There may be a metal ring or sleave over the monitor cable near the end. This is a ferrite ring, and it is there to help decrease electormagnetic interference I believe. I would reccomend that you put that back on to the shortened cable.
I don't know about tools. I imagine you woulnd need some kind of a crimper, but I've never done that.
------------------
Lephturn - Chief Trainer
A member of The Flying Pigs
http://www.flyingpigs.com "A pig is a jolly companion, Boar, sow, barrow, or gilt --
A pig is a pal, who'll boost your morale, Though mountains may topple and tilt.
When they've blackballed, bamboozled, and burned you, When they've turned on you, Tory and Whig,
Though you may be thrown over by Tabby and Rover, You'll never go wrong with a pig, a pig,
You'll never go wrong with a pig!" -- Thomas Pynchon, "Gravity's Rainbow"
