Is there a cut proof cable?

When it comes to securing valuables, equipment, or restricting access, cables and chains are a popular choice due to their strength and durability. However, most metal cables and chains are still vulnerable to being cut with the right tools. This leads many to wonder: is there truly such a thing as a cut proof cable?

What Makes a Cable Cut Proof?

For a cable to be considered cut proof, it needs to be designed in a way that makes it extremely difficult or impossible to cut through with conventional tools like bolt cutters, hacksaws, angle grinders, or wire cutters. There are a few common ways cables can be engineered to be more cut resistant:

• Using thicker, high strength steel strands
• Incorporating tightly woven stainless steel mesh
• Reinforcing with braided steel surrounds
• Utilizing interlocking steel links instead of standard cable

The most cut proof cables use a combination of these design elements to maximize overall strength and cut resistance. The specific materials used also make a difference – hardened boron alloy steel is often used for the core wire in the strongest cables. Aerospace grade stainless steel woven mesh further enhances protection.

How Are Cables Tested for Cut Resistance?

To measure how well a cable stands up to cutting attacks, manufacturers use standard tests:

• Bolt Cutters – Hydraulic or electric jaws rated for various capacities are leveraged against the cable to see if it can be fully cut through.
• Hacksaws – Cables are subjected to hacksaw blades (often tungsten carbide grit) to test sawing resistance.
• Abrasive Chopping – Rotating, abrasive cutting wheels attack the cable at 90 degree angles.
• Prying – Bars are used to attempt forcing open links or mesh weaves.

These lab test cutting attacks aim to simulate the same methods thieves might use in the real world when trying to defeat security cables. The best cut proof cable products will be able to withstand prolonged attempts from all these cutter types without separating.

What Are the Strongest Cut Proof Cable Options?

Based on extensive manufacturer and third party testing, here are some of the top performing cut proof cable designs:

1. Square Link Steel Chains

Square section interlocking steel links arranged in a chain pattern make it extremely difficult for bolt cutters to get proper purchase. Alternating solid and swaged links adds further strength. Chrome plating resists corrosion. Square link chain is bulky but provides one of the highest cut resistance ratings amongst chain products.

2. Braided Stainless Steel Cable

For more flexibility, braided stainless steel cables that incorporate an internal steel core with a high strand count exterior stainless wrap provide excellent cut protection. The multiple outer layers essentially create a barrier preventing tools from impacting the inner core. These can sustain repeated hacksaw and grinder assaults in testing.

3. Hardened Locking Chain Link

Boron alloy and stainless steel chain links that have a unique directional design preventing the chain from being disassembled provide uncompromising strength. Once locked, the gaps close as the links engage and overlap. This style exceeds the cut resistance of twisted and straight link chain alternatives.

4. Rotating Link Steel Cable

Using interconnected round links that freely rotate helps cables resist linear cutting motion from tools. The links can displace as the cable is impacted instead of remaining static. These cables retain flexibility for threading and wrapping while achieving some of the highest cut resistance ratings.

How Long Can It Take to Cut Through the Toughest Cables?

Under lab testing conditions, utilizing a range of compact battery operated tools, the most cut resistant cables can withstand 30 minutes or more of sustained cutting, grinding, and prying attempts. In some cases over an hour of concerted effort is needed to finally penetrate the cable jacket and core strands. Generally the longer it takes to slice through a cable in controlled testing, the better it will hold up against real world theft attempts.

Cutting Time Comparison

Cable Type	Cut Time
6mm Braided Steel Cable	16 minutes
10mm Hardened Locking Chain	22 minutes
12mm Square Link Steel Chain	31 minutes
19mm Rotating Link Steel Cable	43 minutes

As the table shows, cut time generally increases with cable thickness and more advanced design elements.

Are the Toughest Cables Ever Truly 100% Cut Proof?

No security cable or chain is completely impervious to being cut or broken given enough time, resources, and determination. However, the strongest cut resistant cable products have been proven to be unmatched in terms of defeating common handheld cutting tools. Bolt cutters, hacksaws, grinders, wire cutters, and pry bars are no match for the complex steel weaves, braids, and link patterns incorporated into premium cut proof cables.

The amount of noise, time, and effort required to slice through these cables using portable equipment would make any public theft attempt extremely difficult. For the majority of applications guarding high value objects, vehicles, equipment, and property, these ultra heavy duty cable designs provide the highest level of cut resistance available.

Cutting the Toughest Cables Requires Power Tools

To cut through the thickest cut proof braided steel and interlocking link steel cables requires using high powered hydraulic cutters or electric reciprocating saws. These tools are not only heavy and conspicuous but take considerable time and effort to make an impact on hardened steel cables. The noise and sparks generated also make covert, undetected cutting virtually impossible.

What Are the Limitations of Cut Proof Cables?

While the strongest cut proof cables provide unmatched cut resistance for portable hand tools, some considerations apply when choosing security cables:

• Very thick and heavy cables are less convenient for threading and installation.
• Top performing cables are more expensive than standard steel cable.
• Overly rigid cables cannot be coiled or wrapped as easily.
• Industrial power cutting tools can still defeat these cables when applied for extended time periods.

Understanding that even the most robust cables have limitations is important when picking the right product for a specific application. Assessing the likelihood of different cutting methods being used based on the situation at hand allows selecting an optimal balance of cut resistance, flexibility, weight, and cost.

How to Use Cut Proof Cables Most Effectively?

To get the most protection out of a cut proof cable or chain, keep these usage tips in mind:

• Utilize the heaviest, thickest cable that is practical based on budget, weight restrictions, and convenience.
• When possible, thread cables through multiple anchoring points or fixed objects to make simultaneous cutting more difficult.
• Use heavy duty laminated steel padlocks at connection points that match the security rating of the cable.
• Combine cables with additional deterrents like alarms and video surveillance where applicable.
• Regularly inspect installed cables for any evidence of tampering or damage from attempts.
• Avoid leaving slack in cable runs whenever possible.

The Bottom Line

While no cable is completely impervious to cutting, advances in braided and woven steel cable technology along with unique interlocking link designs allow cables to achieve an unprecedented level of cut resistance. The toughest cables now exceed an hour of sustained pneumatic and electric cutting efforts before finally succumbing. For the vast majority of applications, these ultra heavy duty cable products provide the highest level of security against handheld cutting tools. Paired with proper installation and additional protections, cut proof cables present a formidable barrier for thieves and vandals.