How to Cut Expanding Braid Without Unraveling
2026-03-14
What is Expandable Braided Braid?
Expandable Braided Braid is a versatile cable management solution designed to protect and organize wire harnesses. Featuring an open weave design, it allows for easy visual inspection and individual cable retrieval while maintaining flexibility and durability. Unlike solid tubing, this braid adds virtually no weight or bulk to the bundle, making it an ideal choice for automotive, aerospace and industrial applications.
Why choose Expanding Braided Braid?
- Flexibility and adaptability: adapts to complex shapes without restricting movement.
- Easy installation: Quickly installs without disassembling wiring harnesses.
- Lightweight and durable: adds minimal weight and bulk while providing reliable protection.
The best way to cut: slicing with a hot knife.
A hot knife is the most effective tool for cutting expansive braided cable, preventing the edges from delaminating.
Step-by-step guide to slicing
- Measure and mark
- Place the sleeve loosely over the garment (do not stretch it as it may shrink when stretched). Mark the cutting line with a marker.
- Cut accurately
- Heat the knife to a temperature appropriate for the material being cut (eg 300°F). Check the cutting speed on scraps of protective film to adjust it.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation of fumes.
- Shutdown (optional)
- While the cut end is still warm, use an upside-down funnel, scissors or pliers to give the edge a slight bell shape. This will make it easier to install over the connectors.
- Install containment
- Place the extended end onto the wiring harness, adjust the position along the harness and smooth it with your hand to securely fit.
Alternative processing methods that provide thread abrasion resistance.
- Tape wrapping: quickly and economically. Secure both ends tightly with matching colored tape.
- Cable ties: reliable and inexpensive solution with the ability to select colors. Ideal for tasks that require minimal modification.
- Heat shrink tube: provides excellent moisture and heat resistance. A heat gun is required to use it. Widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries.
