Which is the best cable cutter
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Shimano
The best cable cutter I've found is the Shimano. It's expensive but well worth it, and also cuts housing.
http://aebike.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=30&SKU=TL6025
The best cable cutter I've found is the Shimano. It's expensive but well worth it, and also cuts housing.
http://aebike.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=30&SKU=TL6025
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the best? why? do you cut cables for a living?
no clue which is the best? but I do know that compared to what you're now using to cut cables, you would be extremely satisfied with a park, or a pedro's or a shitmano, all of which are designed specifically for that task.
no clue which is the best? but I do know that compared to what you're now using to cut cables, you would be extremely satisfied with a park, or a pedro's or a shitmano, all of which are designed specifically for that task.
thanks for rephrasing my post.
i don't think you quite got my point. Having come to the decision, that YES, I will probably be extremely happy with a purpose made cable cutter, perhaps there would be subtle differences between the various models from park, pedro's and shimano, that would be nice to know about before I purchase.
i don't think you quite got my point. Having come to the decision, that YES, I will probably be extremely happy with a purpose made cable cutter, perhaps there would be subtle differences between the various models from park, pedro's and shimano, that would be nice to know about before I purchase.
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I use a Dremel normally, but for those nights that I sneak down to the garage to work on the bikes after da wife is asleep, I needed a cable cutter. I just bought a cheap Lifu (under $15) and it works great, cuz I don't really cut cable that often and when I do its usually with the Dremel. If I was doing it for a living, I'd get the Park.
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212 Posts
I have a Nashbar cable cutter. It works fine as long as the bolt holding the two halves of the tool is tight. Otherwise you get fraying. When I say tight I mean tight enough that the spring won't push it open. The tool doesn't work so well in the crimping and housing cutting department. I also use a dremel and prefer using it for all cutting.
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Shimano
I second the Shimano one. Don't even think of using anything else. I've been working in shops for more than 7 years and this is the only one I've seen true mechanics use. Anyone who is worth their salt as a mechanic works with the Shimano cable cutter. I have 2!!!!
Econoline said:
I second the Shimano one. Don't even think of using anything else. I've been working in shops for more than 7 years and this is the only one I've seen true mechanics use. Anyone who is worth their salt as a mechanic works with the Shimano cable cutter. I have 2!!!!
Sorry, it's not an Eldi cutter. The absolute best is made by Felco, the F-C7. http://www.felcostore.com/order1.jsp?code=F-C7&referer=othertools.jsp and it's on sale here for $40.59. At that price it kicks the crap outta any others.ssmike said:
Yep, the Felco beats the pants off of any cable cutter ever. I've been a mechanic for 10 years. I've had my Felco for 9 and it still works better than just about any cutter you'll find on most shop benches.ssmike said:
The weakness of the Shimano cutter is apparent when you cut too many cables (go figure). The blades bend eventually. They also don't cut brake housing very cleanly.
I've never had to sharpen my Felco's and I've used them for cables & housing (of course) but also...
cut through a chainlink fence because a rabbit was stuck
cut through the 1/2" spare tire cable lock on my truck when the lock mech rusted (that one took a few clips)
cut spokes out of old wheels in need of rebuilding
with a few squeezes, it even has gone through 5.5 spectra line
They're expensive, but it's my second favorite tool ever, the CK hub service tool being my favorite.
Sean
The only problem with the Felco is that it isn't a bike specific tool. Meaning that there is no crimper for the cable ends. He would still have to have a second tool to do that. While this may in fact be the best tool for cutting, a home mechanic would do best with a park, pedros, shimano type tool which has this feature.smudge said:
Chris
While it may be true that the Felco does not have this feature, Shimano's cutter is not ideal for crimping cable ends. For this job a set of diagonal cutters is the best. The Shimano tool crimps the cable by more or less mashing it because the force is not in-line but off-set. Two quick squeezes with a diagonal cutter crimps the cable end the best. That or soldering the end, but who has time for soldering?ctxcrossx said:
For a tool lover, just the feel of the Felco is enough to justify it.
But, in the end, I have the Shimano tool at home and the Felco at work. They both are great tools. But I still use diagonal cutters to crimp the cable end at home too.
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Felco vs Pedros?
Aren't the Pedros cutters just a rebranded Felco? Cheeper too?
BTW, Felco fan here. Used to have Shitmano, but the Felco cutters beat the pants off them (it?).
Aren't the Pedros cutters just a rebranded Felco? Cheeper too?
BTW, Felco fan here. Used to have Shitmano, but the Felco cutters beat the pants off them (it?).
Thanks to everyone for all input! I compared the image of the Pedro's Cable Cutter with the Felco C7 below, and to me they look identical. The Pedro's is on sale at Supergo so I will probably order one with some other stuff I am ordering any way. My Leatherman's is otherwise excellent for crimping!FishMan473 said:
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12,383 Posts
I've got an older Shimano cutter
that works well, also a cheap Park and a really old Sun Tour model. I usually use the Shimano for housing and the Sun Tour for crimping and cable cutting. The Park's in the tool chest in the car. After what that guy said about the Felco being his favorite after his CK hub tool, I might just have to get me one of them (and it sure does look like the Pedro's)
that works well, also a cheap Park and a really old Sun Tour model. I usually use the Shimano for housing and the Sun Tour for crimping and cable cutting. The Park's in the tool chest in the car. After what that guy said about the Felco being his favorite after his CK hub tool, I might just have to get me one of them (and it sure does look like the Pedro's)
Felco
For years now I've always recommended the Felco cable cutter as the best. However for cable housings, I like the Dremel for a cleaner un-crushed cut. For the inner steel braided cables the Felco is the best, and actually works great for cutting hydraulic brake lines believe it or not.
For years now I've always recommended the Felco cable cutter as the best. However for cable housings, I like the Dremel for a cleaner un-crushed cut. For the inner steel braided cables the Felco is the best, and actually works great for cutting hydraulic brake lines believe it or not.
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I wish I could tell you about other cable cutters, but since I started working at a bike shop (about three years ago), we have never had to replace our trusty Park Tool. I'm sure any of the top brands would be great, but I can't say anything bad about Park Tool's product.
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