best way to cut 2G cable

[csport]

last tuesday was my birthday, My son asked me what I wanted.

I told them I would like battery cables for my cart-

he was going to order, and he was picking up supplies at a welding shop and evidently the man told him he could save a lot of moneymaking the cable himself

OK - how the heck can you neatly cut the 2 gauge wire

just remember : your not supposed to look a gift horse wire in the mouth-
My son said he is buying the lugs, this payday

copper or tinned covered? for the lugs?

what kind of solder should I get to use for the ends?

thanks
Chris-

It is fun getting this stuff

[as350pilot]

Use the tinned lugs with silver solder. And below to cut the cable...
ACEHardware Bolt cutters.

[azTony]

I have a pair of hand cutters made for heavy gauge wire, cuts like butter

[porthole]

Home depot, sears etc. Copper cable cutters like this. Money well spent if you are going to cut even just a few cables.

http://www.sears.com/greenlee-cable-...1&blockType=G1

[DaveTM]

I've simply put the cable in a padded vise, and where I wanted to cut, I placed that spot close to the edge of the vise, then just used a hack saw with a good sharp blade. Works like a charm.

[sportcoupe]

Originally Posted by porthole

Home depot, sears etc. Copper cable cutters like this. Money well spent if you are going to cut even just a few cables.

http://www.sears.com/greenlee-cable-...1&blockType=G1

You beat me to it. Absolutely buy cable cutters. You will be amazed how clean it cuts and doesn't deform the cable at all. Way better then even big wire cutters and bolt cutters LOL.

[azTony]

Those are the cutting pliers I use, well worth the money. I made cables for my second battery, winch and on board air compressor for my 4X4 years ago with no problems.

The solder question was not answered yet...

[porthole]

Originally Posted by azTony

The solder question was not answered yet...

Crimp for those that cannot solder correctly, and few can.
An alternative to crimping your own is get the wire and terminals, build your cables and then take them back to the shop you bought the stuff yet.

Adhesive lined shrink tubing to finish it off.

You could buy cable crimpers, but for battery cable size you are looking at well over a $100 for the correct tool.

Here is one version, usually available for about $200 if you look around.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...9#.UTdlSjfkpu1


I am not a fan of this store, but for $60 these look interesting:
http://www.harborfreight.com/hydraul...ool-66150.html

[DaveTM]

Here's the crimp tool that I used. I actually borrowed it from my Brother in law who is a master mechanic. http://www.2xpower.com/Hammer-Cable-Crimper_p_144.html




You simply place the wire inside the lug, the tool is lowered onto the lug (it's spring loaded) and give it a good WHACK with a strong hammer, and a good followup WHACK, and that's it....all done!!

And for $25, you can't tell the difference between the job done by this, or the job done by the $100 tool.

Dave

[88 ez go]

look up on you tube on soldering battery cables real easy just did all mine to 2ga solder dont crimp