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Cutting control cables?

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a.s.elliott(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:45 am Post subject: Cutting control cables?

Gang:

  

 Looking for good advise for cutting the control cables to length.   Interested in both measuring and cutting advise?  

  

 Anyone know if the $8 Harbor Freight "aviation cable cutters" 94449-3VGA    are actually suitable for cutting 1/8" steel cable?



 Finally, I was planning on buying the $16.50 #2 screw-type swager from  Aircraft Spruce. (12-12000)  Anyone have comments on usability.   Anyone have one they want to part with?

  

 Thanks,

 Andy Elliott, Mesa, AZ

N601GE (reserved)

601XL/TD/QB, Corvair,  building...

  

  

   [quote][b]

dj45

Joined: 25 Jul 2006
Posts: 92
Location: Jackson MI

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:40 am Post subject: Re: Cutting control cables?

Andy,

Just use a cold chisel and hammer. Wrap masking tape around the spot you want too cut and you will end up with a nice clean cut.



Also, that crimper works well with just a littel care.

_________________
Do not archive

Dan Stanton
N801S CH 801
N226BS CH701
N24DS CH750

pilot4pay

Joined: 01 Jan 2007
Posts: 171
Location: Louisville, KY

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:51 am Post subject: Cutting control cables?

Don’t have any experience with the cutter from HF, but as an electrician, I have to deal with safety cables all of the time on lighting and other things we hang from overheads. I use a tool called the Felco C7 from LCOS+CO of Naples FLA. The cutting head is Swiss made steel, and is slightly relieved back toward the pivot. This allows it to partially “cradle” the cable drawing it inward to the jaws as it cuts, whereas the one from HF appears to be a straight jaw model. I can’t tell you where to buy them, as Ford supplied them as part of our tools issue. Maybe you could google them. Jaw opens to ¼”, and they last forever, been using mine for 10 yrs.  

Craig Smith  

Future 801 or 640 builder  

         

  

From: owner-zenith-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-zenith-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Dr. Andrew Elliott

 Sent: Saturday, January 13, 2007 1:40 PM

 To: Zenith-List Digest Server

 Subject: Cutting control cables?  

  

     

Gang:  

    

   

    

Looking for good advise for cutting the control cables to length.  Interested in both measuring and cutting advise?    

    

   

    

Anyone know if the $8 Harbor Freight "aviation cable cutters" 94449-3VGA   are actually suitable for cutting 1/8" steel cable?  

    

Finally, I was planning on buying the $16.50 #2 screw-type swager from Aircraft Spruce. (12-12000)  Anyone have comments on usability.  Anyone have one they want to part with?  

    

   

    

Thanks,  

    

Andy Elliott, Mesa, AZ

 N601GE (reserved)

 601XL/TD/QB, Corvair, building...  

    

   

    

   

  [quote] [b]

_________________
Craig Smith
CH640 builder
SN: 0078

"Just think how stupid the average person is,
and then realize that half of them are even stupider!"
--George Carlin

Jaybannist(at)cs.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 12:14 pm Post subject: Cutting control cables?

I have used the cable cutter that Aircraft Spruce sells and it works just fine.  It has the "relieved" cutting jaws as Craig has described them.  I have also used the AS "bolt action" cable sleeve crimper.  It is a little more time consuming than a ratchet type, but it works well on 1/8" cables.  It didn't work well on the small cable in the canopy latching system.  I had one of those slip loose.  I replaced it, crimped it with the crimper then crimped it again with pliers.  It has held up OK (it is still exposed, so I check it now and then).



