WHAT IS IT?

[@thaiexodus2916]

Missed one aspect of this tool. Once the armor is cut, mangled, insert the end of the tool, the hook shape, into the end of the armor, keeping the wires outside. The sheer is actually a nibbler to trim up the mangled end. You use the hook to pull out, unwind, the armor. Then you can trim off the sharp rough end. The pliers part is used to rewind the armor and form it back into the coil shape. You can also hook out the mangled end then use the end of the pliers to unwind the armor coil to get the precise length you want then trim it with the nibbler. (My boss had 4 of these. 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 and 1")

[@illestofdemall13]

Greenfield is FMC (Flexible Metal Conduit). BX is another name for AC (Armored Cable) and there's also MC (Metal Clad). AC and MC come with conductors inside them already. AC has a thin ground wire that is bare and you cut it off near the connector. That grounding/bonding wire makes a complete connection with the metal armor. MC cable usually has an insulated green ground wire that does not have continuity with the outer metal sheathing. The sheathing on MC is not a listed ground so you must connect that green wire to the metal box and the device, whereas the bonding wire on the AC in conjunction with the armor makes a listed grounding connection that automatically grounds/bonds the metal box via the connector.

[@Capt1331]

Mr Pete You just keep doing what you do so well and don't worry about the losers with their thumbs down we will always watch what you want to teach us.. Thank you for doing so.

[@paulpannabecker4641]

Mr Pete, Thanks for sharing your know how on You Tube. You have re-ignited a passion that I had in High School; I took metal shop for all 4 years and loved every minute. My instructor was I lot like you, his name is Ron Castle, that was 40 years ago. I purchased a lathe this past summer after watching your channel. Keep it Up! A mill is next.

[@Tjousk]

It's best to just ignore the thumbs downs. They still have to open the video to do that, and any video view increases your chance of being seen by someone who will find your videos useful.

[@Brad1962Fisher]

that hook end you used to cut the 2 yellow wires would be used to cut the whole casing and wire to length (IE 12', 16' 20') then you put 4" in the special spot that cuts off the end and leaves the wire sticking out 4 inches. Great Tool.

[@MrHevyshevy]

You won't get a thumbs down from me. Ever.

[@beauregardelectric1501]

Mr. Pete Is partially correct. The tool is for cutting BX. As a second generation electrician, I have 48 years experience, my father preceded me. BX is a product used in the 1920's until the beginning of WWII. BX is a steel jacketed product with complete fill of paper, surrounding two or three copper conductors insulated with a composite insulation made of some sort of rubber, asphalt, fiber stuff. As the newest I ever saw was already 29 years old, I can't say it was brittle new. All that I've seen is very tender. Think of the cloth wrapping of an Egyptian mummy. Bx must be removed for safety sake. Tubalcaine is demonstrating the tool with a modern product still called Greenfield or flexible metallic tubing. The piece he has is made of aluminum. When manufactured with the wire in it, it is designated AC (armored cable), or light duty jacketed would be MC (metallic cable) Modern cables include some grounding provision. BX has no ground, but the spiral jacket. A short circuit to jacket limits current through the jacket by resistance (it's a long path), and magnetic choke impedance. Only very short runs will trip a breaker. The jacket can get red hot.

[@jimmydiresta]

Thank you for all your contributions to KZbin ! Great education all around !!

[@mrpete222]

+jimmydiresta Thanks for watching

[@jimmydiresta]

+mrpete222 i advocate for you all the time!! you are one of my heroes! honestly, thank you for what you are doing to educate the makers of the world!

[@mrpete222]

+jimmydiresta I think I have watched most of your videos. Very entertaining, well filmed, and even better edited,. You are a multitalented guy. I wish I could think outside the box like you. Keep watching ,as I will yours. I will mention you in mine. But not for a while as I usually long ahead of time. I have about 50 in the can. Where do you come up with these entertaining ideas?? . lyle

[@jimmydiresta]

+mrpete222 I am grinning like a school girl!! Thank you for watching and acknowledging my videos!!!! You make the world a better place with what you are doing!

[@mrpete222]

+jimmydiresta I am amazed at what you do right downtown in a big city (under the sidewalks). I'm from a small town. Very seldom go to Chicago--too scary. I'm a big vespa fan too. I've never been to the big apple

[@-CROM-]

I love all your videos Tubalcain!! Can't get enough. I am from Southwest WI. 39 yrs. old and going back to school full time for manual and C.N.C. machining. It would be an honor to meet you. Please continue making your great videos!!

