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Any tricks for keeping cable ends from fraying? I have had to remove and reinstall the brake cables a couple of times, and it's always a real trick trying to get a frayed cable through the little hole in the cable fitting.

Mike Smith

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For the small diameter brake cable the only way I've found to prevent fraying is to solder the cable before cutting. Make sure the cable is hot enough so that the solder wicks into the strands and then wipe away all the solder on the surface. When you cut the cable the ends should stay put.

Brilliant Radford. Thanks

Gordon

To get the solder to stick easier, and be 'sucked' into the inner strands, use a liberal ammount of plumbers flux. should be able to find it at a good hardware store. Also use a small propane torch, or at least a 200 watt solldering gun.. I have been doing this very thing for many years and if you cut the cable with sharp cutters about 1/2 in into the length of soldered cable, it will stay together.. Practice does help!!

Just to add to Joe's discussion, make sure the plumber's flux is NOT acid-based.

Of course, it's literally been 20 years since I've touched that type of flux, so there it may not be made anymore (the acid kind).

Very good point!! I forgot that. I am pretty sure they make both kinds. I did look at my little tin of flux and it is about thirty years old! go figure!!

You can get crimp-type ends at bicycle stores; they use them for brake and shift cables.
Bill

billmaxmcw wrote:You can get crimp-type ends at bicycle stores; they use them for brake and shift cables.
Bill

That would be ok to stop fraying, but I think the objective is to get them back through the swivel holes and no fraying.. ?

This looks promising: http://www.eaavideo.org/channel.aspx?ch=ch_hints_general

~Larry
Sonex 1680