My cable is frayed and too long. Any rules re replacing it? Found stainless steel braided cable at hardware  the same thickness but only screw up type clamps to make the loops at each end  - the other things (tubes?) need a $70 tool to crimp them. Does the cable have to be plastic coated? Asked a caravan place - they said get marine cable.

Folk at the Big Green Shed would probably swage one for you. If not then any boat shop should oblige.

If you lived near me I'd happily make you one.

We bought a new curled cable that retracts from a caravan parts shop.

spida wrote:

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 Found stainless steel braided cable at hardware  the same thickness but only screw up type clamps to make the loops at each end  - the other things (tubes?) need a $70 tool to crimp them. Does the cable have to be plastic coated?

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 There is no legislation on the configuration of the cable. You just need one to activate the breakaway switch. Provided there is nothing to catch the clamp when it should be activating the switch I see nothing wrong with screw up clamps. They just don't look as flash as swagged ferules.

If you don't like the look of that then try this.

Spida, Flattening with hammer may cause fracture/s should be crimped with even pressure. Even consider an Engineers Vice.

spida wrote:

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Thank you - I figured a hit with a hammer might squash the things also. ~~~SNIP

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Gday...

Ya ken take the gurl outta da farm but ya canna take da farm outta the gurl.

Cheers - John

       So true my friend. Was not actually going to use a hammer - but the thought did cross my mind.