Cutting metal clad cable

[jdub63]

I can't believe I'm even asking this, do I "need" to buy a rotary cutter to cut metal clad cable, or is there another way? I only need to cut a few pieces for my dropped ceiling.

thanks,

Jdub

 

[Frankbank]

There are a few ways to do it.1-You can use a hacksaw.Don't cut straight across but cut at an angle to the cable.45 deg or so.Go slow.Step on the cable to hold while cutting.2-Bend the cable until the sheath starts to separate and nip the sheath with dykes.You almost have to bend it in half.3-Rotate the sheathing bacwards so it starts to separate and nip it with dykes.Use care and you won't damage the conductors.I have used all 3 methods sucessfully when the coorrect tool is in the truck and too lazy or no apprentice to retreive.

 

[JBurgess]

Don't forget the the anti short bushing, unless they are built into your connectors.

http://www.arlcatalog.com/Flex/Anti-Short Bushings.htm

 

[DURAMAT]

or bend it back and forth and pull and then counter turn opening the clad and then cut with your dikes. Roto cutters are the best and cleaner too. totally worth $20 at Home Depot. As mentioned DONT FORGET THE ANTI SHORT BUSHING. (red insert)

 

[Norcal]

or bend it back and forth and pull and then counter turn opening the clad and then cut with your dikes. Roto cutters are the best and cleaner too. totally worth $20 at Home Depot. As mentioned DONT FORGET THE ANTI SHORT BUSHING. (red insert)

While I always use redheads on MC cable, believe it or not they are not required by the NEC, they are required for AC cable but IMO they are cheap insurance,also the MC cutters are the only way to go, no worries about nicking conductors then.

 

[jdub63]

Thanks for the info... I ended up buying the rotary cutter. Didn't have to twist my arm to hard to make me buy a new tool