Jay in Dallas

Do not archive



"C Smith" <pilot4profit(at)sbcglobal.net> wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  Don’t have any experience with the cutter from HF, but as an electrician, I

have to deal with safety cables all of the time on lighting and other things

we hang from overheads. I use a tool called the Felco C7 from LCOS+CO of

Naples FLA. The cutting head is Swiss made steel, and is slightly relieved

back toward the pivot. This allows it to partially “cradle” the cable

drawing it inward to the jaws as it cuts, whereas the one from HF appears to

be a straight jaw model. I can’t tell you where to buy them, as Ford

supplied them as part of our tools issue. Maybe you could google them. Jaw

opens to ¼”, and they last forever, been using mine for 10 yrs.



Craig Smith



Future 801 or 640 builder



  _____



From: owner-zenith-list-server(at)matronics.com

[mailto:owner-zenith-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Dr. Andrew

Elliott

Sent: Saturday, January 13, 2007 1:40 PM

To: Zenith-List Digest Server

Subject: Cutting control cables?



Gang:



Looking for good advise for cutting the control cables to length.

Interested in both measuring and cutting advise?



Anyone know if the $8 Harbor Freight "aviation cable cutters" 94449-3VGA

<http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94449>

are actually suitable for cutting 1/8" steel cable?



Finally, I was planning on buying the $16.50 #2 screw-type swager from

Aircraft Spruce. (12-12000)  Anyone have comments on usability.  Anyone have

one they want to part with?



Thanks,



Andy Elliott, Mesa, AZ

N601GE (reserved)

601XL/TD/QB, Corvair, building...

agustafson(at)chartermi.n
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 12:38 pm Post subject: Cutting control cables?

For cutting the cables I have wrapped with tape  then used a good diagonal cutters. You hold it tight in the cutter then strike  with a hammer on the jaws on a good steel back up like a vise  anvil.

  

 Aaron    do not archive

 [quote] [b]

barcusc(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 1:24 pm Post subject: Cutting control cables?

I taped it and cut with an abrasive cut off wheel,  made a nice clean cut.

  

 Clyde Barcus 

 [quote]   ---

NYTerminat(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 1:28 pm Post subject: Cutting control cables?

This is how I did it also.

  

 Bob Spudis

 do not archive

  

  

  

 In a message dated 1/13/2007 4:26:19 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  barcusc(at)comcast.net writes:

 [quote]   I taped it and cut with an abrasive cut off    wheel, made a nice clean cut.

    

   Clyde Barcus 

   [quote]     ---

bryanmmartin

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1018

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 1:57 pm Post subject: Cutting control cables?

I wrapped mine in tape and used a cutoff wheel. I've even used this method to trim the loose end off after swaging. I put a piece of sheet metal between the loose end and the main cable  to avoid nicking the main cable while trimming. A pair of Klein diagonal cutters should work on 1/8 cable also (the standard type not the tapered jaw type).

I have no experience with the screw type swagers. I hear that they work well enough but are time consuming and a bit awkward to use. You can get a regular nicopress cable swager on Ebay for around $40-$50. They are basically the same tool sold by ACS for $170. I have also seen them in farm supply stores. You might be able to borrow a set from your EAA chapter.



On Jan 13, 2007, at 1:40 PM, Dr. Andrew Elliott wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  Gang:

 

Looking for good advise for cutting the control cables to length.  Interested in both measuring and cutting advise? 

 

Anyone know if the $8 Harbor Freight "aviation cable cutters" 94449-3VGA   are actually suitable for cutting 1/8" steel cable?

Finally, I was planning on buying the $16.50 #2 screw-type swager from Aircraft Spruce. (12-12000)  Anyone have comments on usability.  Anyone have one they want to part with?

	






 -- 

Bryan Martin

N61BM, CH 601 XL, 

RAM Subaru, Stratus redrive.

 

 [quote][b]

_________________
--
Bryan Martin
N61BM, CH 601 XL, Stratus Subaru.
do not archive.

georgerace

Joined: 25 Oct 2006
Posts: 788
Location: Albion, MI

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 2:42 pm Post subject: Cutting control cables?

Another vote for the cold chisel, block of steel, and a good hammer.  One hit does it all, and nice and clean.  

