigger tool box. All in one tools aren't the BEST option for anything.

Panthers007

1. Try to locate an older Shimano TL-CT10 blue & gray handled cable-cutter.

2. Get a current production Shimano or spend more money and get the Felco cable-cutters.

Never use cable-cutters to cut anything other than bike cables & housing. Do NOT try cutting cans in half or spokes. One idiot stunt - they're toast.

3. Get a Dremel tool with the proper cutting-wheels.

fiataccompli

yeah, those are the ones. used quickly on cables, they give a consistent, clean cut. Used slowly, they do tend to 'squash'. Time and backlog isn't a huge factor or me 'cause wrenching on stuff is a sort of therapy...the pleasure of completing a job well and tools that do their job correctly is a factor. I won't be rushing out to buy a new tool, but I may try one when a deal happens to come my way. Come to think of it, I have an array of cable cutters (nothin' great like the ones mentioned) and I just always use the mini bolt cutters 'cause they are simpler and more comfortable....hmmm...

ChrisAlbertson

For housing, I use a hack saw and a plastic miter box. The saw does not crush the housing and always makes a perfect square cut. Then clean up the cut with a tiny file.

For the cable, a really good cutter will make a clean cut but if you only have a cheap cutter, tape the cable with masking tape then cut through the tape and the ends don't fray.

HillRider

Zombie thread. You realize the last posting prior to yours was 10 years ago? Anway, good to re-read history. Happy New Year.

TiHabanero

In the shop we tried the Shimano, Park, Felco cutters. Now, we cut many pieces of housing every day doing repairs. The Felco held up the best, Went years and years before becoming dull. Shimano cutters worked very well, but did not last as long as the Felco by several years. This took place in the 90's. None of the originals are in service today.

The Park cutters are fine for home mechanics, in fact I use them in my home shop. Have had a pair for many years and they keep going. I only cut strand housing with them. I do not cut cables or spiral wound housing with them. That is what side cutters are for.

Papa Tom

Whatever you use to cut your cable and housing, try cutting with an old piece of cable inserted. This will help you avoid crushing the end.

nomadmax 

And sparks

Dan Burkhart 

Right. I realized it was a zombie thread but read it anyway. Neat to see some regular contributors from back then that are now in the "whatever happened to" file.

bldegle2

"Whatever you use to cut your cable and housing, try cutting with an old piece of cable inserted. This will help you avoid crushing the end."

Winner, winner chicken dinner. I always stick an old section of cable before cutting, been using the same old spin doctor cutter for over 15 years. It stays sharp this way and cuts beautifully every time...don't even know if they are available anymore...also, a very thin disk on a 4" grinder and the cable in a vise makes for a very clean cut...

WizardOfBoz

Back in the day we used a solid steel cable cutter in the shop. Somewhat like the one here. These are pictured below. I have a pair of Pedro's cutters and they work fine. If I needed a pair I'd be tempted to try these. Pretty inexpensive, too. 15 bucks.