I am installing a new rudder cable, 1/16 stainless, and need to crimp or suage. A crimping tool at West Marine is $110 and about 3 ft long. I tried using some vice grips but the suage did not hold. Any advice for good crimping without the big tool? Jerry *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> I am installing a new rudder cable, 1/16 stainless, and need to crimp or > suage. A crimping tool at West Marine is $110 and about 3 ft long. I tried > using some vice grips but the suage did not hold. Any advice for good > crimping without the big tool? When I was pondering some modifications on my rudder, I was looking for that "crimp tool" and crimps too. There was some "crimp tool" in Home Depot - about $20, looking like medium-size pliers. Auto-parts stores might have it too. Mostly they are designed for crimping electrical plastic sleeves, though should work on small diameter copper crimps. I couldn't, btw, find any small diameter crimps except for copper ones (mine are aluminum). *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Several years ago I bought a crimping tool at a bike shop--sorry, I don't remember what I paid for it. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
A bicycle crimping tool is made for crimping soft aluminum ends on cables. I was at West Marine yesterday and had them make up some locking cables for my kayaks. A loop over the bow and one over the stern that lock together under the racks. They were more than obliging as I ran out to the parking lot to test each for fit. If you can measure it up, then bring the assembly to West Marine, they would happily crimp it for you using their massive, bench mounted crimper. Cya *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On 20 Jun 2005 at 9:18, Bob Denton wrote: > If you can measure it up, then bring the assembly to West Marine, they > would happily crimp it for you using their massive, bench mounted > crimper. I once wanted some stainless wire crimped and the local marine shop (not West Marine) wouldn't crimp it - liability issues, they said. I had to shop around to find someone who would. Interesting and YMMV. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I needed a tool for my steering cables and making my bow hold-downs for the car when I am on a long trip with the yaks. I find thin stranded stainless is much easier to look at up front when driving long hours. If my memory serves me correctly, West sold a big tool for about $150. I picked up essentially the same one on e-bay for $68 with shipping. Tony Reynes -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net] On Behalf Of Bob Denton Sent: Monday, June 20, 2005 10:18 AM To: Seakayakerjb_at_aol.com; al.m_at_3web.net; gfoodma_at_earthlink.net; paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net Subject: RE: [Paddlewise] crimping rudder cable A bicycle crimping tool is made for crimping soft aluminum ends on cables. I was at West Marine yesterday and had them make up some locking cables for my kayaks. A loop over the bow and one over the stern that lock together under the racks. They were more than obliging as I ran out to the parking lot to test each for fit. If you can measure it up, then bring the assembly to West Marine, they would happily crimp it for you using their massive, bench mounted crimper. Cya *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Some years ago I had to repair the rudder cable on my Feathercraft K-1. Feathercraft mailed the crimping/suaging sleeves free. I got the crimping/suaging tool from a local hardware shop. I can't remember the price now but I am certain it wasn't particularly expensive. Tony In a message dated 6/18/2005 3:08:14 PM Pacific Standard Time, gfoodma_at_earthlink.net writes: I am installing a new rudder cable, 1/16 stainless, and need to crimp or suage. A crimping tool at West Marine is $110 and about 3 ft long. I tried using some vice grips but the suage did not hold. Any advice for good crimping without the big tool? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
yes: most hardware stores, here in the US ,ACE Truvalue, Trustworthy etc sell cheap (afordable--and I'm a cheap pr%$# ) crimping tools. not the big bolt cutter type but the ones w/ the two bars w/ the screws and the cutouts in the two bars for the diferent gauge swages. that said I have crimped the small aluminum swages available at most hardware stores w/ regular vicegrips set real tight. (enough to work on a snowblower clutch cable) experiment w/ a few extra swages and a scrap of cable first and get a feel for the setting needed for agood hold on the swage. regards: Michael ----- Original Message ----- From: <Niilus_at_aol.com> Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] crimping rudder cable > Some years ago I had to repair the rudder cable on my Feathercraft K-1. > Feathercraft mailed the crimping/suaging sleeves free. I got the crimping/suaging > tool from a local hardware shop. I can't remember the price now but I am > certain it wasn't particularly expensive. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
