Bike Cable Cutters

If you are a bike enthusiast, you know how important it is to maintain your bike cables. Bike cables are responsible for transmitting your braking and shifting commands to your bike components. They need to be cut precisely and cleanly to ensure optimal performance and safety.

But not all cable cutters are created equal. Some are designed specifically for bike cables, while others are general-purpose tools that may not work well.

What are bike cable cutters?

Bike cable cutters are tools used to cut through different types of cables found on your bike. Bike cables are often thick and covered with a casing, and a cable cutter must have strong blades to do its purpose efficiently.

Bike cable cutters can also crimp ferrules and end caps onto the cable ends, which prevent them from fraying and protect them from dirt and moisture. Some cable cutters have a built-in awl or spike that can open up the housing after cutting it.

Why do you need bike-specific cable cutters?

There is a benefit in using bike-specific cable cutters in cutting brake housing. Bike cable housing cutters can easily cut brake and shift housing compared to regular cutters. Usually, bike-specific tools can trap the cable and simultaneously apply cutting force from all sides, cutting it cleanly and quickly.

Regular wire cutters or pliers may crush or fray the cable ends, affecting their performance and durability. They may also damage the inner wires or strands of the cable, which can compromise their strength and flexibility.

What features should you look for in a bike cable cutter?

When buying a bike cable cutter, you should look for features that suit your needs. Here are some of them:

• Sharpness: The cutter's blades should be sharp enough to slice through any cable without much effort. They should also stay sharp for a long time without frequent sharpening or replacement.

• Durability: The cutter should have sturdy materials to withstand repeated use and abuse. It should also have a comfortable handle that does not slip or break easily.

• Versatility: The cutter should be able to handle different types of cables, such as brake cables, shift cables, power cables (for e-bikes), etc. It should also have additional features, such as a crimping function etc.

• Size: The cutter should be compact enough to fit in your toolbox or saddle bag without taking up too much space. It should also be lightweight enough to carry around without adding much bulk or weight.