[@rexnemo]

I think it fascinating to look at the ingenuity of the people who come up with the designs and make these specialist tools .

[@MikeBaxterABC]

I've installed thousands of feet of BX Cable like that ... and never seen or heard of this excellent tool before! ... awesome video

[@allsortsofinterests1]

Good to see the tool in action. My grandfather was a farmer and do-all, I remember him cutting and filling the greenfield with wire in the evenings for a local electrician to use. Just a side job after the farm work was finished for the day. This video brought back memories.

[@vw4x4]

I've had one of these for 25 years, and never knew what it was for... Thank for the info....!

[@jerryshay221]

That FMT (Flexible metal conduit) otherwise known as greenfield(brand name) Ammored cable (ac) Metal Clad (MC) and BX are all different types of cable The outer metal coating looks the same but their makeup is is not the same. Just saying.

[@mrpete222]

THANKS

[@kenhuelin4003]

My father taught me to cut Bx with a hacksaw at 45 deg. across the high point to a depth of the trough so that you did not damage the wires, ten spat it to break it. That was over 60 years ago.

[@MrGoosePit]

I really looked forward to seeing the answer for this mystery tool. Worth the wait. Pretty slick device. Hope you continue with more mystery tools!

[@grounded-b937]

The shear is most likely used for the first cut. When you want to cut the entire BX cable to length. Then you make the second cut to trim about 8" of the armor off, to expose the wires. I believe the pliers are used to make the cable round again, after the cutting. I am a journeyman electrician, who has my fair share of BX and MC cables.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@randr10]

I've had the most success cutting BX with a pair of tin snips. After you chop it off to length, grab the cable with your gloved left hand and unwind the metal shield with a pair of lineman's until you get the proper length of copper, then trim the loose coil off with the snips. Only had to work with it once, and it was a pain in the butt. This tool would make it a LOT easier to work with.

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

That was fun! I've never seen a tool like that and I have been to dozens of flea markets and swap meets, expressly for tools. I dig your videos! Don't sweat the trolls. They're inbred or brain dead. Maybe both. You are creating something fun, useful and educational! That you sound a little like Jimmy Stewart doesn't hurt either. Keep up the good work!

[@mrpete222]

InformationIsTheEdge Thanks for watching.

[@Migueldeservantes]

Haven't find the first video from this guy that don't like! all useful, all simple, all very educative! Thanks.

[@TimTim11111111]

Nice tool, never seen one for BX/AC beside the saw type. the shear on the tool is probably for cutting a piece of cable from the roll, though it also seems to do a fine job just on the wire inside. As a tradesman, I have to agree with you that the pulling apart of the handles to operate it along with the expense kept it from becoming popular.

[@tf1977sled]

Hmm we would use large cable cutters to cut BX. Cut the whole cable a little long ,then grip the very end of the cover with good pliers and pull outward. Then pull and unravel cover until desired amount of wire is exposed then cut off the outer cover. It was fairly easy. Looks as if the pliers had longer handles they would work easier.

[@Ivan_builds]

You're like the grandfather I wish I'd had. Thank you for your videos!

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@lkw6640]

I had the tool with a saw to do this but still had to trim and debur and required plastic grommets in each end to prevent the metal from slicing into the wire when it's installed. We called the one without wire Armorflex and the one with wire BX cable.

[@danielbear3802]

great set of videos. i just found your channel from jimmy diresta nice to see the old style old tools being shown when things where made to last keep up the great vids you earned my like and subscription

[@mrpete222]

+Daniel Wilson Thanks for watching-I have 650 videos

[@fredmarino8720]

Very stimulating to find out. I appreciate all you do with your videos.

[@mrpete222]

+Fred Marino Thanks for watching

[@commando340]

the wires in BX could NOT be removed and was outlawed here in Texas. ( maybe allowed other places however) when installed in a wall, it could not be replaced easy. EMT constitutes a much safer and better job.

[@Kris_at_WhiteOaksFarm]

I'm a few years late, but in the first video, I guessed that it was a cable splicing tool. My thought was that the corrugated section that grips the cable shield was to compress a ferrule around two sections of cable. I couldn't figure out the hooks and other things... Love your vids. I mostly work in wood, but mechanical/machining stuff of all kinds, I find fascinating. Tools are cool!

