Any way to crimp a new end onto a park brake cable?

[davepl]

I've run into this a few times now, particularly doing rear disc conversions, where I need to crimp the "end" on a park brake cable.

I've got a swaging tool but the aluminum ferrules have no chance of standing up to that kind of tension.

Is there an end or a process you can use to put the "stopper" on the end of a steel cable?

[mike16]

go to a local area airport where general aviation aircraft are serviced. Find an aircraft mechanic and show him what you need doing. he will probably have the tools or if not he should be able to direct you to an FBO that has the capability to crimp your cable ends. its a common enough procedure in general aviation

[Lunnb]

You might want to talk to someone that works on lift trucks , Crown , Bauer , etc . Many a time I have crimped ends on steering cables using a crimping tool ( arm strong , we didn't have a fancy assed power crimped ) and malleable cable clamps .

[samkost]

Dave,
You mentioned an aluminum swage on a steel cable.
As an Overhead Crane Operator for a local Aerospace Company , I have used many styles of swagged wire rope rigging for certain Crane moves and lifts.

Here are a couple of links:
Some different swage styles from the Crosby Group.
West Coast Wire Rope and Rigging

A particular steel swage fitting called a swage button and the correct crimping tool (tons of pressure) may be required with steel cable for a strong terminal connection of 98% proof load.


https://www.thecrosbygroup.com/wp-co...over_LoRes.pdf

http://www.wcwr.com/

Hope this helps,
Sam

[Stocker]

If there are still any logging supply outfits near you, they might be able to fix you up -- if they can handle a job that small. Many years ago our local Ace Hardware crimped my brake cable ends and they are still holding. But the store somehow lost (or threw out) their crimping equipment.

[duallydude63]

find a shop thats dills with cable for heavy equipment they should be able to help U !!

[68Gold/white]

Heavy duty truck supply businesses, also.

[midniteblues]

I've already slipped a good fitting peice of steel tube over the cable and welded the ends.

If its a decent size cable a few holes drilled in the tube for spot welds would help too.

A bubba fix for sure and i wouldnt recomend anyone doing it on a ebrake cable but it worked for me on those notorious s10 hood latch cables that always seem too fray and break.

Speaking of frayed cable ends, a peice of shrink wrap on the ends helps stop the fraying and from getting poked by the strands.
YIKES! Them things hurt.

Ebrake's and the cables are something too take very seriously.
it could be your last ditch effort bringing your vehicle to a stop if you have a complete hydrolic failure.

Just a reminder as alot of them are called parking brakes anymore and thats what most know them as.

[Grumpy old man]

Buy a new cable and be done with it !

[dennislbrooks]

If 1/8" cable, use 5/16" steel solid rod. Drill a 1/8" hole thru the middle - end to end--- about a 1/2". Now cut off a 1/4" to 5/16" --whatever is right. Place cable thru leaving a little out. Use a Nicopress tool of correct size to crimp. Use mig to just spot the cable on the end. I have done this many times.

I have a suitable nicopress tool - about 2 foot long handles---and I believe the steel nicopress sleeves can still be gotten for fencing. Look up nicopress on web.

We used them on 109 steel open wire. Brass ones were used on 080 copper clad and pure copper 104. Telephone and telegraph wires. Open wire was phasing out early 70's.

[davepl]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Buy a new cable and be done with it !

Who sells custom length cables I can buy one from?

My case is when the stock cable isn't the right length, and you have to go longer (or even shorter sometimes).

[dennislbrooks]

couple pics --if all else fails give me length and I will make you one.

[davepl]

Thanks Dennis.... I have the tool, but what are you using for ferrules that has been holding up? Steel or aluminum, and where are you getting them, and anything special to know about crimping them on?

I also see you have a rounded bead after the ferrule. Welded? I've tried tacking the ferrule on with a TIG but it didn't seem to help, still ripped off when I used a lot of force on the pedal.

[dennislbrooks]

solid steel rod -- drill hole -- make ferrel as long as allowed --- crimps -- then I spot end with a MIG. Use smallest hole on nicopress that you can still complete crimp --- crimp more than once depending on ferrel length.

[toolboxchev]

Good to know, One more for the tool box of tricks to fix!