How do you cut....

[knottybuoyz]

your heavy battery cable? I really don't want to spend another hundred on cable cutters. Would a fine blade toothed hack saw blade do it? Don't want to shred the ends of the cable or they're a bugger to get into the lugs.

I put together some 1/0 jumpers for the house batteries today. If it weren't for trying to hack through the 1/0 cable with my dremel saw it would have taken all of 5 mins.

[delmarrey]

A sharp chisle and a big hammer using a piece of aluminum as the base.

[knottybuoyz]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

A sharp chisle

What's dat?

Can't say I ever saw one of them!

[Pblais]

Can't say I ever saw one of them!

Tell Lori you promise not to cut yourself. The sharp chisel is the best cheap ticket.

[delmarrey]

OK, maybe if I spell it right, too! Got grinder?



http://www.bhigr.com/store/product.php?productid=148&send_isJS=Y&send_browser =YNY|MSIE|5.14|MacPPC|Y|1152|870

[never monday]

Bolt cutter

[knottybuoyz]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

OK, maybe if I spell it right, too! Got grinder?

Got a grinder yup. Had it smokin' like crazy and it melted the copper strands together. Maybe I was doin' it wrong. I'll figure it out.

Come to think of it I do got a chisel. Definitely not sharp. You just can't keep an edge on them when you use 'em for opening paint cans, prying off trim or used as a big screw driver!

[irwinsailor]

I used this to cut 2/0 wire all last week.Handtools for Professional Electricians HVAC and Lineman, Klein Tools, Chicago you need to cut it in several bites. I have found this tool to be one of my favorites.

[Wahoo Sails]

I use a Dremel tool with an abrasive cut off disc ... works just fine.
Bob

[Rick]

Actually there is just the right tool for you and even Home Depot carries them. I'll have to look for the brand yet it looks like cutters with a curve to them so that the "jaws" come together first and a scissors like action completes the cut. It is like cutting butter with large copper cable! Not too expensive either. Can stick it in your back pocket.

Rick, You said you didn't want to invest in the cable cutters, but consider the fact you are planing on building another boat. May as well buy them. They will get used. Rarely is the aggravation of trying to make the wrong tool work, less expensive than the cost of the right tool.

[senormechanico]

I've never tried it, but how about a tubing cutter? Just keep adjusting it tighter as you turn it...worth a shot.

Steve B.

[Rick]

O.K. here they are. They are all designed to cut up to 2/0 copper cable (I have wrangled these over larger, though). Depending upon brand they are either 8 inches long or 9 1/2" long.

H.K Porter 0890CSJ
Wireless Solutions 5045 ($13.25 or so)
Klein Tools 63055

Naturally they cut smaller wire as well. You just cannot use them on steel or you'll be sorry.

[delmarrey]

Here's mine, got'm at the local hardware store. 9-1/2" long..........

[GordMay]

Cable cutters, like Rick & Del suggest. Should be able to get them for $30-$40.
If you use a hacksaw, make certain you get a straight cut, then clean off the ends (prior to stripping)
Don't use chisel, bolt cutters, etc.