Best adhesive to attach steel cable into coupling?

[friday88]

Hello,

I need to assemble a 1/8" flexible cable into an #8-32 aluminum coupling that will have a screw fastened to it's other end. The purpose of this is to create a flex shaft allowing the screw to be turned remotely while access to the screw head is limited.

The challenge I'm facing is finding a permanent attachment method for the steel cable and the threaded coupling. I first attempted #6-32 set screws through the side of the coupling, but they failed after short use, and torquing them tighter sometimes stripped the allen heads. I believe an epoxy adhesive may be the solution, but I'm not experienced with these types of adhesives.

I plan to experiment with JB Weld's original 2 part epoxy product, but I'm wondering if anyone knows of a more specialized adhesive for this type of situation?
It needs to be as permanent as possible, and must be able to withstand temperatures of up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

thanks

 

[MintJulep]

The "usual" way would be to crimp it.

 

[LittleInch]

I'm struggling to see how much useful torque you're going to get from a flexible 1/8 " cable.

Wire rope suppliers have lots of ways like this

http://wireropeshop.co.uk/wire-store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=239

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[friday88]

The screw that's being turned controls the flow of fuel, so it's exact position is variable. It never actually gets torqued into position.

Crimping it may keep it in the coupling, but I don't know if it would be secure when rotated. One of the issues I had with the set screw was the cable slipped while being rotated.

 

[friday88]

On second thought, crimping it might be the solution. After looking through the link that LittleInch provided, I think the screw could be crimped on like the aluminum end caps get attached with a swage tool. I doubt the force required to turn the screw would be enough to cause it to slip.

 

[SnTMan]

Can you make the coupling from steel and solder it to the cable (assuming it is steel also)?

Regards,

Mike


The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand

 

[IRstuff]

An alternative would be a thimble with clamp, like:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-32-in-x-1-8-in-Zinc-Plated-Clamp-Set-4-Pack-43064/205887661

The wire's friction against the curve of the thimble and the bend of the wire all help the clamp keep the wire from moving.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg

faq731-376 forum1529 Entire Forum list

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[friday88]

SnTMan, solder would probably hold it. I wonder if I could fill the opening in the coupling with melted solder and then just insert the cable.

IRstuff, it isn't the type of application where this would be possible. I'm attempting something like this image. I was using a coupling to attach the screw, but I plan to have it custom made anyway, so I will be boring a hole in the end for the cable as shown. Then, I will attempt to crimp it with a swage tool.

You can see the product below isn't crimped though. I may end up buying this product to see how they constructed theirs.

 

[SnTMan]

You probably could, but I'd think you'd fit the cable to the coupling, heat sufficiently, let the solder wick in.

Regards,

Mike

The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand

 

[hydtools]

The cable and fitting in the picture may be a swaged connection.

Ted

 

[EngineerTex]

You may look at a MIG gun liner and MIG gun accessories. The actual liner probably does not have enough torsional rigidity for what you're discussing. However, you may look at how it is put together and borrow the design. These are usually only held in place with a set screw. This may be enough for the application.

Engineering is not the science behind building. It is the science behind not building.

 

[berkshire]

Friday 88 ,
Look at speedometer cables and their end fittings.
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

 

[btrueblood]

See if a shop near you does rotary swaging, they are usually found near airports with repair facilities. Rotary swaging gives a much more secure cable connection than hydraulic/mechanical "crimping".

 

[Strong]

https://www.ebay.com/bhp/universal-speedometer-cable

Walt

 

[friday88]

I bought a swaging tool and it appears to have done the trick. I crimped the old coupling onto the cable and I can't tear it apart now.

I even took pliers and twisted, and the cable starts to bend before it starts to slip. Thanks for tips everyone.

 

[Strong]

Now you can adjust your lawnmower carburetor from a lawn chair!

Walt