[@mrpete222]

+Kris Gasteiger Thanks for watching

[@Landrew0]

Don't mind the trolls. That's exactly what they want.

[@mrpete222]

+Landrew0 Thanks for watching

[@bikingmnviking3801]

+Landrew0 Put a breathalyzer on a PC/laptop/phone and I think you'd find the trolls halved, at least. Thanks for the vid, pete, it also functions like handy how-to for those of us who might work with it from time to time. I know I have part of a roll left from a motion sensing light I put up for my workshop.

[@steelwheels327]

Cool , like you said it does seem a bit backwards in operation , plus with the short handles leverage is kinda poor . I use the hardware store method by bending BX in half with hands , rotate a bit to open then snip with side cutters. I can see why old Florian went nuts way too complicated!!! 2 thumbs up !!

[@mrpete222]

+AB BAYLOG Thanks for watching

[@orbitalblimp]

Just discovered your videos when I was researching my own mystery tool. I will be watching all of your videos!

[@mrpete222]

Glad you discovered me

[@bigredc222]

FYI That is not armored cable (no wire), It's "Flexible Metallic Tubing", or commonly called greenfield. It's sized by the inside diameter, 3/8", 1/2",, 3/4", and so on. To cut the small sizes of greenfield you fold it down to make an opening, then cut it with tin snips or diagonal cutters, the sizes that are to big to cut the tin snip way, are cut with a hack saw, or usually a portable band saw. BX is very rarely used anymore, it is commonly called bx, but it's technically AC, "Armored Cable", the jacket was an excepted as the ground, but as others said it comes out of the end connector to easily, then you loose the ground, so they changed the code in the late 80s early 90s, so it pretty much stopped being used, it does have uses that are legal, but not many. It's sized by the gauge and number of wires inside, like 12/2, ( two 12 gauge wires) When the code changed and the jacket on BX was no longer acceptable as the ground, we had to start using, "MC" (Metal Clad), it has a full size ground, and comes in many sized up to as big as your arm, maybe bigger. MC is sized the same as BX, which can be confusing, because the ground isn't included when counting the wires, so 12/2 actually has 3 wires, 12/3 has 4 wires, the ground is assumed . There's many ways to cut MC & BX, but the best way is with what we call an MC cutter, it's the tool that you crank the handle that turns a little saw. No matter how you cut any of it, it leaves a sharp end, MC & BX come with plastic bushings, (anti shorts) that go between the wire and the tube. They also make anti shorts in all the sizes greenfield comes in, but they aren't required so they aren't used much with greenfield. That's your lesson for today boys and girls, there will be a test the end of the week.

[@rafdavfl]

You are spot on about the BX not being used much any more. Many a times cut my hand or fingers on the sharp edges and glad that they finally came out with the plastic bushings to protect the wire insulation from being nicked and shorting to ground or the greenfield. I have seen it as large as 6 inches only once, and I'm sure that it may have been larger under other circumstances.Thanks for your post to help others understand the difference in BX, MC.

[@Gunbudder]

i watched an old timer electrician break apart armored cable with his bare hands! there is some trick to bending and twisting that will fatigue the metal enough so that it snaps more or less clean. it was slow going though so i think a cutter is still preferred

[@iceman22st]

Amazing tool. The shear is likely that large to cut the shield and wire at the same time when cutting off a length. I never worry about the thumbs up or down. It seems if you mention thumbs up/down you get more thumbs downs

[@bhartwigutube]

The shear is likely for chopping a complete length from a roll... It looks much faster than the Klein wheel style; I used one extensively wiring my shop. Great challenge!

[@TravelBackroads]

Very interesting tool. Thanks for posting the video. For cutting BX we cut it with a hacksaw but you only need to cut the outer surface of one of the corrugations. Hold the cable at a 45 to cut across and through the ridge then break it like a pencil. It's actually very fast and easy.

[@k5at]

I think the gripper at the top will compress the "Greenfield" so the edge is not so jagged. Thanks for sharing. I enjoy your videos.

