I need a lesson in steel cable crimping.

[sick467]

I have a simple application that would use 1/4" (maybe smaller) steel cable (galvanized or SS) along with loop thimbles and a turn-buckle, but don't know the first thing about what tools to look into or where to get them. I will NOT be using cable clamps as I want a clean look to it. The forces involved will be less than 500 pounds.

Any good leads on where to go to research a bit about crimped cable assemblies, the techniques, and the tools needed?

 

[bob15]

Look on ebay for a used Nicopress crimping tool for the correct size wire rope you will be using. Then get the sleeves you need and you'll be all set.

https://www.nicopress.com/categories/tool-products

https://www.nicopress.com/categories/wire-rope

 

[matt_i]

McMaster Carr has the oval sleeves and Nicopress tools.

The oval sleeve packaging will specify a groove letter..... "M" for example, and how many crimps you need to make on the sleeve. Usually just divide the sleeve into (x+1) equal lengths and make the crimps. (E.g. space - crimp- space - crimp - space for 3 spaces and 2 crimps)

You need the pliers and those are not cheap. I would look down the road to see what sizes you might use in the future as there are multi-groove pliers.

You will also need a cutter, also not cheap, you can buy those at McMaster Carr as well. I think McM still sells Felco in a couple of sizes and I think there's a small Knipex offering as well but the small one will NOT do a 1/4" wire rope.

Whatever you do, don't loan out the cutters as someone will attempt to slice a padlock hasp with the what seems like a giant unstoppable tool....but....with sharp tool steel blades, I will tell you high-positive-rake hard edges don't like to meet up with hardened shafts. Use the cheap abrasive cutoff wheel to dispatch padlocks....

 

[rsanter]

For many low stress applications I smash it with a hammer or put it in a vise.
If concerned then double Ferrell it

 

[lardy1]

Disregard.

 

[sick467]

Excellent! That's got me started in the right direction.

I have learned to stay away form the Roller Swage fittings = Mucho $$$$.

Do the following Crimp-On fittings use the same compression tool?

I ask because first one has 2 cables going through it while the second is for a single cable AND McMaster-Carr directs me to two different tools.

 

[bob15]

Excellent! That's got me started in the right direction.

I have learned to stay away form the Roller Swage fittings = Mucho $$$$.

Do the following Crimp-On fittings use the same compression tool?

I ask because first one has 2 cables going through it while the second is for a single cable AND McMaster-Carr directs me to two different tools.

Not all of the tools will work for both the sleeve and stop for the same diameter wire rope.

You also need to know what sleeve & stop material you will use.

 

[shawhite]

It would be cheaper to take to an industrial supply then to buy the tools. Slide the sleeve on the cable. Untwist 3 of the 6 outer lays. Loop them back and braid them back on themselves . Slide the sleeve over the end of the cable and crimp. You can use a vise with a die or you can make a die.

 

[gearhead1]

I did my clothesline that way and got everything at Home Boy Depot. Three lines of wet clothes is pretty heavy.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...=REC-_-PLP_Browse-_-203809767-_-205887557-_-N

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...REC-_-PLP_Browse-_-203809767-_-205887743-_-N&

 

[nutjob]

I did my clothesline that way and got everything at Home Boy Depot. Three lines of wet clothes is pretty heavy.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...=REC-_-PLP_Browse-_-203809767-_-205887557-_-N

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...REC-_-PLP_Browse-_-203809767-_-205887743-_-N&

This is the same tool and ferrule I used for the wire rope on my shop press table lift. Worked great and looks great!

Kevin

 

[matt_i]

Excellent! That's got me started in the right direction.

I have learned to stay away form the Roller Swage fittings = Mucho $$$$.

Do the following Crimp-On fittings use the same compression tool?

I ask because first one has 2 cables going through it while the second is for a single cable AND McMaster-Carr directs me to two different tools.

There's a different "stop sleeve" (as opposed to the "oval sleevel" pictured) which is just a round copper slug with a hole in it, that you crimp with a different letter groove.

If you can match up that fitting OD with the appropriate stop sleeve OD then you might be able to cross over. I can't say if they are similar or different materials than the copper Nicopress fittings (?)

Best practice is not to mess around, if you call McM they can give you some more info about it or direct to the OEM who will tell you which tool to use.