Best method for cutting 3/8" 7x19 stay??

[selahway]

Hello again!

I believe that I have located all of the parts to finish the inner forestay on my HC38MKII. Once I determine the correct length, how do you suggest an amateur cut the 3/8 7x19 wire rope so that it is clean, doesn't fray, and will fit into the STA-LOK wire rope terminal? I'm sure you have high quality cable cutters...I do not. Are there other ways that will work, or is that the only option. The inner forestay is already attached to the mast on the upper end, so I'm limited to keeping it on the boat. Thanks for the help!

[Ian McColgin]

Wrap it with duct tape or something equally strong, set up your vice with notched wooden jaw pads so you can hold firmly without crushing the wire, and go at it with a good hacksaw.

If you're doing it with the wire at the dangle from an already stepped mast, make a small pad for some ViceGrips and turn the hacksaw blade around so it cuts on the pull stroke. It's not hard to stiff arm the work still enough to cut.

G'luck