West Marine also sells a small swaging tool that has a couple of bolts that you tighten to do the crimping. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay? storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=2779 Nick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I work in an automotive electrical rebuild shop, and we often get folks coming in for simple crimps or small jobs like this. We do it gladly and send them on their way with no money changing hands. Alternately, if you were to track down your local Snap-On or Mac Tools truck at one of their stops, I'm reasonably sure the dealer would do your crimp for a coffee or a chat. You might want to pick up a pair of Mac mechanic's gloves, they're great for paddling too. (Avoid the impact gloves, the palms are too thick) Glenn/Magoo_ns *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
A piece of duct tape wrapped around the cable before you make the cut will keep the ends from fraying. Hope this helps. Stephen *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
see http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/NICROPRESS.htm the smaller $25 tool will do 1/16" cable. Google 'swage', and you'll likely find more options. Erik *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Vise grips work just fine. Got four terminations on 1/16 SS rudder cable done in the field in 1997, still going strong. No need for special crimping tools for the forces we put on these fittings for rudder cables and similar. The local marine shop crimps cables of any dimension for free, if you buy the fittings and/or cable there. They are Englund Marine, pretty big out/up here for the commercial crowd, and are not concerned about liability issues. The shop that refused on these grounds is one to avoid. Re: use of 1/16 cables for bow tiedowns while cartopping: I would not recommend that; the cable is a cutting hazard for someone sliding across it in an incidental contact or pedestrian contact. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> Vise grips work just fine. Got four terminations on 1/16 SS rudder cable > done in the field in 1997, still going strong. No need for special > crimping tools for the forces we put on these fittings for rudder cables > and similar. The local marine shop crimps cables of any dimension for > free, if you buy the fittings and/or cable there. They are Englund > Marine, pretty big out/up here for the commercial crowd, and are not > concerned about liability issues. The shop that refused on these grounds > is one to avoid. Dave, When I used the vise grips the crimp failed and the cable slipped out of the swage ferrule. How did you actually crimp? Looking end on at the ferrule there are two holes/tubes for the cable. What is the correct position of the ferrule with respect to the jaws of the vise grips? How many crimps did you make? I bought a pair of crimping pliers for $18 with a rectangular crimping die with male and female parts. This is intended, I believe, for electrical, not structural, crimps. So far this crimp is holding, but I do not trust it. The local West Marine will lend me the proper crimping tool but it is too large to reach into the boat near the rudder cable end. Jerry *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
"Jerry F" <gfoodma_at_earthlink.net> wrote: > When I used the vise grips the crimp failed and the cable slipped out of > the swage ferrule. How did you actually crimp? Looking end on at the > ferrule there are two holes/tubes for the cable. What is the correct > position of the ferrule with respect to the jaws of the vise grips? How > many crimps did you make? I just smashed the squat out of the copper ferrule*, once near each end, vise grips positioned parallel to the long dimension of the ferrule, incorporating two strands of cable when forming a loop, and one strand for a stop. (The one-holer ferrules specifically designed for end-stops are better for that purpose -- smash the squat out of those the same way.) [* "smash squat out of" = about 1/16 gap on the vise grips when closed on the ferrule -- you'll know] > I bought a pair of crimping pliers for $18 with a rectangular crimping die > with male and female parts. This is intended, I believe, for electrical, > not structural, crimps. So far this crimp is holding, but I do not trust > it. I wouldn't, either. Vise grips have the leverage to make a secure crimp. The tools for electrical connections do not. > The local West Marine will lend me the proper crimping tool but it is too > large to reach into the boat near the rudder cable end. Hunh? What sort of termination geometry do you have? Is your rudder horn inside the hull? Mine is outside, and the nicopress tool jaws would work fine there. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:42 PDT