Complete noob question. If I wanted to shorten my cable line would I have to replace this little silver piece
by SnooWoofers7670
Complete noob question. If I wanted to shorten my cable line would I have to replace this little silver piece
by SnooWoofers7670
4 Comments
Ideally- yes. You can usually just pull it off and re-use it.
Realistically, I don’t always replace them. Especially on tight bends like the front brake caliper. *Not* using them has never been an issue for me.
EDIT: If you don’t use the silver piece, at the very least, make sure you cut the cable housing cleanly to limit sharp edges and burrs.
If you can somehow shorten it and cut from the other end to keep that it would be ideal but you would survive if not
Pull it off and reuse. Usually you can just twist it off with your hands. Maybe try the hot water trick so the metal expands if it’s not budging. Last resort, use some old scissors and very slightly close them around the bottom of the piece and then grab it carefully around the blades (maybe use gloves) and then pry it off. That’s what I’ve done in a pinch. I now have a big baggie of them since I like building bikes so much
I’m not sure how the rest of the cable is set up, but you could also cut out a section from the middle, close the gap and shorten it that way. It’s a pain in the ass, but if you don’t feel like redoing the factory caps, it’s an option.
Also, underneath the black sleeve is a metal coiled sleeve that can be tough to cut though. I’d recommend a dremel type of tool, but it can be done by hand.
One last thing, I’ve always removed the cable from the sleeve before cutting just to make sure I don’t damage or compromise it in any way. Just make sure the ends of the cable are neat so it’s easy to slide back through.