   

My EAA Chapter loaned me a nicopress tool.  Most have then waiting to be used.  

   

Do not archive  

   

George  

       [quote][b]

_________________
Check out my CH-701 project at:
http://www.mykitairplane.com

xl(at)prosody.org
Guest

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:08 pm Post subject: Cutting control cables?

Andy,



I thought that I commented before on this topic but looked in the archives

and don't see anything. I have a comment about measuring.

I rigged up my plane using that plastic clothesline with the wire in the

center. That way I could determine how long the cables would be. I then

replaced each clothesline with a cable.



And, the Aircraft Spruce (12-12000) swager worked well - yes, it's a bit

awkward. Other builders in my EAA chapter used one.



Joe E

N633Z (at) BFI

CH601XL, 417 hours

Jabiru 3300, Sensenich 64x49 wood prop

On Sat, 13 Jan 2007, Dr. Andrew Elliott wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   Gang:

 Looking for good advise for cutting the control cables to length.

 Interested in both measuring and cutting advise?

 ........snip

 Finally, I was planning on buying the $16.50 #2 screw-type swager from

 Aircraft Spruce. (12-12000)  Anyone have comments on usability.  Anyone

 have one they want to part with?

 Thanks, Andy Elliott, Mesa, AZ

 .....snip do not archive

ronlee

Joined: 25 Dec 2006
Posts: 141

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 4:13 am Post subject: Re: Cutting control cables?

I've used the following method for setting up proper length cables on three airplanes and it works well. 

Get a roll of tie wire from a place like Home Depot. String the wire where the cables are to go and set then up to the proper length.  Test the system with the tie wire in place. When you get the proper length remove the tie wire to your bench and make the cables up the same length.

 You will be surprised how many places one will use the remaining tie wire. It works great for hanging parts for painting

_________________
Ron Lee
Tucson, Arizona

Crvsecretary(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 5:36 am Post subject: Cutting control cables?

Good Morning Ron:

  

 "Tie wire" ???   Where does Home Despot keep this?  Looks  like I could use a roll !!  I want to run this to the aileron bell crank  before I button up my wings but before I get the controls kit.

  

 Thanks for the tip.

  

 Regards,

  

  Tracy  Smith

Naugatuck, CT

601xl N458XL (reserved)

do not  archive



  

  

  

 In a message dated 1/14/2007 7:16:09 AM Eastern Standard Time,  rlee468(at)comcast.net writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		  -->    Zenith-List message posted by: "ronlee"    <rlee468(at)comcast.net>



I've used the following method for setting    up proper length cables on three airplanes and it works well. 

Get a roll    of tie wire from a place like Home Depot. String the wire where the cables are    to go and set then up to the proper length.  Test the system with the tie    wire in place. When you get the proper length remove the tie wire to your    bench and make the cables up the same length.

You will be surprised how    many places one will use the remaining tie wire. It works great for hanging    parts for painting



--------

Ron Lee

Tucson,  Arizona



	


 

  

  

  

  [quote][b]

TH-SR

Joined: 13 Jan 2006
Posts: 22
Location: WI

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 6:29 am Post subject: Cutting control cables?

I believe Ron (correct me  if I'm wrong) was referring to the steel wire sold for the purpose of supporting  (tieing up) suspended ceiling framework...

  

 Todd Henning

 West Bend,  WI

 701 Scratch  build



   From: owner-zenith-list-server(at)matronics.com  [mailto:owner-zenith-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of  Crvsecretary(at)aol.com

Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2007 7:35  AM

To: zenith-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: Zenith-List:  Re: Cutting control cables?

 

  Good Morning Ron:

  

 "Tie wire" ???   Where does Home Despot keep this?  Looks  like I could use a roll !!  I want to run this to the aileron bell crank  before I button up my wings but before I get the controls kit.

  

 Thanks for the tip.

