I need to trim some rubber radiator hoses to fit my application. What is the best way to make clean, straight, factory looking cuts? Mine always end up looking uneven and ragged. What's the secret?
I've used a band saw with a fine blade but you get some fuzzies where the internal cord/cloth gets exposed. Just trim it off later with a scissor.
I have what looks like a big pair of scissors with a flat jay and a Box knife style long blade in it made just for cutting hosses. Mine always come out flat and square. Just need the right tool for the Job.
I have cut them using a fine blade in a hack saw. Use tape or a hose clamp to draw a straight line around the hose, then cut slowly by hand. I have a vice that has a flat anvil on the backside, sometimes I lay the hose against the body of the vice by the anvil to brace it while I cut. I also have those hose cutters like above and they work great too.
I wrap a piece of masking tape around the hose, whether it be heater or radiator hose and use a utility knife with a new blade,works like a champ. HRP
I use a razor blade or sharp utility knife, and I always cut them crooked. And when I try the tape trick, I still cut them crooked. That reinforcing string in there is tough stuff.
Radiator hose cutter. I suppose the one I use is pretty old which is why it works fine. Round part the hose fits in and a blade that cuts. IMO works slick as can be. I see them listed for sale but I'd look for an older one.
I use a bandsaw. After the cut, I go around the cut a few times with a Bic lighter. It burns off and blackens the ends of those fiber fuzzies.
Another approach I've been using lately is to get flex hose, of the correct length. It doesn't work if you need tight bends. But it does give a proper old time traditional look to an engine bay. And no cutting needed.
As suggested, PVC cutters might work , IF you first insert a scrap piece of PVC pipe inside the hose so it won't collapse.
Patience, and a whole lotta cussing. I've used tape to mark where I want the cut, circumferentially, remove internal spring(if applicable), use a straight edge to clamp the hose flat to table. Using a new razor blade, methodically slice through the hose. I've been meaning to buy a rubber hose cutter for ~two decades now. But the hand held pruner works pretty good too.
I've carefully used my bandsaw, sharp utility knife, pex pipe cutter, shears, scissors, and just about every other sharp or rotating tool I have. Somehow, they always appear that they were chewed crooked by a beaver. My lesson, cut long and sneak up to the finished size...often finishing with a touch to the belt sander.
Masking tape and angle grinder has always worked for me. Only problem is that the hole garage smells like burned rubber afterwards.
I've got a pair of these... https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/...MIga3l3POn9QIVyh-tBh3ZgQegEAQYAiABEgKEc_D_BwE ... cuts molded-curve hoses no problem. Mine are an older set, no idea if the new versions are as good. I use mine to cut shim stock too. You can cut a penny in half with them....
Yes, sir. My dad worked for Ma Bell and would always tell us about the penny thing. We didn't believe him, so he showed us. Impressive pair of snips for sure.