[@georgedennison3338]

"Kinda fun!" After bleeding during a job, it's ESPECIALLY fun when you don't! Thanks for all you've done, here on KZbin, and during your time as a teacher

[@machobunny1]

Having recently wired my garage and machine shop with surface mounted BX, I would have LOVED THIS TOOL. I used the standard BX hacksaw to cut the stuff and that gets ugly. Of course, I'll never wire that big an installation again, but...sigh. Live and learn.

[@mrpete222]

👍👍

[@62forged]

Interesting tool. I wonder how many prototypes the inventor went through to get so many moving parts to work. Probably had a garbage can full rejects. Thanks for the video.

[@mrpete222]

+Toolrific Thanks for watching-long before rapid prototyping

[@Rocketninja200]

That thing is pretty cool. I've only used the saw type of cutter that he describes, which is slower to use but leaves a slightly better edge. Thanks for sharing.

[@mrpete222]

+Rocketninja200 Thanks for watching

[@killakobra]

Interesting tool. As far as the thumbs down goes, it shouldn't bother you if you're doing to educate. I hear a lot of people complaining about negative comments or thumbs down but if all you are willing to accept is praise then why bother looking at the rating altogether?

[@gordbaker896]

There are also small plastic sleeves that go over the wire and protect it from the rough cut ends. I thought Google deleted the Dislikes so only the owner could see them. NOW I see that this is 8 years old! Never mind . Interesting tool.

[@HesselAnnema]

First impression. The metal wire has to cut the other way around. This makes a nice cut. And does not damage the other metal shield (half cut)

[@mrpete222]

+Hessel Annema Thanks for watching

[@PeterWMeek]

Looks like my late guess was good. Even at this late date, I have one suggestion: try putting the flex conduit through the tool from the other direction. I think that then the beak will pick up the overlapping spiral without needing to "break" the conduit first. I agree that the effort to break it by pulling apart the handles seems excessive. (I have no explanation for why the shear works in that direction.) BTW, I've subscribed. I have a South Bend 9" very like the one shown in the threading-stop video, and may make such a stop. I would also like to make a carriage stop. If it could be made to disengage either the half nuts OR the feed, that would be a huge bonus. It would have to have some sort of snap action, as a gradual disengagement would not be a good idea, I think.

[@mrpete222]

+Peter W. Meek Thanks for watching

[@janettehill8544]

I didn't read all the comments, but it should also be noted that there are little plastic bushings that protect the wire from the sharp BX end, installed during installation.

[@terrafree]

dear tublecain, thumbs up! and just looking at this in feb 2014 you have of 16,501 views, of which 857 are thumbs up and 5 are trolls! thanks for your great videos and please keep it up. your commitment to the greater knowledge base in the ether sphere is of great value to us all all the best josh

[@rosedubovich8684]

I've heard it called Greenfield when it's empty and BX when there is wire. As far as that nasty cut they would give you cone shaped bushings to slide in the end of cable to protect the wire. Get idea for a video don't let a Troll stop you those creeps are everywhere..

[@mrpete222]

+Rose Dubovich Thanks for watching

[@brettheller9257]

mrpete I am new to your channel so I am commenting on about a 6 year old post of yours I do understand. I hope you are still well and doing videos. I am probably a couple years younger than yourself (I am 53) and I say that as a positive thing. The only thing in school that I was good at was obviously shop class, so 1st off I want to thank you for sharing your many years of wisdom. I am a tool, knife, military equipment collector. (My wife says hoarder, but I am an organised hoarder) Everything that I have collected and restored over the past 20 years are stored in believe it or not a blue print cabinet with carpet on the bottom and of course those do not eat bags (I do not have a clue how to spell it) that keep moisture away. I spent 40 years in manufacturing in a multitude of positions yes I am 53 and I have spent 40 years in manufacturing. The multitude of positions that I have held include when I was 13 years old I mowed lawn, cleaned bathrooms, cleaned and buffed office floors and the like. I worked my through to being the Quality manager of the largest supplier for Honda motor company. Obviously with my poor grades in school I did not graduate high school I missed it by 1/2 a credit. I received a waver for the lack of a diploma from the United States Marine Corps in 1983. My last day of attending high school in 1984 the day after I boarded a bus to Detroit, MI (I live in Michigan and have my whole life except the time I was in the Corps) I was deemed to be an 0311 A Rifleman in the Corps. After 2 years of that I went to school in the Corps to become a 1371 Combat Engineer (Yes we blew stuff up not just stuff we blew up everything) LOL When I did get out after my 8 years I had to show that I had a high school diploma. Well i called the school that I attended and explained my situation to the Principal that currently ran the school. Different person than when I attended. Just so happens the principal was also a Marine. I now have a high school diploma because of the fact he knew what knowledge that the Marine Corps took to even get in. Mind you I attended a private Christian school (Not Catholic). The reason behind all this babble is that we were allowed to attend the local Vo-ed center where I took Machine tool tech. 2 weeks after starting that class I was made the official machine maintenance student. every machine in that shop I had tore apart at some point and repaired not to mention the instructors brought their personal equipment in for me to work on. I absolutely loved that shop class. it was about the best learning experience that actually formed what my life would be like. So to close. Thank you. That is absolutely the best I can offer. You have made a difference in so many lives that I am not sure you can even fathom. God Bless you Sir. (Notice not one swear word in the whole comment post for a Marine that takes a lot of restraint. But I respect your wishes to not use foul language)

