Can you shorten handbrake cables?

[mark]

I have a crimping tool from a marine supply store which looks like a set of bolt cutters, it cost £60 and the crimps are pennies. Maybe a little pricey for a one off job but well worth it if you think you will use it in future projects or your current proffesion

It makes an excellent job and leaves a nice tidy crimp that seems almost as strong as the original wire, i have also used the same tool to secure a new end on my clutch cable where it attaches to the pedal in order to shorten it