  

 Regards,

  

  Tracy  Smith

Naugatuck, CT

601xl N458XL (reserved)

do not  archive



  

  

  

 In a message dated 1/14/2007 7:16:09 AM Eastern Standard Time,  rlee468(at)comcast.net writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		  --> Zenith-List message    posted by: "ronlee" <rlee468(at)comcast.net>



I've used the following    method for setting up proper length cables on three airplanes and it works    well. 

Get a roll of tie wire from a place like Home Depot. String the wire    where the cables are to go and set then up to the proper length.  Test    the system with the tie wire in place. When you get the proper length remove    the tie wire to your bench and make the cables up the same length.

You will    be surprised how many places one will use the remaining tie wire. It works    great for hanging parts for painting



--------

Ron Lee

Tucson,    Arizona



	


 

  

  

  

[quote]



href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Zenith-List">http://www.matronhref="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com



[b]

_________________
Todd
CH701

planecrazydld(at)yahoo.co
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 7:04 am Post subject: Cutting control cables?

Seems like the poly coated clothesline cable or picture hanging wire might also be useful for this?



CH701 <701stol(at)gmail.com> wrote:  [quote]    I believe Ron (correct me if I'm wrong) was referring to the steel wire sold for the purpose of supporting (tieing up) suspended ceiling framework...

   

  Todd Henning

  West Bend, WI

  701 Scratch build



      From:  owner-zenith-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-zenith-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Crvsecretary(at)aol.com

Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2007 7:35 AM

To: zenith-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: Re: Cutting control cables?

  

    Good Morning Ron:

   

  "Tie wire" ???   Where does Home Despot keep this?  Looks like I could use a roll !!  I want to run this to the aileron bell crank before I button up my wings but before I get the controls kit.

   

  Thanks for the tip.

   

  Regards,

   

    Tracy Smith

Naugatuck, CT

601xl N458XL (reserved)

do not archive



   

   

   

  In a message dated  1/14/2007 7:16:09 AM Eastern Standard Time, rlee468(at)comcast.net writes:

   	  Quote: 	
		  --> Zenith-List message posted by: "ronlee" <rlee468(at)comcast.net>



I've used the following method for setting up proper length cables on three airplanes and it works well. 

Get a roll of tie wire from a place like Home Depot. String the wire where the cables are to go and set then up to the proper length.  Test the system with the tie wire in place. When you get the proper length remove the tie wire to your bench and make the cables up the same length.

You will be surprised how many places one will use the remaining tie wire. It works great for hanging parts for painting



--------

Ron Lee

Tucson, Arizona



	


  

   

   

  Don't be flakey. [url=http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=43909/*http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail]Get Yahoo! Mail for Mobile[/url] and 

[url=http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=43909/*http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail]always stay connected[/url] to friends. [quote][b]

mgraves(at)usmo.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 9:08 am Post subject: Cutting control cables?

Tie wire is found in the cement dept.   where they sell lengths of rbar.  (reinforcing steel bars that go in concrete).  Tie wire is used to tie these steel bars together in concrete construction.   It comes in plastic coated,  or bare wire.....  get the plastic coated,  it doesn't rust.  comes in a coil of a couple of pounds i.e. several hundred feet.  4-5 bucks.......  Looks like and about the diameter of the once common baling wire,  for those not familiar with tie wire.



 handy stuff to have around......



 almost as handy duck tape.....  in fact if it can't be fixed with duck tape or baling wire....  throw the sum b*tch away and get a new one    



 M.



 

 At 08:35 AM 1/14/2007 -0500, you wrote:

 [quote]Good Morning Ron:

  

 "Tie wire" ???   Where does Home Despot keep this?  Looks like I could use a roll !!  I want to run this to the aileron bell crank before I button up my wings but before I get the controls kit.

  

 Thanks for the tip.

  

 Regards,

  

 Tracy Smith

 Naugatuck, CT

 601xl N458XL (reserved)

 do not archive

  [b]

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