You can simply cut wire of any shape or size with the correct equipment and cutting method. It does not require as much care as you should consider while cutting a live wire or cable.
Can You Cut A Cable Wire?
We always make sure to buy a cable wire of appropriate length. But in certain conditions, it becomes essential to cut a cable wire according to the requirement.
Since cable and phone cables do not carry current, they can be safely removed. However, as you are aware, it is vital not to cut into a power line.
How to Cut A Cable Wire?
There is a variety of shapes and sizes in wires and all can be cut to a specified length with appropriate tools and cutting techniques.
Simple steps for cutting a cable wire are given below:
1. Calculate how long you will need the cable to be and cut it using scissors. We wanted a few inches, so we went with 6 inches just to be safe and have some wiggle room. If you want to save money, reuse the end that already has the connector attached; you’ll only need to install one.
2. Strip the wire with the cutter’s “outside” setting. Allow about an inch of silver insulation to be exposed. You are effectively eliminating the black plastic coating. Install the cable, clamp it, and twist it to secure it all the way around before pulling it out to reveal the silver underneath.
3. Cut away the insulation with the “inner” setting to reveal the copper wire. Repeat the twisting and pulling motion about halfway down.
4. Use the upper side of the crimper or cutter, crimp a connector around the cable by sliding it down over the insulation. A few simple crimps will suffice; do not make the same error we did and over-crimp to ensure security.
5. And that’s all! You now have a shortened cable to utilize, and the cable man is no longer required.
How Should You Cut A Steel Cable Wire?
Steel cable is a versatile and long-lasting material. It can be used to make fences, tie-down objects, reinforce buildings, and do a variety of other things. Steel cables are available in multiple ranges of thickness, making them ideal for any project.
Cutting steel cable to size necessitates the use of the proper tools as well as attention to safety. Steel wires are made with a specialized process with a hot-dipped zinc coating. As a result, it can support heavy loads easily. With such coating, if you utilize steel cable, you may have issues with the cutting process.
Given below is the step-by-step process of cutting steel cable wire:
Step 1: Invest in the right equipment.
Cutting wire rope with the incorrect tool is not only difficult but also leads to poor outcomes. As a result, you should always check the wire thickness and use the appropriate cutting tool for the operation.
Step 2: Get ready for the work.
It is critical to prepare yourself and your work location before attempting to cut steel wire rope. Start by ensuring that you have enough light, which you may achieve by using an articulated lamp to illuminate the wire and increase visibility.
Wearing safety gloves to strengthen your grip and prevent injuries is a good idea and setting up a vice to hold the wire in place is also a good idea.
Step 3: Carefully measure the wire rope.
You should always measure twice and cut once. It’s critical to double-check before using the cutters since a piece of wire that has been wrongly measured may be worthless. Please take your time.
Remove the wire rope from the spool and, after carefully measuring the appropriate length, mark out exactly where you need to cut with a dark felt-tip pen.
Step 4: Quickly but steadily cut the wire rope
Now is the time to begin cutting. Place the steel rope into the cutting tool with care, making sure it is aligned with the mark you just produced, and apply a steady and constant amount of pressure. If you use the right cutters and follow this technique, you will get a clean, professional cut the first time.
Step 5: Apply the finishing touches on your project.
After you’ve cut your measured piece of wire rope, there are only a few finishing touches to complete. These are not required, but they can greatly improve the beauty and functionality of the rope.
How to Cut A Wire Without Cutter?
Some of us will always be afraid of using a cutter for cutting wires and may look for alternative ways. These ways are simple and can be done by easily available equipment.
Some of the most effective ways are given below:
Bend the wire
Bend the wire back and forth until the wire begins to separate. Keep in mind that if the wire is thicker or has a jacket on top, it will not function.
Another thing to bear in mind with this procedure is that bending the wire repeatedly will compromise the wire’s overall integrity.
Work-hardening will occur in the area immediately surrounding the break or bend. This can make the section tougher and more durable than the rest of the wire.
Use a Hacksaw or reciprocating saw to cut the wire
If you don’t have any wire cutters, you can use a hacksaw to produce a fine cutter. Make sure you use a hacksaw with a higher teeth-per-inch count; this will ensure the cleanest cut possible.
Cutting wire with a hacksaw is tough regardless of the number of teeth on the blade. Because the majority of wires are smaller, a hacksaw is better used on wires with bigger diameters.
If you use a hacksaw on a smaller, thinner-diameter wire, you’ll probably bend and deform it much too much before you can cut all the way through.
You get a lot more speed and power with a reciprocating saw. This is the most effective method for achieving a more equal cut.
The reciprocating saw is equipped with thin blades of varying lengths that are affixed to the end. The saw blade is moved back and forth at high rates by the motor incorporated inside the machine.
The reciprocating saw is typically used to cut through objects like pipes and wood in narrower locations where a larger saw might not fit.
Related questions
Is there electricity in cable wires?
There is electricity in the cable wire, and it is actually alternating current electricity, which has a far greater frequency than your mains electrical supply.
Is it possible for a cut cable line to spark a fire?
Coaxial cables, such as those used for TV, phone, and internet, do not carry enough electricity to start a fire on their own. However, if it is cut and a phone call is received, it may cause a spark, which could ignite any adjacent flammable items.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, it is not a tough task to cut a wire. All you need is to choose the correct equipment and the right technique.