Cutting a Flex Cable

[FR8TR]

I need to shorten a flex cable drive for a fast electric boat. Can I just cut off the excess with a Dremel tool and cut-off wheel? Do I need to prep the cable in any way? Will it unravel??

Thanks

[George Pfeifer]

I cut them with a good sharp wire cutter., but the Dremel should also work.

You can silver solder the location for the cut prior to cutting which will minimize any damage, then be sure to silver solder it after you have cut. Use a good high temp solder and flux for a good bond. Try to keep the soldered area to a quarter inch or less. After it is soldered and cut clean up the end with a file and/or sandpaper to remove excess solder so that it will fit into the connector. It's a good idea to clean and polish the the whole cable with WD-40 and 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper after you are done with the cutting process. Give it a good shot of WD-40 to remove the grit after sanding, then grease it good and put it back in the boat.
Using care you shouldn't have any problems.
George

[George Pfeifer]

Forgot to mention;
Be sure to leave an extra 1/8th - 3/32nds of cable. You need to have a gap of that amount between the strut/stuffing box and the drive dog for the prop. The cable will shorten up under load, and cause binding if there isn't a little extra cable at that point.
George