So I’m swapping out my brake calipers. My understanding, and looking at the mechanics of the calipers, is that the sole purpose of the crimp is to keep the cable from fraying. If that is so, then why not just wrap a piece of electrical tape around it? (OK, maybe I don’t have any crimps on hand at the moment…)
Got a soldering gun? One little dab and done, very clean looking and simple.
I use super glue for the same purpose.
Not sure if electrical tape would work without using something that would be a lot bigger than a cable crimp. Just buy them by the hundred, then you stop worrying about the cost/buying them all the time.
(OK, maybe I don’t have any crimps on hand at the moment…)
Heat shrink tubing works as well.
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Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like a little dab of nail polish will do the job.
X2 on superglue. Neater and easier than a crimp. And I figure the aero savings is worth probably nearly a quarter second per 100 miles.
I super glue the ends always anyhow. Crimps are what, .005 cents a piece? Why not use one?
I always used to solder, but super glue sounds way easier. I did like the shiny look of the solder.
Got a soldering gun? One little dab and done, very clean looking and simple.
x2. If you tin the end of the cable right, the solder will soak into the braid and bond all the strands together into a structural piece. Last time I glued one, the glue just seemed to coat the surface and wound up cracking off when I had to pull the cable.
(OK, maybe I don’t have any crimps on hand at the moment…)
Heat shrink tubing works as well.
this is my newest ‘trick’. i slide a small piece on there and shrink it before i cut the cable, then when i cut it the strands stay nice and neat as well. not sure if i’m going back to cable crimps really. and if i have to i can pull the wrap off with out too much effort and still have a cable that will go back in the housing if i just need to pull it out to wipe it down or something.
Got a soldering gun? One little dab and done, very clean looking and simple.
FWIW, solder didn’t work on my SRAM cables, maybe because they’re stainless steel.
I super glue the ends always anyhow. Crimps are what, .005 cents a piece? Why not use one?
Because the act of using a crimp mashes the cable end rather than keeping the wires nicely aligned. If you will need to remove the crimp to unthread or rethread the cable in the future you will dealing will a bunch of splayed out wire ends and likely have to re-cut the cable. I’m a fan of solder if there is time or heat shrink if in a huge hurry. I’ve found super glue to not have the best longevity when exposed to the elements.
YMMV,
Hugh
+1
They make little heat shrink “caps” (closed end). That’s what I use.
Solder is what I’ve used that’s worked best, though end caps are far faster. File down the solder if it’s too large. I need to re-cable my brakes because I didn’t solder the ends and they’re fraying…
Great idea. I wish I had thought of this/read this before I bought 500 crimps.
electrical tape definitely works (that’s all i’ve got on my tt bike) and it won’t mash the cable strands. as others have mentioned though, longevity isn’t as good as with metal cable ends.
(OK, maybe I don’t have any crimps on hand at the moment…)
Heat shrink tubing works as well.
this is my newest ‘trick’. i slide a small piece on there and shrink it before i cut the cable, then when i cut it the strands stay nice and neat as well. not sure if i’m going back to cable crimps really. and if i have to i can pull the wrap off with out too much effort and still have a cable that will go back in the housing if i just need to pull it out to wipe it down or something.
Sweet, I’m going to have to try this. And just think of all the color options…
McMaster Carr, heat-shrink tubing part# 7856k121 works great.
Sounds like a little dab of nail polish will do the job.
Once you’re done with your nails, I recommend the soldering too.