[@mrpete222]

Wow, that is quite a letter you sent me thank you. You are not a hoarder, you are an accumulator. There’s a big difference. Blueprint cabinets are great for thin items. The corp Made a great man out of you. Keep watching my videos, we have vocational schools around here also that kids can attend for half a day. It’s a wonderful thing. Thanks

[@bdrman2004]

That's really cool! thank you for sharing that. It seems to be a invention from another tormented German mind, I see that all the time... I know because I'm one of those.

[@wizard3z868]

the mangled end you would put an anti short bushing its a smooth plastic cone (usally dark red)cut in the center to go around the wire than you place it in connector

[@outsidescrewball]

Hi Pete Very enjoyable and interesting....amazing what the mind can think up and design... Chuck

[@dougankrum3328]

...I've seen this sort of tool maybe 60+ years ago...I'm 68 and when I was 3-4..my Dad used similar to do wiring in a house he built...Greenfield was a manufacturer of the 'BX' which is 3/8" in this video...first armored cable....came with wire already inside (2 wires usually.....not much was grounded back then, and BX only in one size)...later, they made 1/2-3/4" and up, but without wires....now usually called 'flex'...or if it has rubber coating...'seal-tite'....smallest size that is legal according to NEMA is 1/2". BX used fitting on the junction boxes that was 2 pieces....clamped the outer diameter of 'coil'... Armored cable was a huge step up from the old ceramic 'tube-and-post' wiring.....

[@mrpete222]

+Doug Ankrum thanks for watching--thats great info

[@garysimmons1631]

We were told it's called armor flex in the HVAC business in Texas where I learned the trade. But I have heard other names for it.

[@danbreyfogle8486]

The term BX cable does age you a bit. The original BX cable is no longer used as it lost its UL listing. BX had paper insulation inside the armored cable to help protect the wire. You are correct that there continues to be inventions to try to speed the work on this product.

[@alhaste8683]

What the hell? Being in the manufacturing industry.. that must have took some or a lot of trial and error to make and or prototype.. it boggles my mind and it must have cooked some chaps noodle just coming up with it.. and yea that looks fun.. absolutely amazing!!

[@duster.]

Stumbled in here by chance and glad that I did. I did figure out that it was some kind of wire cutter but not that sort of armoured cable. At first I thought that it may have been an early multi tool as you say and the wire shear may have been a pipe copper pipe cutter. Anyhow a fascinating piece of equipment. No thumbs down from me - ever.

[@mrpete222]

👍

[@steveclark..]

Great video, don't let the thumb down people spoil it, they are just being stupid. I have learnt so much from you Mr Pete,....THANK YOU.

[@rodento3220]

Very interesting video. Having cut the begeebers out of my self a few times working with that stuff when I was younger I kept saying "There has got to be a better way to do this!" Now after all these years I know there is. Great video thumbs up from me!

[@4437dags]

Too live and learn. Living in Australia, Ive never seen armored cable and so never come across such a tool, bu a fine piece of engineering otherwise. Thank you

[@user-kr6yj4rh1l]

Great stuff fella,. We had a TV program here in the England when l was a lad, and one spot on it was a old country boy who each week filled my head will the machinery from long ago, and old long tales of country ways lost, he had a mystery tool or bit of machinery from the past,and you had to wait till the end to find out what they were, you just reminded of him, Thanks my freind, a good 10mins of interesting talk, so stuff the killjoys and there Thums downing, you get a big good old fashioned THUMBS Up from over the pond 👍. And Keep yourself Safe

[@mrpete222]

Thank you very much. I’m glad you like my videos

[@Litzwire]

I too have enjoyed all of your videos. Keep them coming, you are a great teacher, many thanks.

