How do you buy bike brake and derailleur cable?

[Bob]

Oops.   Good thing I went with the cheap $10 cables.

You need to use good wire cutters on bike cables.  Or solder the cable end or use super glue.  That's what I'm reading.

Because if you just use the cutters on pliers, it frays the cable end.  And then you can't use the derailleur cable. 

Oh well.  Live and learn.

Are brake cables that way too?  You have to use decent cable cutters?

What would you recommend for a cheap but worthwhile cable cutter?  It looks like they're around $75. 

[timothy42b]

What would you recommend for a cheap but worthwhile cable cutter?  It looks like they're around $75. 

Sharp chisel against an aluminum block.  You can probably find some aluminum in a dumpster or tip.  You might have to buy a chisel but it wouldn't be $75.

I can't remember where I read this method but I've used it and it works. 

[timothy42b]

A little google shows a lot of people use the chisel and block, sometimes chisel and anvil method.  They specify a "cold" chisel which is a bit different from a wood working chisel.  If you use an anvil without aluminum on top you'll end up sharpening the chisel more often.

Or, look at this method:
https://www.bbrclub.org/Balloon%20Cable%20Cutting%20Device%20for%20Aircraft.htm

I've also seen suggestions to use an axe or hatchet and lay the cable on the end grain of a big wood block or stump, to wrap tightly with electrical tape stretch in a vise and use a hacksaw, or use a grinder or cutoff wheel.  I haven't tried any of those. 

[Bob]

Hm. I'm seeing cheaper cutters online now.  Good enough hopefully.