Cutting MC (armored) romex
 

Hey there Pelicanites.

I'm doing a little repair on the garbage disposal and I need to shorten a length of armored romex. Is there a good (safe) way to go about doing this without a special cutter like the pros use?

Thanks, for any advice!

Just fold(bend) it over at the point you want to cut. The tight fold will pull it apart and then a couple of nips at the outer shell with some side cutters and you are done.

That's great!

Thanks a lot. I have enough to do this job and no more so I didn't want to make a mistake and have to buy a lot more than I would ever need!

Make sure you use anti-shorts, I throw a wrap of tape around it to keep it in place.

^This!
You do not want the shield rubbing through the hot lead and the disposal makes enough vibration to do it quickly!

Thanks! Good advice, and the PO didn't use them...

Homeowner special...

That's why I ask the experts on Pelican!

I usually cut the bump/rib with a hacksaw, not going all the way through, then snap it off. Cut is perpendicular to rib:

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk116/ray2047/bx.jpg

This is what I used to do when installing weather tight romex... bend a little... cut with hacksaw... bend a little more.. finish with tin snips (I suppose diagonals will work too)

I have one of these but it is not a Klein. I do a lot of cable though.

Klein Tools BX and Armored Cable Cutter-53725 - The Home Depot

Use a pair of Klein pliers.
Piece of cake.

+1 on the bushing. No need for tape on it.

Use connectors with the two set screws, the ones that look like Romex connectors. All others are junk>

Carter

Real BX connectors hold the bushing, and have a little slot for the tab.

+1 on using proper bx connectors. The redheads just fall out if you don't.