Microcender repair

[Tom Dunlap]

Last week the spring cable on my Microcender shredded. For some reason, I can't find the extra one that comes with the tool. While I was driving I thought of an alternate repair. I know that the cable is the same as on bicycle shifters and brakes. But, cutting cable is a mess. I seem to always end up with a whisker end.

I took a short piece of filament from my weed whacker and put that in place. The action is just the same. I've only been using it for a few days. I put a small piece in my repair bag in case it breaks at another time. It sure is easier to work with than steel cable.

Tom

 

[Kevin]

The only problem I can think of is the breaking strength if it gets caught on something.
The wire cable can be cut with a cheap pair of cutters which are specifically designed to cut this fine cable.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Kevin,

I realize that the trimmer line may not be as strong. The wire isn't there for strength, more as a lanyard and a little bit as a spring. If the trimmer line works, I can make up a whole slug of pieces for what it costs to buy the wire cutter.

Thanks for the tip!

Tom

 

[Kevin]

I meant more of a nuisance if it breaks, you'll need to keep replacing it but it might work out for the better, time will tell.
How are you stopping it, with a knot?

 

[treeclimber165]

I can only guess that Tom is terminating the weedeater line with a 'butane backsplice'. Knots do not work well in weedeater line.
What size line are you using, Tom? About .085 or so?

 

[frans]

I like that "butane backsplice". I'll use it at the next climbers workshop on some new guy
The bicycle cable trick does'nt work to good. the cable will frey over not too much time and you get cable puntures in your fingers. Also the bicycle cable will hold any bends and lose the spring it once had
Frans

 

[Tom Dunlap]

The stuff that I have is a single, monofilament, line. Pretty thick. It slipped nicely into the hole where the cable is found. No need to melt the ends, cut with a scissor, back out the set screws and install.

I know that there is a reason, but why do they have to use two different size set screws on the cables? Sure seems easier to use only one size.

Tom