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One of my favourite workshop tools is the 250mm knipex wrench pliers, use it most days and will be getting a 125mm version.
Currently use the park cable cutters as a crimper but they are pretty shit at cable cutting!
Use a Shimano cable cutter which is ace!
What do you use for crimping the end of cables?. Like the look of the new park tools crimper
A pair of warn side snips. Perfect every time.
Failing that any set of pliers and don't be an ape about it?
B&Q what ever the name is cable cutters with a little crimping bit in the middle. Works fine, cost a shit load less than stuff that says Park on it!
Could go in the "How to not spend too much money on cycling" thread...
There are very few "bike tools" that aren't just massively marked up tools. Park especially are at it.
I have an ancient set of Shimano cutters (TL-CT10), they must be over 25yrs old.
Even though they worked really well,I thought they must be getting a bit tired by now ,so I treated myself to a set of Park tool cutters.
They are just about ok.
I went back to using the Shimanos.
I don't crimp, I glue
Park seems very expensive for mediocre kit.
I araldite cable ends....
Ps using a mig to cut cables means no crimping etc needed
I bought an Elvedes crimping tool from Protec, just before he called it a day (think somebody else may still be importing them now), probably my most favourite tool to use. It's far from a necessity, but it just does a really good job every time. I wish all of the bike manufacturers would use them. Edit, available from The Cycle Division, part no. 2016093
Shimano cable cutters. 30 years old. Still work perferctly and crimp too
Elvedes crimper for me as well. Expensive and only used occasionally but bloody lovely when I do.
@fasthaggis the Shimano ones are the same as I use at least once a day, love them!
Always just used pliers for crimping end caps, had no idea special tools existed...but now I definitely need one.
Glad not just me unimpressed with Park Tools cutters, seemed to blunt very quickly.
I use a set of these I use for cable ends crimps, makes a lovely crimp. https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/crimp-tools/0425973
I use and ancient pair of side snips seem to do the job.
I have a whole variety of crimp tools ( auto electrical mainly). Its nice to have a nice crimp
I use red or black electrical cable bootlace ferrules and sparky ferrule crimpers. Pro!
@squirrelking the park ones look great for shall places, what are the ones you recommend like for tight spots
Currently I just just use the crimping bit on an old set of Park Tools cable cutters. I had been debating getting the Park Tool long nose pliers with the crimping section as I need a new pair of long nose pliers. But having recently bought a pair of knipex side cutters I remembered why I tend to avoid Park Tools stuff as it's pretty mediocre.
Shimano tools are a bit more up front. But I've never worn any out either in the bike shop or at home. I presume Shimano cutters have an end cap crimper on them?
@bikerevivesheffield dunno tbh, I've never had a cable that I struggled to get at so can't help there.
Drop of superglue for me.
cant fathom why crimps are a thing since i worked that out.
Superglue gets inbetween the strands and never comes off, and doesnt mash the cable like crimps.
Mole grips set just right that a gentle squeeze does it 🤭
Dob of superglue.
Or if your really fancy, get the soldering iron out and a blob of solder on the end.
There are very few “bike tools” that aren’t just massively marked up tools. Park especially are at it.
Generally agree, but my cable cutters are one of the few Park tools I own, and I have to say they're really good, and at the time cost the same as any other side cutters from a decent brand. To be fair, they get used a lot less now I only have one bike with cable brakes.
Usually just use mole grips, or just pliers if they're closer to hand, but thanks to this thread, I'll check if my cutters have a crimper - never thought to look.
I superglued for a while, but found it comes apart eventually, so went back to crimps.
I'm interested in this tool, the park tool cable cutter and crimper is shite! I've got a good draper tools cable cutter now but no crimper, and i always mess it up with pliers etc, sometimes it immediately falls off or i clamp to hard and split the cable end or fray the cable underneath....very annoying! i would definitely buy a tool that does this specifically as I'm back on all cables now!
is there such a tool?!
ok just seen the park tool EP-1 - exactly what I've been waiting for even if it is overpriced from them.....
is there possibly a non branded version of this out there?! that's not 35 quid
is there such a tool?!
Yes, the Elvedes 2016093
good shout @squirrelking -but looks like it would be tricky to get to the dropper post lever etc though sadly - and its just as expensive as the park one
What do you use for crimping the end of cables?
Universal tool.
A pair of knipex pipe grips 'crimp' the cable end rather well, just takes a strong squeeze.
