Flexible, inexpensive and remarkably strong, aircraft cable is a material consisting of several strands of interwoven steel wire. More durable than hoisting cable, aircraft cable utilizes a high tensile strength for lifting, suspending and securing loads in areas as diverse as theatrical scenery to actual aircraft. While it's nearly indestructible during daily use, a dedicated wire rope-cutter can make short work of any standard weave of aircraft cable.
Designate a working area of sufficient light in order to safely cut your cable. Clear the area of any dirt, dust or debris.
Put on your safety goggles and reinforced gloves. Secure one end of the cable in a vise, C-clamp or other fastening mechanism in order to hold the cable secure as you work
Open the mouth of the wire rope-cutter and carefully place the aircraft cable inside it at the length of your desired cut. Close the cutter slightly in order to create tension on the aircraft cable as you prepare yourself for making the cut.
Apply pressure using both hands in order to close the handle of the wire rope-cutter. This will require tremendous pressure, so ensure that you have sufficient leverage and strength to cut the cable.
Release the cutter slightly by opening the handles a small amount. This allows you to snap any weak steel wires with the cutter that were otherwise causing difficulty. Reengage pressure on the handles and squeeze until the aircraft cable is cut. If you encounter further difficulty, particularly near the end, wiggle the tool left and right to work the tensile of the cable.
Apply superglue to the loose strands once the aircraft cable is cut.
Warning
Be very careful while handling frayed or loose ends of the steel cable; loose steel wires are very sharp and cause injury or metal splinters.
