BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Singles => Topic started by: Barnsey on 09 Jan, 2026, 14:34

Title: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: Barnsey on 09 Jan, 2026, 14:34
Hi All

  The inner in the new clutch cable for my C15 is too long. Could someone please point me in the direction of a crimping kit inc the tool, so that I can shorten it? 

  I have been hunting online but I keep finding crimps for pedal bikes. 

     BR,  Ian
Title: Re: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: rhyatt on 09 Jan, 2026, 14:48
could you use an electrical "choc strip" , this has 2 grub screws to shorten the inner cable , place this at the gearbox end.
otherwise, can you create a shortener(by lengthening the outer) by a short bolt - cut off the head if needed - put 2 hacksaw blades in your saw and cut a slot along the length and put this at the lever end

otherwise  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/362776293662
or
https://www.feked.com/triumph-clutch-cable-abutment-adaptor-ferrule-unit-twins-circa-1961-71-t150-models.html?srsltid=AfmBOorDlaSNrku_lJFeVfhx5ihHjTDMBTeDNVuHa00hU8Czl3mcYZNpnTI

something like this maybe ??
Title: Re: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: Barnsey on 09 Jan, 2026, 15:13
To be honest I just want the ball shaped lead crimp to put on the end of the cable, and the crimp tool to go with it. 

 The adapter is a good idea, but I am not sure if there is sufficient space between the housing and the chain.  Also a bit annoying to have to do these sorts of things when fitting a brand new brake cable. 
Title: Re: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: cdsdorset on 09 Jan, 2026, 15:14
What do you want a crimping tool for?
Title: Re: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: rhyatt on 09 Jan, 2026, 15:34
Agreed , there's not much room at the outer cover end to do much modification.
Before you modify anything though , have you got the little ball bearing between the clutch arm and the pushrod end at the outer cover end and have you done the adjustment of the clutch cover screw and locknut and finally the lever end adjuster
Title: Re: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: Barnsey on 09 Jan, 2026, 15:38
Ahhh!.  No I don't have a ball bearing in that joint.  Any idea what size it needs? 
Title: Re: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: Barnsey on 09 Jan, 2026, 15:56
It looks like a 5mm ball bearing should fit (0.2")  I ordered a set from Amazon.
Title: Re: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: rhyatt on 09 Jan, 2026, 16:13
1/8" diameter springs to mind
Part 40-3071
Title: Re: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: Barnsey on 09 Jan, 2026, 16:21
If this is correct, 5/37" ( https://www.bsaunitsingles.com/item.wws?cpubcode=BSA&sku=40-3071 ), which is about 3.4mm.  I am guessing that 3.5 mm will be fine as it looks quite a loose fit. 
 
Title: Re: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: rhyatt on 09 Jan, 2026, 16:27
That indicates a 5/32" which is a shade larger that 1/8".

For the purposes of this cable length verification , anything that fits will do.

Ideally , whilst that outer cover is off , adjust the clutch cover end screw and locknut to give you a mechanically correct relationship between the cable and actuating arm (90 degrees max when operated)
Title: Re: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: Barnsey on 09 Jan, 2026, 16:39
The correct bearing is 11p  from Draganfly, with the VAT .  Hmmmmm Can I stretch to that?
Title: Re: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: rhyatt on 09 Jan, 2026, 16:45
Check the pushrod is the right length as well.
I feel it's 9 " and 1 end is square and the other end slight taper
And both ends hardened obviously
Title: Re: Ferrules for clutch cable
Post by: Barnsey on 09 Jan, 2026, 16:49
Wilco, I'll do that in the morning.  Thanks :)