Hey Steve,

I see others have already suggested the method we used for 35 years on
cable and air-cord up to 1/4". Pick the desired cut point, run a
continuous VERY TIGHT wind of GOOD black electrical tape (3M 33 is
good) over it and for an inch either side (total 2 inch long about 3
to 4 thicknesses of tape). You should be able to "see" the lays of
the strands "through" the tape if you got it tight enough. Then, on
the standing part (that is the part that will be used) wrap another
tape-width wind or two of the tape about 1/4" clear of the first tape,
to serve as a "secondary" seizing for later.
A good pair of 10" diagonals, or a cable cutter, or even a cold chisel
and steel plate as last resort, and then CUT THROUGH THE TAPE AND ALL,
with just ONE squeeze or blow.
I think that the others who wrote may have meant that, but it was NOT
stated. Cutting "outside" the taped area, or any "nibbling" the cut,
will leave a messy end.
When you remove the scrap tape to shove the end through the ferrule
the first time, the second tape you applied will help hold the wire
"round" while you do so, and if you shove it through and then re-tape
it lightly as it goes, it will continue to stay "round" and you'll be
ready to shove it back through again.

Good luck. Heed the warning about the DANGER you are presenting to
people with the cable gate/fence.

Take care.

Brian Lawson,
Bothwell, Ontario.
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On Mon, 26 Sep 2005 18:05:22 -0700, "SteveB"
wrote:

I made up a wire rope cable to put across a driveway. One end was already
looped with a thimble and ferrule.

On the other end, I was trying to cut the cable with some good bolt cutters,
but couldn't get it good enough to fit through the tight ferrule.

Am I missing something?

Do I need to put solder on the wire rope, then cut it with a grinding wheel
to get a nice enough end to put through the ferrule? I am using the ferrule
that has room for two cables in it, and they fit tight. If there is ANY
frayed wires, it won't go through.

Do I need a better pair of bolt cutters? Mine is American and good, but it
just smashes them down. This is pretty tough cable, and has several strands
around an inner spiraled core strand. It is 1/4".

Suggestions?

Steve