[@petepenner]

Excellent demonstration Mr Pete, as usual, many thanks

[@FredMiller]

I did like the Mystery Tool segment and I look forward to others. Thank you and THUMBS UP!

[@davemi3213]

I. Had no clue what that tool did by looking at it, seeing it actually function made me think of the inventor and how much thought had to go into the tools functionality!, their are some brilliant minds out there

[@MrJKCampione]

You get a thumbs up from me. I'm afraid i missed the first video, and I have seen that tool before, my grandfather used one all the time for electrical work when we worked together. Though I knew what it was and what its purpose is, I'm afraid I didn't know what the name was until this video. Thanks for a trip down memory lane.

[@738polarbear]

Very interesting to see old tools,.some tools have just never been bettered.modern doesn't necessarily mean improved.

[@sbuzz5889]

hack saw at 45 degrees 1 foot on the length/ small cut /as u pull on casing- before u cut threw wire clean

[@newstart49]

I gave this a thumbs up! Disregard the thumbs down- those are probably folks who don't appreciate tools.

[@mrpete222]

+newstart49 Thanks for watching

[@PierreaSweedieCat]

Yes, indeed. In a year of watching, I never found a single thumbs-down event here. On the other hand, I found a number of thumbs ups!

[@censusgary]

It does seem strange to have cutting pliers where you spread the handles apart instead of squeezing them together to cut something.

[@DrewDiaz]

The irony of the thumbs down is that they may just be subscribers to monitor new vids- a movie theater doesn't care if you liked the picture, just that you nought a ticket..., I'd say you are drawing some major, non-centralized ads, so don't worry about it Mr. P.

[@vza423]

Fasinating, Il'd suggest the reasoning behind pulling it apart to operate was otherwise one might shear off a digit or two. Great stuff.

[@manyoldmotors]

I always wondered if there was an easy, or prescribed way to cut armored cable without damaging the wire. Thanks for the mystery tool video. Hope to see more of these. That certainly isn't "easy", but it works.

[@jgilk1]

i don't know who recommended your channel jimmy diresta or shopdogsam but i really enjoy your content...

[@jeffmoss26]

Very good video, that is quite an interesting tool. I still hear it called Greenfield when empty, and BX or MC cable when it has wires in it.

[@dougankrum3328]

No thumbs down from me.....I appreciate the effort most people put into the making of these excellent learning tools...! Thumbs down...there are a few videos on here that are pretty bad.....but I just skip 'voting' on them....

[@mrpete222]

+Doug Ankrum Thanks

[@Hexlattice]

+mrpete222 I appreciate the way you put that. That these trolls don't have anything creative to do themselves.

[@pietzeekoe]

Would love to see more tools :P

[@oned2093]

I'm 4 years late but I watched both videos and it reminded me of my electrical tool. I was close but i didn't think about the tubing. :P

[@ffff1758]

I just hate those armored wires!!! They always get unlocked from the sockets.! But the tool is amazing!!!! very interesting video. tks.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

I count 96 thumbs up and 0 thumbs down. Don't be so sensitive, if two out of three like your video then it is a success in my eyes. By the way I have enjoyed all of them, the machine shop tips, the foundry tips, even the combine videos.

[@KohalaIronWorksCase]

145 thumbs up I think mine made 146...yep had the troll thing going on my old channel, but today I haven't had anybody mess with my mind... Like that tool...could use it on my minor wiring in my shop when my machine comes in... Aloha

[@midgoog2]

This was a fun video. I went for linesman's pliers. Looking forward to more Guess the Mystery Tool videos. Keep up the good work on this entertaining and informative channel MrPete. Cheers Ric

[@barecat685]

i think a cable cutter /splicer. for one handed use when you can't get two hands on the cable .

[@sidewaysaction9983]

I'm a bit late to the party and we have established the use of said tool, I think it would also do a decent job on downwards pointing thumb's.

