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Warning: I used to think a quick cable housing trim was fine, but a year of repeat shifting issues changed my mind.
The difference came from taking the extra minute to deburr the cut end with a proper tool, not just the cutter. I saw a 90% drop in frayed housing ends and sticky shifts over six months. Anyone else have a small step that made a big long-term difference?
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ryanc577mo ago
Ever wonder if the housing liner itself gets damaged during the cut, even if you deburr the outer casing clean. I've had a few where the inner plastic seemed to pinch and cause drag later on. What tool are you using that gets a clean cut on both parts at once.
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aaron_adams7mo ago
The Rotosplit 3000 is the only tool I've seen cut housing and liner cleanly in one go. You're right, ryanc57, a pinched liner from a bad cut will absolutely cause drag no matter how smooth the outer casing is. Most cutters just crush everything and hope for the best. I ruined a few expensive lines before I stopped cheaping out on the cutter.
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mark_ward7mo ago
Honestly ryanc57, that pinch is probably from the install, not the cut. If you're getting drag later, the liner shifted when you tightened the fittings. A perfect cut won't save a bad crimp. I've used basic cable cutters for years and never had a problem once the housing is smoothed out. People blame the tool when it's usually user error.
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shane_park926mo ago
Question whether this whole thing is really that dramatic. I've been using the same cheap wire cutters from Harbor Freight for like eight years and my shifting is totally fine. Who's out here inspecting their housing liner with a magnifying glass after every cut. A little pinch here and there is not gonna make your bike unrideable. Sounds like you guys are overthinking a basic mechanical task that millions of people somehow manage to do with zero fuss.
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