Method 3: Saw blade A third option to cut cables is to use a hacksaw. This method is similar to using side cutters. First bend the cable until the armor begins to pop open. Once the armor is cut through, remove the armor sheath to expose the conductors.
Using a saw blade will leave jagged edges that need to cleaned with cutters or a metal file. Different style cables Additional consideration should be made if this is an MCI-A style cable or a traditional cable.
Traditional MC cables have an overall polypropylene assembly wrap under the armor that will be removed during installation. For all Type AC Cable installations , red anti-short bushings must be inserted into the end of the cable prior to installation. We value your privacy. You can learn about how we handle information we collect by viewing our Privacy Policy. Agent Contractor Distributor Inspector Other. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.
Rotate the handle slowly, completing 1 rotation. Unscrew the thumbscrew and remove the cable. Once you've cut through the cable, unscrew the bottom thumbscrew until the cable is loose in the cable guide. Then remove the cable from the cutters. Remove the waste armor. When you take the cable out of the cutters, the armor to the right of where you made the cut should be loose. Slide this armor off of the cable, exposing about 6 in 15 cm of wire for you to feed into your junction box.
Method 2. Measure your cable and mark it for cutting. It's best to measure a couple of times to make sure you have it exactly right. Then use a permanent marker to mark the armor where you need to make your cut. Bend the cable where you want to make the cut. Place your hands on either side of your mark. Then push down on both sides, causing the cable to bend at the mark.
Once you have the beginning of a bend, take the cable in one hand and squeeze it until the coils begin to come apart.
Insert a diagonal cutter into the opening of the armor. You may not have a lot of room to get the cutters under the armor at first. Insert as much of the tip of the cutter into the opening as you can. Then gently work it back and forth until enough of the cutter is in to cut through the armor. Cut off the excess armor. Once you have one side of your side cutters under the armor, begin cutting. You should cut around the edge of the armor, staying near the measurement mark.
Slide off the waste piece. Once you've cut through the armor, the piece of armor you don't need will be loose on the wires. Slide the waste piece of armor down along the wires until it comes completely off. Cut the wires to length. If you're cutting down a large piece of cable to length, you'll also need to cut the wires. Measure how much wire you need, starting at the edge of the remaining armor.
Then use the side cutters to gently cut through the wires at your measurement mark. Trim the sharp ends of the remaining armor. Leaving sharp ends can cause injury when you're installing the cable or are making repairs. Use side cutters to gently cut away the excess metal to create a smooth edge. Just be sure you don't file the cables. Method 3. Mark your cable for cutting. It's best to measure your cable a few times. Make sure you're sure about how much length you need.
Then mark where you want to cut the armor. Bend the cable at the mark. Place your hands on either side of the mark you made.
Then push down on either side of the mark, creating a bend in the armor at the mark. As you bend the cable, the armor should pop open. Place a saw blade at a degree angle to the armor and begin sawing. You should place the saw blade on the armor where it's beginning to pop up. Then gently pull the blade back and forth across the armor until it just cuts through.
Be careful not to cut through the wires. Rotate the cable so you can cut through the other side. Once you've sawed through the armor on 1 side, flip the cable over. Then saw through the armor on the other side, being careful not to cut through the wires. Remove the excess armor.
Once you've cut completely through the armor, you'll have excess armor to the right of your cut. Slide the excess armor off, exposing the wires. Remove the jagged edges of the remaining armor. Using a metal file, gently sand down the edge of the armor where you made the cut.
This will help you prevent injury when you're installing the cable or making repairs. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. The edges of cut armor can be jagged and sharp. Make sure you're using protective gloves while you're cutting the cable so your hands don't get cut. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Related wikiHows How to. How to.
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