Do I need an end ferrule?

I need to change my brake cables, which are currently standard type and am considering going to braided compressionless housing. The brake is Shimano BR-CX77 and the recess for the housing is a very snug fit on my current, 5mm, Jagwire housing which has no ferrule.

My question is do I need a ferrule if I change to compressionless housing? If I do that poses an issue. I wonder if I don't use one, is there a risk the strands are eventually going to start poking through the hole for the inner, thus rendering the brake less effective.

Make sure the end of the housing is cut off squarely: you need proper cable cutters but a Dremel will do, side-cutting pliers will just mangle it.

With a Dremel, the heat can melt the lining and outer, so turn the speed down.

Either way, a sacrificial length of inner cable inserted from the open end of the housing, will keep it in shape when you cut it.

If necessary, file the end flat.

Excellent, thanks. I was hoping that was the case.

When is a ferrule ever required then if not for spiral or braided and why do the kits always supply them?

I can't remember ever using a ferrule for where the brake outer enters a brake caliper. As you've found, there isn't enough space for one.

I would also say filing the end flat when using compressionless outer is a waste of time; as soon as you put a bend/radius in the cable the end will no longer be flat.

Some brakes need them, some don't...

Cheers. Pre-bending and then filing would be a faff.

Is this decidef by whether the cable is a snug fit? Is the same true of levers?

I would also say filing the end flat when using compressionless outer is a waste of time; as soon as you put a bend/radius in the cable the end will no longer be flat.

You bend the cable before cutting (sorry, I should have mentioned that).

If it's not flat, the tension will deform the end leading to a sudden decrease in braking power.

Usually when you yank on the lever hard, as you're about to go into the back of a bus.

Sorry is this for helical or braided, I thought you put a bend in helical housing where cutting to get a better, smoother cut. Or maybe I've been doing it wrong for decades.

Well if a ferrule won't fit...

Ask the manufacturer if you're in doubt, but the better ones will specify.

It seems to be recent development, so I guess it's linked to improvements in manufacturing: whatever the housing is entering acts as a ferrule.

Cheers

I can't see that it would make any difference to Bowden cable.

But with compressionless housing, the strands on the outside of any bend have further to travel, so need to be left longer.

Otherwise when you do put a bend in it, the end will be at an angle and not sit flat.

OK. Thanks.