Tools needed to unhook brake cables?

What all is needed to un-hook brake cables, especially the e-brake?

I have a good hook-up on XJ d44s and all kinds of axles and I am wanting to know how to save the cables because I have been just cutting them. I have a huge list of tools needed for every trip and I want to have the axles as complete as they can be.

Thanks

Try and back off the adjuster,get enough play to pull the anchor out of the bracket.
Most of the time the rod will twist off,or if in junk yard you cannot get under it .Thats why most yards cut them.
Wayne

If you're just trying to grab the cables with the axle, and nobody cares about the other parts, how about just cutting the cable from the handle to the equalizer? A bolt cutter on the threaded rod should do it.