How to Cut Steel Braided Hoses

A steel braided hose is a rubber hose that contains a braided steel center. The diameter of the hose depends on the thickness of both the rubber and the steel braiding. Steel braided hoses provide a strong, pressure resistant hose for use in a variety of applications. Everything from hydraulics to art may utilize steel braided hoses. But unlike regular rubber hoses, steel braided hose cannot be easily cut with a utility knife or snips. Therefore certain other tools are necessary to cut the rigid steel braiding in the tube.

Things You'll Need

• Hand-held hack saw
• Table-mounted vice
• Tape measure
• Leather gloves

Instructions

1. Measure your hose to the length you need it. Score it at the desired length using the hacksaw. Make sure you are wearing your gloves at all times.

2. Place the steel braided hose in the vice with the score mark near but not in the jaws of the vice.

3. Begin sawing the hose holding the hack saw so that the blade is above the hose, horizontal to the ground and the teeth are facing down.

4. Continue sawing until you have cut all the way through the steel braided hose. Hold the length of hose on the opposite side of the vice with your free hand to steady it if necessary.

5. Remove the hose from the vice.

Tips & Warnings

• Always monitor children with tools. Never handle a steel braided hose without gloves, as the steel braiding can cut or puncture your skin and may require a tetanus shot or cause infection.