What to cut 1/0 cable?

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I need to make a couple cuts thru 1/0 cable and i am not having any luck with anything in my garages tool inventory. What do most of you guys & gals use when cutting thick copper cable or what do the shops use? I will have to go get something tomorrow! ThanksAmerican by birth Southern by the Grace of God
Reply:If it is fine stranded cable like welding lead I use a pair of anvil cut pruning shears.
Reply:yes it is fine strandedAmerican by birth Southern by the Grace of God
Reply:I once had some cable I'd salvaged, plus some 2" copper pipe, both of which I needed to cut short enough to handle easily. Id been splitting wood, so just used the hydraulic log splitter. I'd hardfaced the wedge, so it was pretty sharp.A fine hacksaw, or a cutoff wheel will do pretty well if you're careful not to use much pressure, assuming the cable still has a covering so the strands aren't free to move much. If it is bare cable, it can be wrapped well with strong tape or fine wire on (really close to) both sides of the cutting spot. A good, sharp, stout knife hit with a hammer while the cable rests on a wooden block will also work well; this can go right through the tape if the knife is good enough. First making a 'U' channel on the block, and a cross cut for the blade to fit in makes the knife trick work faster and better for multiple cuts. For this purpose, a plain high carbon steel blade is better than most of the stainless kitchen varieties.If you're handy with an axe, that can be easier than the knife above; just so long as you are accurate.
Reply:Ummm Cable cutters?  Available from Greenlee, Snap on, or even at Tractor supply.  The ones from tractor supply or harbor freight need to be sharpened before use.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by Oldiron2 ...a cutoff wheel will do pretty well if you're careful not to use much pressure, assuming the cable still has a covering so the strands aren't free to move much. If it is bare cable, it can be wrapped well with strong tape or fine wire on (really close to) both sides of the cutting spot....
Reply:I vthink harbor freight cutters are on sale for less than $5. Not the best but good enough for occasional use.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:Hey, is this some sort of trick question?  Cable cutters.Like this > http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...911&lpage=noneOr this > http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100492628Both found just by typing "cable cutter" into the respective 'search' box on those two stores' home web pages.  The HomeDepot search found LOTS more choices, not every store would have all of the choices.Or try TractorSupply, or H-F, or Sears, or ...You get the idea.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Originally Posted by 74fencerI need to make a couple cuts thru 1/0 cable and i am not having any luck with anything in my garages tool inventory. What do most of you guys & gals use when cutting thick copper cable or what do the shops use? I will have to go get something tomorrow! Thanks
Reply:In a pinch, a hack saw.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Like JT said, hammer and chisel.  Common tools, have them anyway, why go spend more money, or use up valuable space on the truck??????  Cut it, trim the insulation back with a carpenters knife, ready to go.
Reply:I use the larger Klein cutters.  I've done up to 350 kcmil aluminum (some swearing required).  They claim work up to 500 kcmil.  These are going to set you back about $50.The channellock brand cutter that someone posted in the $20 range look like a good deal.  I've had good luck with channellock products.Fine strand like welding lead you could probably get by with a knife/chisel and hammer.  .  For big strand like electrical service entrance I'd probaby go with the hacksaw.  I'd spend the money and buy the correct tool for the job.  Then again my wife says I'm addicted to tools.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:I use a parting or cut off wheel.  I can never find my cable cutters when I need them.  I have a hyd. cable cutter but its so much easier to just grab a cut off wheel.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:What? Nobody gonna comment on my use of the hydraulic log splitter??
Reply:dropping a beam about 15 feet puts a nice cut in 2/0.   it will even cut 4 leads at a time.dont ask how i know this.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Thanks for the info. I know you can use cable cutters but i was simply looking for other ways with tools i already have and MOST of you gave me the answers i need. Thanks!American by birth Southern by the Grace of God
Reply:Cable Cutter.   Attached ImagesMember, AWSLincoln ProMIG 140Lincoln AC TombstoneCraftsman Lathe 12 x 24 c1935Atlas MFC Horizontal MillCraftsman Commercial Lathe 12 x 36 c1970- - - I'll just keep on keepin' on.
Reply:Mondo,When I nod my head, you hit it.  Make do?  Several different choices.The 'right' tool?  Cable cutters.  About $20-$30 or so for 'name' ones capable of cutting 1/0 cable.And oldiron2, the cable cutters cost MUCH less and are MUCH more portable and easier to store in a toolbox or back pocket than a hydraulic log splitter.    The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Well Mondo,It'll get the job done. I think you might have the winner.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:OK, Dualie, I had to ask, just how do you know? I r 2 a perfessional
Reply:Larger cables are easier to sever with a powered cutter:Attachment 26261Last edited by denrep; 10-19-2010 at 11:37 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepLarger cables are easier to sever with a powered cutter:
Reply:Denrep,You sure believe in overkill.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldDenrep,You sure believe in overkill.
Reply:I either use this http://www.channellock.com/acb/store...ter_P131C9.cfm or if it is not on the truck a grinder with a whizz wheel makes short work of itDisclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."Originally Posted by lugweldDenrep,You sure believe in overkill.
Reply:That's one nice dog"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:That's no cable cutter.  Its a wire stripper.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:lmao.. awesomeas PRICEY as they are, racheting cable cutters from kelin or greenlee are a Godsend. expect to fork out $185., but they're worth it when you're running 3 phase with 500MCM paralleled feeders for a couple thousand amp service!! hahaa and they will cut thru anything, and make an effective bargaining tool. (it'll cut a thumb off with no effort )http://kawispeed.com/ -moderator and tech deluxewww.myspace.com/trickortrack -cuz i have no life