or will serrated tin snips do? Wouldn't use pliers as they will most probably just flatten the outers but am slightly loath paying twenty odd quid for what is a pretty rarely used tool.

any opinions?

i paid… i forget how much, for a park cable cutter about 3 years ago. it's brilliant, and i use it often.

Just swallow the price and buy some Park's.

Anything else is false economy IMO, cos they'll either break pretty quickly, or are incapable of properly cutting cable outer and fray inner wires all the time. Park's just work and they are a tool for life too.

I don't think tin snips will do it, but you can buy non-bike specific cable cutters for about £8. Sorry can't remember the site, but I did buy some for my brother and they did the job just fine.
Will be back if it comes to me!

This sort of thing. They are exactly the same as the "Pro" cable cutters I have.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220611491384

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/47997/Hand-Tools/Pliers-Cutters/Cable-Wire-Cutters/Cable-Cutters-240mm

-1 on the Park's for me I'm afraid. I find if they are tight enough to cut thin cables such as gear cables then they are too tight to close. I might be tempted by non-bike specific cutters though

Draper IIRC. Worth it IMO, one time where youcan't get away without the correct tool.

Also they're very good at slicing through barbed wire

park cable cutters are the best investment i've ever made. Along with long armed chain breakers, look after them and they'll last forever.

Proper cable cutters are one of those things you wish you'd had for years.

Sam you can borrow mine if you want, I'll bring them along tomorrow night.

What have you broken, sorry i mean 'fettled' now 😆

martin

I've had my Parks for over 6 years now and they've been used in the shop every day. Still good as new even after being used to trim mudguard stays!

You can improve the performance of cable cutters by heating the cable with a lighter first. Gives you a clean cut every time. Think I'm using brand x from crc or similar.

Martin,

not broke anything for a change. Putting new cables on the other bike as its shifting like poop at the minute.

if I can borrow yours that would be great.

fingers crossed for the weather.

Screwfix – miles cheaper and easily do the job.

My Park cable cutters have always been good, gear cables cut just fine… Also have Shimano and cheapy ones from a start toolkit I think, the Park are better.