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Old 18-04-2018, 09:21   #16
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

There is a cable cutter that is a heavy tool that is rested on a strong surface the cable is run through with a ram that sticks up that you hit with a sledge hammer. BUT I don't think there is a support in the average small boat for that cutter. If you need a 25 MM woven steel line cut this is the inexpensive tool to use
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Old 18-04-2018, 09:23   #17
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

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Originally Posted by Jim Cate View Post
What ever happened to wire shears for this small wire... like I have used for the past 45 years or so? I don't think you will see pros using dremels or grinders in this application!


Jim
Jim is 100% correct. Use the correct tool for the job. Spend $20.00 and get the proper cable cutter. So much safer and cleaner then a grinder or hacksaw.

You need one of these on your boat in case you lose your rig and have to cut it away in a hurry to save yourselves and your boat. Would you want to be hanging over the side in gale force winds with a hacksaw?

Here's a link. Don't confuse wire cutters with bolt cutters. Bolt cutters will only cut about 80% thru stranded wire.

https://www.harborfreight.com/28-inc...ters-6649.html

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Old 18-04-2018, 09:27   #18
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

We use bolt cutters. If they don't cut through by just closing the handles, hit the bolt cutter end with a hammer. Take care that the wire-cut ends and old fittings don't fly sideways and do damage.
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Old 18-04-2018, 09:34   #19
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

I'm on a small boat so I need multipurpose tools. I've used these for bolts, locks and cable. Cheap and handy.Click image for larger version

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Old 18-04-2018, 11:22   #20
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

Cable cutter to dispose of old.
Dyneeme for new.
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Old 18-04-2018, 11:54   #21
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

I may be bias, but as a rigger for over 40 years, I have always seen these hand crimped Johnson or other do it your self fittings tend to break down much easier, water gets in and I always see them with cracks and rusting ealrier than normal swaged fittings. The reason being they are a lot thinner in construction so you are able to install them without a proper swager,
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Old 18-04-2018, 14:40   #22
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

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Another vote for tape and grind and a dremel will do it.
...guess late to try and convince you to make out of dyneema.
hugosalt,
How do you connect dyneema to the end fittings? Or to make a gate?
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Old 18-04-2018, 15:13   #23
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

My first posting ..... found this topic interesting and timely. We have always had a pair of Felco wire cutters on board our Townson 36 sloop; in order to cut free any rigging or similar in an emergency. Hand tools: no power or batteries, quiet, efficient and simple.

So we will use these to cut off the existing old cracked plastic coated wire lifelines we currently have.
In conversation with a visiting sailor from San Francisco he suggested dyneema replacement lifelines; consistent with several previous postings on this thread. Even suggested plastic coated wire is no longer practised.

My question; How does one finish off dyneema ends where they are terminated at pushpit/pulpit /stanchion ends ? spliced ? Lashed ? Just knotted ? Thks
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Old 18-04-2018, 16:03   #24
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

Taping and cutting with a hacksaw or cut-off saw makes a clean perpendicular cut, especially nice for cone fittings. Cable cutters leave a slightly uneven end - not a problem, just not as tidy. Frankly the job could have been done in a lot less time than is being spent on this thread, in any number of ways.

As @Rigger Bruce has said, the real problem is the use of the Johnson swage fittings. I had my first lifelines made with them (professionally roller-swaged), and once in salt water and the tropics they froze. And the cute vinyl-jacketed wire corroded (inside the vinyl - surprise!). The lifelines failed twice on my first Atlantic crossing. Never, ever use the vinyl-covered wire. And don't waste money on the swage fittings. If you are intent on using pretty fittings then go with a quality cone fitting like Sta-Lok. Better still, just buy some eyes and Nicopress fittings and make your own terminations, using lashings to tension and adjust. I did that and they look great after more than 20 years - problem really solved. Synthetics are strong and easy to rig, but need replacement every few years due to UV exposure - too rich for my blood.

Greg
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Old 18-04-2018, 16:52   #25
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

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Originally Posted by freelandken View Post
hugosalt,
How do you connect dyneema to the end fittings? Or to make a gate?
Ken
Have spliced on one end and lashed for racing friend (lot of wear)
so they can reverse end over end if wear at stanchions.
Has not needed to do in 2-3 years since done.
Can attach end to old/new gate fitting or other.

Also if room going thru stanchion make cover/jacket in wear area
using dyneema, tubing also have used Yales Maxijacket (lots of colors)
coating to protect line (used on rope to chain splices) also think
Armourcoat by Marlow, but maybe available for commercial only.

represent nothing other than being complete amateur
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Old 18-04-2018, 18:04   #26
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

thanks for all the advice, the grinder worked great
after the cut i laid the wire almost flat and rotate it on the grinder wheel,got all the loose wires off ,it kind of welds it togeather,put some greese on it
and put it in connection
i used johnson marine
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Old 18-04-2018, 18:09   #27
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

thanks for all the advice, the grinder worked great
after the cut i laid the wire almost flat and rotate it on the grinder wheel,got all the loose wires off ,it kind of welds it togeather,put some greese on it
and put it in connection
i used johnson marine
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Old 18-04-2018, 18:11   #28
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

I used to work at a rigging shop and we used wire cutters made by FELCO. I think it was the model C16 costs around $350. About 2 ft long. Used it for standing rigging and lifeline.
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Old 18-04-2018, 18:49   #29
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

Quote:
Originally Posted by gdh View Post

My question; How does one finish off dyneema ends where they are terminated at pushpit/pulpit /stanchion ends ? spliced ? Lashed ? Just knotted ? Thks
I'll take some pictures tomorrow. I used the existing pelican hooks to provide tightening ability for the gates, luggage tagged one end to to pulpit then sailmakers thimbles for dead eyes. Lashed together to provided adjustment. My stancions have inserts so I didn't worry about chafe too much. I'll be away from internet for a couple days but I'll post the pics when I can.
These will adapt your existing turnbuckles into dyneema ones. 
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Good luck,

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Old 18-04-2018, 19:49   #30
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Re: how to cut wire for lifelines

I have a Felco cable cutter aboard.....just in case.....great tool.
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