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How To Cut Winch Cable

Winch cables are great for pulling any heavy object. But before you can use it, you need to cut it properly. This process needs to be done carefully and precisely. Otherwise, your cable will go to waste.

So, you need to know how to cut winch cable before starting the process. And how to do that?

You would need the right tools and learn how to position the rope correctly.

And in this article, we will help you learn everything about cutting winch cable.

Cutting Winch Cable

You need to go through a series of steps before getting the perfect cut of your winch cable.

Even a little mistake can cause you to start from the beginning, which means you will lose time.

So, let's jump to the steps you need to follow to cut your winch cable.

Step 1: Gather All The Tools

Before you start cutting winch steel cables, you need to collect all the equipment you need. The instruments that you will need are:

  • Cable Cutters such as shears or pliers
  • Safety Goggles
  • Measurement Tape
  • Leather Gloves
All The Tools for Cutting Winch Cable

Step 2: Preparation

Before cutting the cable, get yourself and your workstation ready. Put on the safety goggles and hard leather gloves. It might move towards your face or eyes when you cut the wire. And since they can be quite sharp, it is best to take all the safety precautions.

Make sure your workstation is bright enough to help you get the exact measurement. If you work in a poorly lit place, you will make mistakes while measuring your cable.

You should get a gripper to keep the cable in its designated place. Otherwise, it will spring back and forth, resulting in serious injuries.

Step 3: Measure The Cable

After the preparation, you need to measure your cable. Any mistake in measuring can cause complications. Also, you will not be able to use that portion of the winch cable anymore. So, you need to be careful in this step.

Use the measuring tape to assess the winch cable's length, circumference, thickness, and width. If needed, measure the cable multiple times for zero inaccuracy.

Now, measure how much you need to cut for your use. Then mark the place with deep color so that it does not wipe out and you can find it easily. You need to be extra careful about this too.

Because if you make any mistake, you will have to start from the beginning again.

Step 4: Cut The Winch Cable

First, place the winch cable in the cutting device. Make sure the mark on the winch cable and the cutter lines up precisely. You have to make a swift and steady cut. So, exert firm and persistent pressure on the cutting machine.

You will get a clean and accurate cut on your winch cable if you follow this technique.

Step 5: Finishing Touch

After you have cut the cable, you need to administer some finishing touches. Implementing these will refine the look and capacity.

You should utilize one-handed crimping pincers and aluminum layers. These will help you get a neat cut and generate a 'stop' on your winch cable. They will reduce the production of frayed strands too.

How To Choose The Best Cable Cutter

A wire cutter with the finest quality will help you get a clean and quick cut. If your wire cutter is of low quality, it will rust quickly. Also, you will face difficulty while cutting your cable. So, you need to choose the best cutter for your winch cable.

  • Decide Your Budget

Decide how much you are willing to spend on the wire cutter. Then research the cutters' market price to choose the best one.

  • Superior Material

Your cable cutter should be anti-rust and strong with the most refined edges. The blade of the cutter should be sturdier than the winch cable.

  • Versatile Function

Get the cable cutter that can do more than just cutting the winch cable.

Preventative Measures

You need to be cautious and take all the safety measures you need.

Always wear your safety goggles to prevent any injury to your eyes. If you do not wear it, splinters will get into your eyes and damage them irreversibly.

Leather gloves are a must while cutting up the steel wires. You will need to use some sharp devices during this process, like the wire cutter.

If you are not careful and are not wearing your gloves, the cutter might fall onto your fingers. But if you have leather gloves, your fingers and hand will be safe.

Always maintain a safe distance between your body and your workstation.

Final Words

We believe that this guide has given you a better understanding of how to cut winch cable. You need to follow all the steps, rules, and safety precautions to get the best result from the process.

Otherwise, your snipped winch cable will become useless. Or worse, you will get injured. So, follow every direction accurately.

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