I've hogged a lot of wire, installed outlets and switches and what not, but I haven't previously dealt with 4/0 wire that comes from PSE's transformer to my service panel. My building project is moving forward, and I need to replace an obsolete service panel on my property. It served an old mobile home at one time, and I want to use the post it's on for my temporary power while I'm building a garage and house. I thought I could use the old panel, but L&I says it's gotta' meet current code with GFI outlets, etc. Turns out it's cheapest to just replace it with a new service panel for now. PSE came and turned off the power - whoda' guessed those wires had been sitting there hot for who knows how many years? Fortunately I didn't get zapped, just tickled when I was checking it out.

The upshot is that those 4/0 aluminum cables need to be cut a little shorter to connect to the appropriate screws in the new panel. I've got a set of 7" and 9" linesman's pliers, and they cut romex OK, but I don't think I've got anything that will cut through 4/0. Do I need to rent or buy a bolt cutter for this stuff? If not, what is the right tool for this job?

Thanks.

i bet you can get a answer if you google your question. i have done it numerous time's with good result's.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?...ore&dir=catalog
Go here and check these out. Should cut you 4.0 like butter.

Thanks Grumpyr. I was hoping to do this job this weekend, so I'll check and see if any of the local hardware stores have those.

I'll try your suggestion too Bustinbig.

I ran into the same problems a few months ago instead of buying cutters I used a hacksaw...Worked for me...I tried my bolt cutters but it smashed it pretty good before cutting...

Salmo,

The tool that grumpyr spec'd should do it, will require a little muscle though. If I thought I lived closer, I'd let you borrow mine. You may be able to rent a longer handled version from your local tool rental shop, the longer handles will obviously make it child's play. Hacksaw/jigsaw/sawzall may work, but aluminum has a tendency to foul the teeth on your blade.

Oh yeah, power tools require a couple good c-clamps and a bench

put a small hose clamp just below where your cutting then a hacksaw works well