[Shop-talk] Can steel cable be welded?

[Jim Stone]

My thanks to everyone for lots of very good, and very quick, advice.  It
sounds like welding is definitely out, especially a used cable that is likely
to have dirt embedded in the strands.  While I am sure one of the other DIY
methods would be fine, I don't think I want to trust my car to any of them.
For $5 I will definitely pick up one of the O'Reilly's brake adjusters, if
only to have it in the trunk for an emergency.  Beyond that, I think my next
stop will be to a motorcycle shop to see what they say about shortening the
cable.  As several people have noted, I would think this would be quick and
easy for them.  (And, easier to find than a marine shop around here.)  The HF
Crimping tool is very tempting - any excuse to buy a new tool - but in this
case I think I will pass and let a professional handle it.

Thanks again,

Jim

> From: tr3driver at ca.rr.com
> To: jandkstone99 at msn.com; shop-talk at autox.team.net
> Subject: RE: [Shop-talk] Can steel cable be welded?
> Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:29:24 -0800
>
> I've heard that it is practically impossible to weld braided cables like
> that and have it be strong, due to oil and contamination between the wires.
>
>
> But I have used one of these, and it worked as advertised
> http://goo.gl/27mmM
>
> -- Randall