The cable crimpers/choppers we use at work are a joy to work with, much better than the old hydraulic ones.
https://mephire.co.uk/product/battery-swa-cable-cutter-85mm/
My cable cutters are a 25+ year old set of Shimano's that I won't be replacing any time soon.
The most satisfying job I did on a recent bike build, using the right tools rather than bodging it, was sorting the steerer tube on the forks: nice straight cut courtesy of a pipe cutter, then whacking the star fangled nut home with a single tap using whatever that's called (both X-tools). No drama, no wonky cuts, cost effective tools that don't get used much but just work when they do get used.
Star fangled nut tools are amazingly satisfying, almost like having the right tool for the job gets proper results!
Abbey Tools Chain Whip and Crombie, its so simple, but every time I use it I appreciate the workmanship thats gone into it.
For cutting inners and outers: Knipex 95 61 150 Bowden Cable Wire Rope Cutter
For crimping cable ends, Knipex Plier Wrench 125mm
Find bike branded standard tools to be pretty dire. Park make decent bottom bracket tools and thats about it.
Star fangled nut tools are amazingly satisfying, almost like having the right tool for the job gets proper results!
Yeah love mine, goes in straight every time, cost about 15 quid.
I have this cyclepro one. Now only £10.79! http://www.hobsoncycles.co.uk/p/869/Cyclepro-Universal-Star-Fangled-Nut-Setter
I also love a press, headset, bb, bearings, all very satisfying.
Who the hell is still using star fangled nuts? Seems like something from last century, compression fitting all the way.
Which compression fitting are you using then? I had hope and some other one and thy were both crap.
Who the hell is still using star fangled nuts?
Everyone except you . Why change something that just works? The only time a compression bung is better is in a carbon steerer.
I prefer a SFN to a compression bung, I've never had a SFN slip. But I like the OneUp threaded EDC setup most, costly but worthwhile IMO, I just wish it would work with the carbon steerer on my road bike.
I've tried a few compression fitting and a SFN is easier to fit. and more reliable.
Anywhere actually sell Elvedes stuff that isn't trade only? their high strand count gear cables are appreciably better than anything else I've used.
Park cutters blunted. Some others were bulky. Mostly I used a red handled set that got sold to me for cutting trellis wire. Cheaper than anything bike specific and work a treat.
On cable ends I've tried heatshrink (neat but falls off) and didn't find superglue successful either. I'm wondering if a blob of hot melt glue might be perfect, if a bit of a faff each time.
On cable ends I’ve tried heatshrink (neat but falls off) and didn’t find superglue successful either. I’m wondering if a blob of hot melt glue might be perfect, if a bit of a faff each time.
Or, dare I say it, a crimpable ferrule. I use whatever pliers are handy and they stay on, however I tend to carry a few in spares and have sorted them trailside,
From above
For cutting inners and outers: Knipex 95 61 150 Bowden Cable Wire Rope Cutter
For crimping cable ends, Knipex Plier Wrench 125mm
just works or knipex side cutters for cutting if space is tighter.
avoid the park blue tax most of the time
@b33k34 BikeInn sell them as do Amazon and a few others, Google the part number and a few results pop up.
I use some Irwin wire cutters for cable, do the job nicely.
Oh and I've not checked but I'd be surprised if a compression fitting is lighter than a star nut.
I have a very cheap tool for tapping in star fangled nuts straight. It's the most satisfying tool to use. Just works perfectly. I've tried a few compression type versions and they always slip
Yeah the steerer tube cutting guide and SFN setter is a great combo for stress free steerer cutting.
And the Decathlon chain whip thing thats not a chain whip! Great tool.
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And the Decathlon chain whip thing thats not a chain whip! Great tool
Ooh now you're talking! Want!
Crimping, I mean, super glue just holds it while you find a random pair of pliers to crimp it. Specialist tools? mixing up Araldite? just silly behaviour.
Oh yeah, +1 for the Decathlon chain "whip" - one of those tools you use once and wonder why it hasn't always been like this.
I have just bought a hydraulic hose cutter/barb insertion tool. Got it from Amazon, not expecting very much from it, but it's a really nice CNCd piece of aluminium and really satisfying to use. I've been looking at the recommendations above for cable cutters, as the ones I have had for about 10 years are failing to give a reliable cut, but the crimping bit does still work well.
What do you use for crimping the end of cables?
Park NP-6
Same as sirromj Mole grips set just right that a gentle squeeze does it
BITD our local bike mechanic had a crimping tool that embossed his initials onto the crimped ferrule, always wanted the tool to do that (my initials, not his) but never got around to sourcing one...........