BX and Armored Cable Cutter Instructions
The Klein 53725 has an exclusive auto-clamping feature and strips reduced diameter cable. Cuts armored cable up to 3/8″ diameter: BX, AC, MC, MCAP ® and Greenfield. MCAP ® is a registered trademark of Southwire Company.
STEP 1 – ASSEMBLY (FIG.1)
- Using a small screwdriver, remove storage cartridge (A) from the drive knob (B).
- Remove cutter blade (C) from the storage cartridge. Replace the cartridge after the blade is removed.
- Remove small thumbscrew (D) on cutter body to fully open two cutter body halves.
- Remove nut (E) from the end of drive axle (F) opposite the handle.
- Insert drive axle and handle assembly into cutter body (G).
- Place blade onto drive axle with Klein Tools logo facing outwards (H), ensuring the blade is fully seated.
- Secure the blade onto the shaft by re-installing the nut. Ensure the nut is facing the correct direction. A 3/8″ wrench or nut driver may be needed to fully tighten the nut.
- Reinstall thumbscrew while squeezing cutter body halves together.
STEP 2 – CABLE CLAMPING (FIG. 2)
Insert cable (1) into the channel and squeeze auto clamping lever (2) until the clamping stud (4) reaches the bottom of the cable groove. Hold tool near cutting head and squeeze until blade makes contact with the cable.
Note: For small diameter, MC, cable lever (6)must be in forwarding position, and button (7) must be pushed in completely (flush with the outer channel)to properly position the cable.
STEP 3 – CUTTING MIC CABLES
After the MC cable has been clamped, hold the tool near the cutting head and squeeze. Do not apply too much pressure while pushing the blade against the cable. Rotate the crank handle (3) smoothly in a clockwise direction and adjust the pressure to get the most efficient cutting action. When the force required to turn the crank suddenly decreases, you have cut all the way through. Release pressure and turn crank slightly to return top to the original position.
CUTTING REDUCED SIZE MC CABLE
The 53725 cuts reduced diameter MC cable such as Southwire MCAP ®. Since this cable requires a reduced depth of cut, slide lever (6) towards the front of the tool. Make sure button (7) is pushed in completely (flush with the outer channel) to the center cable on the blade. Cut cable armor as detailed in Step 3. To cut standard MC, return lever (6) to rear position.
STEP 4 – REMOVING ARMOR
Two (2) to five (5) brisk turns of the handle should be sufficient to split the BX casing. Hold cable on each side of the cut and twist armored casing counterclockwise until it separates. If this last step fails, you have not cut all the way through the armor. Repeat the steps above.
STEP 5 – SET DEPTH OF CUT
If the 53725 does not completely cut through the armor, you may need to adjust the depth of the cut. Use a 3/32 hex wrench to turn the set screw in the top housing counter-clockwise a 1/4 turn. Make a trial cut and adjust the set screw until the casing separates. It is critical that the blade does not nick a wire after adjusting the depth of the cut. Make a trial cut to test. The casing can be separated by inserting a screwdriver blade into the slot and twisting it to crack open or by bending the cable slightly at the cut.
BLADE LUBRICATION
Lubricate blade each time it is replaced to extend blade life and prevent clogging.
BLADE STORAGE AND REPLACEMENT
The 53725 contains a blade storage cartridge in the knob (B) which holds up to six replacement blades. To release the cartridge, pop out with a screwdriver. To replace the blade, remove thumbscrew (D) on the outside of the cutter body near the blade. Remove the nut on the blade side of the drive axle (F). Remove the old blade. Place new blade onto drive axle (F) with Klein Tools logo facing outwards (H), ensuring the blade is fully seated on hex portion of the axle.
KLEIN TOOLS, INC.
450 Bond Street, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 1-800-553-4676
[email protected]
www.kleintools.com
