How to cut and process the ends of braided tubes

Technical · Braided Tube

Are you experiencing issues with frayed and spread ends?

Conclusion: Cutting with heat treatment prevents fraying and provides a clean finish.
Immediately after cutting No treatment Fraying out like petals Frayed state If the ends are not treated, the fibers will fray out like petals, and the tube itself will unravel.

If the cut ends of braided tubes, made of multiple strands of polyethylene terephthalate, are not properly treated, they can fray and the tube itself can unravel. Below are 5 methods for cutting and treating braided tubes.

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Method 01

Cutting with Scissors

Cut the tube with scissors. If left untreated after a normal cut, the ends will fray.

As end treatment, push the end inward by about 20mm to create a trumpet-like flare. This way, the end goes inside the tube and will not fray.

However, this shortens the overall length and expands the end, so it needs to be secured with cable ties or similar.

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Method 02

Scissor Cut + Soldering Iron Treatment Slightly laborious

Heat treat the scissor-cut end with a soldering iron. Melt and solidify the end by tracing it with heat.

This method takes time and may result in an uneven finish.

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Method 03

Scissor Cut + Lighter Treatment Not recommended

The scissor-cut end is melted and treated with the heat of a lighter. Although the tube is flame-retardant and will not spread fire, we do not recommend this method due to the dangers associated with using open flames.

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Method 04

Cutting with a Dedicated Tool Recommended

A dedicated cutter tool with a blade-shaped soldering iron is used to cut the tube. This allows for simultaneous cutting and heat treatment of the tube, leading to improved work efficiency and quality.

We also offer custom-length cutting services at our Hachioji facility.

Product

Dedicated Cutter Tool — Simultaneous Cutting + Heat Treatment

Product

View all braided tubes

Bonus

[Bonus Edition] Fray-resistant braided tubes

We also offer "fray-resistant" braided tubes that can be used as-is after being cut with scissors.

As the name "fray-resistant" suggests, they do not fray completely. By changing the braiding method and number of braids, the braided wires are structured to resist spreading under longitudinal load. Therefore, fraying may occur over time in areas with intense movement during length changes or where constant load is applied to the ends.

Product

Fray-resistant braided tubing — View Product Page

Summary

Method 1

Scissor cut → Push ends inward (reduces overall length)

Method 2

Scissor cut + heat treatment with soldering iron (uneven finish)

Method 3

Scissor cut + lighter (not recommended due to danger)

Method 4 (Recommended)

Cut with a special cutter + simultaneous heat treatment

Please feel free to contact us for product selection and cutting inquiries.

Contact us here for inquiries regarding braided tubing selection and cutting.

We also accept custom-length cutting at our Hachioji facility.

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