How to terminate steering cables?

[dustdevil38]

The cables (3/16 7x7 stainless) on my pedistal steering are terminated at the quadrant with nicopress stops. I need to shorten these cables. Is there a better method than using these stops? If nicopress stops are OK, what about the proper tool? National Telephone Supply has a special tool for stops, but other suppliers are silent on this issue.

[osteoderm]

Just to clarify: are you talking about the end of the cable up inside the pedestal itself, or actually back inside the boat on the quadrant proper on the ruddershaft? i've rebuilt a few such systems, and the pedestal ends tend to be nicopressed, while the quadrant ends tend to have some more adjustable means of attachment, usually clamps on the quadrant itself, or clamps and bulldog clips on the cable.

[dustdevil38]

Thanks for your interest! In this particular system, the cables protrude through holes in the quadrant. Adjustment is provided by turnbuckles stationed midway along the cable. The attachments to the chain are not adjustable. I need to shorten the total system about 2".