Cable cutters

Cable cutters are bike-specific cutters that slice inner cables and cable housing cleanly.

What it's used for

You use them when replacing brake or shift cables and housing. Park Tool's own cable cutter page says its tool cuts brake and shift inner cables, brake housing and compressionless shift housing, and has a section for crimping end caps (Park Tool cable cutter).

What to look for

• A cutter rated for both inner cable and housing (Park Tool).
• A crimper for cable end caps, which some cutters include (Park Tool).
• A file and a small pick for finishing cuts. Park Tool suggests filing burrs off the housing end and using a seal pick to reopen a pinched liner (Park Tool brake cable guide).

Using it safely

• Hold braided housing square to the blade when cutting (Park Tool).
• Cut housing as short as possible while still entering stops and adjusters in a straight line. Too short kinks and binds, and too long bends past the stop (Park Tool).
• Never use shift housing for brakes. Park Tool warns the braking force may cause it to fail (Park Tool).
• If your e-bike has a motor cut-off sensor in the brake lever, check it still works after any cable job (Check brake cut-off and throttle).

Guides that use it

• Adjust mechanical disc brakes
• Adjust a rear derailleur
• Check brake cut-off and throttle

Sources

• CN-4 cable and housing cutter, Park Tool
• Brake housing and cable installation: upright bars, Park Tool