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Handbrake Cable
Daddylonglegs - 7/10/09 at 12:39 PM

I bought a pair of handbrake cables some time ago and as it happens they are waaaay too long. I could probably wrap them around the axle twice and still have slack in the cable! Is it best to shorten them or get some other ones?

Bluemoon - 7/10/09 at 12:50 PM

If it's the inner cable then shorten them this is normal..

Daddylonglegs - 7/10/09 at 12:55 PM

It's both inner and outer, about 2-3' too long? Should have waited until I had the build further on before I bought them I suppose

Will I be OK to use steel wire clamps to re-join them or will Mr IVA sy "NO" ?

Bluemoon - 7/10/09 at 01:13 PM

No, not all inspectors like that, I cut the cable at one end only and then used an RAC type end that has a number of grub screws to grip the cable, MK gave me one..

Other option is to get a boat chandlers to crimp and end on (best option, but I would have to take the car to them to keep one length of cable!!)..

Dan

Daddylonglegs - 7/10/09 at 01:17 PM

Thanks Dan.

Are the ends readily available anywhere? i.e. FleaBay etc. We have a couple of Chandlers in our area so might be a more 'professional' option.

JB

Bluemoon - 7/10/09 at 01:25 PM

Not sure about suppliers, they are part of the RAC repair kit (ask one nicely??). MK would probably sell you one. The offset design of the grub screws is essential so you need one made for cables (i.e. the center of a choc-block electrical connector is not good enough).

Dan

[Edited on 7/10/09 by Bluemoon]

[Edited on 7/10/09 by Bluemoon]

whitestu - 7/10/09 at 01:35 PM

If you have a mig you can form a nipple out of weld on the cable. That's what I did and its been on the car for 3 years with no probs.

Daddylonglegs - 7/10/09 at 01:46 PM

quote:
Originally posted by whitestu
If you have a mig you can form a nipple out of weld on the cable. That's what I did and its been on the car for 3 years with no probs.


Now that is what I call Locost That's what I love about this forum

might be best if I practice on a bit of cable first though

miikae - 7/10/09 at 01:52 PM

I suppose you could use Gripples as i have heard a few people have used them on there handbrake cables.

Mike

BenB - 7/10/09 at 01:53 PM

Presumably you have to be careful not too temper the wire strands otherwise it'll effect their strength?

Bluemoon - 7/10/09 at 03:33 PM

^^ one reason I didn't do it (also I don't have a welder )...
Dan

Daddylonglegs - 7/10/09 at 03:37 PM

quote:
Originally posted by BenB
Presumably you have to be careful not too temper the wire strands otherwise it'll effect their strength?


Oh Poo!