Stoping cables fraying

[Chris S]

I fitted a new gear cable yesterday and it's already unraveling at the cut end.

Are you supposed to do something to stop this happening?

 

[Cheule]

Yes - get some of these and crimp on - job done!

 

[ColinJ]

Yes - get some of these and crimp on - job done!

They don't just stop the cables fraying, they also stop the ends of cables inserting themselves into your legs!

 

[mcshroom]

If you haven't got any of those to hand, electrical tape works as well in my experience

 

[L.E.D.]

Super glue also works but as Colin has pointed out Cable ends stop the painful incidents that can occur.

 

[dodgy]

I usually have some super glue to hand (not literally) so dab a bit on and put an end stop on, too.

But really, I'm surprised to read that anyone thought some kind of cable end treatment is optional!

 

[Chrisz]

Solder the ends - looks much neater than those crimp-on thingies

 

[Smokin Joe]

Solder the ends - looks much neater than those crimp-on thingies

I don't think that works with stainless steel?

 

[HLaB]

Yes - get some of these and crimp on - job done!

Talking about cable ends the back brake cable on my hybrid is sticking a bit so I popped into a lbs to a) get a new cable, and b) to escape the torrential weather; I forgot to buy cable ends, doh

 

[e-rider]

is this a trick question?

 

[MartinC]

I don't think that works with stainless steel?

That's right - I've tried it. You might get a blob of solder to stay on for 5 minutes but it won't fuse to SS cables especially if they're teflon coated.

 

[MartinC]

An alternative is to use 2.5mm shrink wrap electrical cable cover (Maplins etc.). It's not as good as cable crimp caps but it doesn't mess up the cable end so that you can remove it without fraying or cutting the end. Still leaves the risk of spearing yourself or somebody else with the cable end though

 

[BSRU]

Yes - get some of these and crimp on - job done!

Thanks for the link I have been unsuccessfully looking online for those for a while.

 

[NormanD]

If you can't find crimps then below should freely available in any DIY store

One trick is to use pot rivet heads ... just place the pliers over the rivet and tap it on a hard surface so the rivet head comes free of the pin and crimp that over the cable end.

Another is to use wire terminal block (the sort to connect wires via two small screws) .. removed the plastic block covering and feed the single connector over the cable and loop the end back into the connector and tighten the two screws.

Hope they help

Norm

 

[youngoldbloke]

Thanks for the link I have been unsuccessfully looking online for those for a while.

- you can also get coloured ones to match the bike! (If you are really obsessive).