cutting bus bars - how do you do it?

[amateurSparky]

What is the best way to cut a bus bar to length?
I use a hacksaw but I seem to have an issue cutting the damn thing striaght.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Side cutters.

 

[amateurSparky]

really it looks quite thick the bus bar. I have a pair of these
http://www.screwfix.com/p/nws-vde-s...Search-_-SearchRec-_-Area1&_requestid=1055429

So I can cut it with these?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes, you only have to go part way through and then bend it.

You can get cutters with extra pivots for more leverage.

 

[amateurSparky]

Damn it why does my old man have to be right about everything!! GRRRR. What will I do without him.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Oh. i've just had a look at them and I forgot that the jaws stay parallel when cutting.

That's what Dad's are for.

I'll see if I can find a picture.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Similar to these pliers but mine have usual 'rubber' handles.

 

[amateurSparky]

will tin snips work? if not I'll stick to hacksaw then

 

[Chri5]

What is the best way to cut a bus bar to length?
I use a hacksaw but I seem to have an issue cutting the damn thing striaght.

Score it either side, then use mole grips and pliers either side of the score and gentle up down movement, snap!

 

[ericmark]

Your bus bars must be thinner than mine. I normally wrap insulation tape around it first which then gives me the line. And I use a hack saw if in middle of no where.

However I have used a cut off saw (often referred to as bacon slicer) how ever one has to be careful about heat and really one needs a special disc to cut the copper aluminium mix as it can block the pours of the disc.

I have also had problems with compression with the copper sheaved aluminium at first thought just not tight enough but then realised as it heats up it compresses the aluminium core then when it cools again it becomes loose. Using large washers to radiate the heat seemed to cure the problem.

 

[EFLImpudence]

You need one of these -

 

[sparkybird]

I use these

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BHJ1307.html

 

[JuxZeil]

I just use a mini pipe cutter done up tight to score the bar and then use a hacksaw. The hacksaw will take the easiest route through the bar.

 

[Taylortwocities]

I use these

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BHJ1307.html[/QUOTE]

Yes, me too. Easy peasy!

 

[amateurSparky]

what do I score it with though?