how do you guys usually split mc

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dirtywater07

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I see lots of guys bend it and use their tin snips.....at this new company I work for you can only use a rotozip...split what do you guys think?
 
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A rotozip? Perhaps you mean a rotosplit?

No matter how you do it, a good result can be obtained. I've done it with my nine's many times. I prefer the RotoSplit. Ideal makes a pair of tin snip type cutters marketed as AC cable snips. Heck, they even make a tool that looks like a circular saw for the larger sizes.
 
I agree with Marc, good results can be had with almost any method if care is used.

I am old school, I still use my hacksaw most of the time, but I also use snips or Rotos.
 
Depending on the application, how I feel, which side of the bed I fell out of:
1104.jpg


Klein 1104
Rotosplit
Wire Strippers
Hacksaw
....haven't had much luck with the nines though ~ too many holes in them ;)

I kind of chuckle when I see someone break out the tin-snips....they look like Edward Scissorhand's doing electrical work :D :D
 
I cut the cable to length for the conductors, kink the flex where I want it to end, untwist the spiral to the end, unwind the flex from the conductors, bend the sheath back and forth a few times until it breaks, then tuck the end back into place.

This always leaves the broken end curved away from the conductors. I know it sounds tough and time-consuming, but it really takes about 15 seconds. I don't like the Roto tool because it cuts inline with the conductors instead of across them.
 
LarryFine said:
I don't like the Roto tool because it cuts inline with the conductors instead of across them.
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Larry I don't see how that makes any difference, but of course whatever way pleases you is the way to go. :smile:

The depth stop is either set right or you will nick the insulation.
 
In a pinch i have used strippers.Now if we are talking several and not just 2 ends i really rather see it done right with a roto.I often have helpers on low budget with few tools and hate seeing there way,not only slow but poor quality.MC is not new but 20 years ago all we had was dikes
 
Back when we used steel mc/ac cable i preferred to use the rotosplit.I had a pretty good hand shake with all the rotosplit cutting.Today i see linemans just twist back and forth, dikes, rotosplits and the mc cutters.
Rick
 
dirtywater07 said:
how do you guys usually split mc
georgestolz said:
I use a rotosplitter. And I started using redheads too, in case anyone was curious. :D
Twoskinsoneman said:
The installation instructions for the AC I use requires the short-prevention bushing so I never thought about NOT using it.
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MC is not AC....
...someone had to go open a can of worms :D :D :D
 
Twoskinsoneman said:
The installation instructions for the AC I use requires the short-prevention bushing so I never thought about NOT using it.
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I use redheads but I believe MC cable is listed without the redhead being installed. We had athread on this awhile ago. I am not saying don't use them just that someone said it was listed without the redhead.
 
Careless sheetrockers do a good job of splitting MC. Usually when they notch a sheet on a corner to "go around" the cable and they miss. :)

I prefer rotosplits. I just think it's a little quicker.

As for left handed electricians, I worked with one that hated using roto's because you still turn the handle with your right hand.
 
rotosplit

rotosplit

It may have as much to do with "experience" or "due care", but I have yet to see a short on MC cut with rotosplit and I have seen a few on other methods.
I prefer the roto tool and "reds" as a back-up.
Just IMHO
 
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