Breaking cable seals, what do you use?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by nredfor88, Sep 18, 2021.

  1. Redtwin

    Redtwin Road Train Member

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    This thing...
    IMG_20210919_092949546.jpg

    Have yet to meet a cable seal that was a match for it, even as old and crusty as it is. I would say where I bought, had I bought it, but I found it a pool of rusty rainwater in a tanker drop lot.
     
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  3. JoeyJunk

    JoeyJunk Road Train Member

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    That’s Knipex brand. Those are good snippers.
     
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  4. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    I bought a good pair of cable cutters. You have to squeeze pretty hard but they cut right through.
     
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  5. Atlanta trucker

    Atlanta trucker Road Train Member

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    Yep these they cut like hot knife through soft butter
     
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  6. Short Fuse EOD

    Short Fuse EOD Road Train Member

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  7. 4wayflashers

    4wayflashers Heavy Load Member

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    Well I showed up at a receiver with a bolt seal and they didn’t have a bolt cutter and neither did I. I didn’t want to miss my appointment so I grabbed my claw hammer and got to work. After a few whacks the plastic part came off and from there it’s pretty obvious how to pop the retaining clip with a screwdriver or pick. After doing it that one time I’d bet I could get one off in under a minute with a hammer and screwdriver.

    I use the screwdriver and twist method for the cable seals.

    I am firmly in the “use the right tool for the job” camp. But I can’t justify. carrying around bolt cutters. If I used bolt seals regularly I probably would tho.
     
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  8. lilillill

    lilillill Sarcasm... it's not just for breakfast

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    I'd twist someone's head off for doing that on my trailer. Of course, mine is nice stainless hardware... not galvanized company spec.
     
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  9. JoeyJunk

    JoeyJunk Road Train Member

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    Not all bolt seals have that retaining clip. I thought they did till I had one I whacked for about 5 minutes just to find it was a very secure style. Still had to track down bolt cutters.
     
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  10. ncmickey

    ncmickey Road Train Member

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    I just carry a good pair of lineman cutting pliers for wire seals
    For bolt seals, I let the receiver handle them
     
  11. lilillill

    lilillill Sarcasm... it's not just for breakfast

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    I hauled a Coke load the other day. The guard at the receiver went to twist the seal off my trailer with a claw hammer. I seriously wondered what in the hell he was thinking? All the hardware on the doors is polished stainless. My trailer doesn't look like company junk.

    I told him, "Please don't do that!"

    He looked like I had kicked his puppy and said, "Ok?" questioningly.
     
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