Can you make your own 'end nipple' on a braking cable?

"As much as I loathe the idea of replacing the brake cable because the swaged end is mangled, I think it's the right thing to do (and I work in a bike shop that specializes in used bicycles and vintage repair, I'm not one of the new breed who can;t overhaul a 3-speed hub). It's a very inexpensive part, five bucks tops; and the old brake cable is of course re-purposeable for any number of things.

There is nothing on a bicycle that's complicated. Almost every single part can be overhauled or rebuilt."

"this is sort of what i meant-it refers to a copper end stop/cap-

http://www.bosunsupplies.com/products2.c...

if you have a local shop they are usually pretty handy and will know if they have something like it which will take the pressure of the brakes....and at pennies... got to be worth a quick phone call."

"We are talking about the brakes here! This is what stops you. I know of no reliable way to replace the molded on end. Replace the cable they cost very little.

Update

Well, if the question is ""can"" you. I guess the answer is yes you ""can"" . In an emergency, get you home situation you can tie a knot in the cable. You can even use a gear cable. Use the brakes with great care and replace with a proper cable when you get home. There are clamp on ends made for straddle cables for cantilevers and U brakes. Basically a cylinder with a hole and a set screw. Not very reliable, because the set screw squishes and damages the cable and it will eventually fail."

"Duh... There's a binding post screw that keeps the cable from slipping so, don't worry about the end caps having to fix the cable.

The purpose of the end cap is to prevent the cable from fraying.

Don't go to a chandlery for marine hardware - its much too heavy and probably too big for the cable.

Instead, try one these 3 things;

1) Go to bike store and ask for end cap. Usually free... Crimp it on with any old pair of pliers

2) Dip the end cable in a little epoxy of super glues (this is what I do).

3) Use a benzo torch to cut the cable or, even melt the end (My local bike shop does this -very slick!)."

"Bicycle cable ends are available from you local bike shop, and online. They crimp on to prevent the cable end from fraying. I prefer using a plastic bead, like the kind associated with Mardi Gras.

Tools & supplies: Plastic beads, small butane torch (a butane lighter will do in a pinch), good wire cutter (preferably a bicycle specific one).

1. cut cable, so end is not frayed.

2. heat end of cable till it turns red.

3. slide/ melt the bead on."

You can use a aluminum nail rivet to prevent the brake cable from fraying. Separate the rivet from the nail and slide it over the cable. Rivet works best to be crimped with a little squeeze with side cutters but not cutting into the cable. Rivets can be bought at home depot Lowe's hardware stores can be used for brake cables and derailleur's.