Novel tools and techniques for direct cable expansion are provided. A system includes a pump, a probe, and a coupler. The pump is coupled to a reservoir holding a fluid. The probe is in fluid communication with the pump, and is configured to introduce the fluid into a cable such that a channel is created, by the fluid, between an outer sheath of the cable and a core of the cable. The coupler is configured to attach to a cable, receive the probe, and position the probe at an interface between the outer sheath and an inner material of the cable adjacent to the outer sheath.