[@RobiSydney]

BX is scary! The flex itself was the ground conductor. MC or Metal Clad is much better since it has a separate copper ground wire.

[@h7oslo]

Fun challenge ! ... a point to consider... just because a tool design made it to a production run does not necessarily mean it is a good one. Or, even necessary. Example: 'I read it in a book.' BX is`easily managed by an angled slice of the shield with a hacksaw, then break the cable. Slide the shield on the wires to a reasonable cut length and do so with kleins. Use kleins to clip off the blunt angle for better fit on a connector. Whew ! Takes longer to describe than do ! lol rc

[@mrpete222]

+Rusty Case so true-thanks for watching

[@h7oslo]

Oh Gosh! Thank You for for providing an education to so many people who wish to learn! rc

[@dougankrum3328]

+Rusty Case ..Klein...great brand of hand tools..!

[@h7oslo]

Doug Ankrum Yes, They can be relied upon to do their job, and take abuse in the process. Then along came racey, handy, liteweight, imported models that would do the job quickly, but would tolerate no abuse. They were sold for less, because, in the end, which came sooner than later, they were worth less! Best rc

[@gnaloin]

Ha, I guessed fencing tool as well. For barbed wire or other wire fences.

[@w056007568]

Interesting tool, I would never have thought that it was designed for that task! Thanks for taking the time and trouble to show us.

[@timothysvec8568]

Don't worry about the troll's..... Remember, I'm rubber you're glue.... What bounce's off me stick's to you...... Your body of work speak's for itself. I for one... Love your videos. Tim Svec

[@austinwhiteside8486]

Good video. Utica also made a plier for cutting BX

[@devscally]

That tool looks like it was a nightmare to develope. Not the most practical either, but pretty neat all the same. Mystery Tool #2 please. P.S: Dont mind the haters. Great channel and quality and informative videos.

[@enarccrane8129]

love your commentary tubalcain,,,and the jimmy stewart drawl can't be beat.

[@KF-qj2rn]

I got the "lineman's pliers" correct and the shear aspect obviously for cabling ...ditto what j.alves and tjousk said, ratings rank/popularity based on total thumbs whether up/down doesn't care...noticed sites require log in to thumb down but any anonymous guest can Up thumb - KZbin should out the trolls (username) who exceed a certain number, or just block them-facebook does this all the time with an error message "try again later" when you up too often (FB has no 'thumbs down').

[@baconsoda]

Excellent video. I remember my Great-Uncle Michael's 150 year old workshop here, in Ireland, in the 60's and seeing 'Triangle' tools in it. I was fascinated because I had toys made by a company called 'Triangle' and found it amusing that they made proper tools. I wish I had some of those tools today. Best Wishes, Brendan. Edit: Andy Bateman has clarified my memory and correctly pointed out that the toy manufacturer was 'Triang'. Thank you Andy.

[@clkbateman]

Sure it wasn't Triang? was one of the worlds biggest toy manufacturer based in the UK and to top that off they built the British Sten guns during world war 2

[@baconsoda]

Andy Bateman You are absolutely correct. I was about 6 at the time I made the association and, 50 years later, the memory might have blurred a bit. Thanks for fixing this, Best Wishes, Brendan.

[@pophamlarry]

cool all in one tool! made many years ago and still works like a champ! made in U.S.A.! they don't make tools like they used to..... thanks for posting this I found it very interesting......

[@jau2552]

Oh I just love your mysteries!!! I am going to start at 1 and go to 49. On this tool: thank you for the reveal. However what you showed was probably a fifth of what it can do. Wanted to know about the channel on the other side. What a brain this inventor had. Probably had a huge “honey dew” list after his wife saw this thing.

[@mrpete222]

Yes, watch them all, both question and answers

[@markgrevatt4867]

I gave you a thumbs up Pete. Really enjoy your mystery tool videos. Pls keep them comimg Pete. I prefer to watch your videos than the junk that's on tv now days. 👍👍👍

[@mrpete222]

Thanks for watching. Broadcast television is worthless

[@markgrevatt4867]

mrpete222 So true

[@CompEdgeX2013]

Nice video, I enjoyed it. I was looking really hard at the section for holding the BX but just couldn't get it....:-) I suspect the cutter portion is for cutting the whole cable from a spool rather than just a wire cutter??

[@GglSux]

Interesting, and quite impressive. Thanks for the video.