Clipper-cut bolt cutters feature an angle blade that runs to a flat side. The slight bevel on these blades creates high pressure on a single focal point, maximizing cutting power. Since they have a flat side, clipper-style bolt cutters are ideal for shearing off nails and making clean cuts through sheet metal. Read on for the answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding bolt cutters. Q. How do you use bolt cutters? TEKTON also offers the bolt cutter in 6 different sizes which can be used for soft, medium, and hard metal cutting tasks. Pros One caveat, though—this tool is only for cutting threaded bolts. We tested it on a smooth bolt, and it stalled. This was our fault and not the tool’s since it’s not designed to cut anything but threaded bolts, but it does limit the tool’s use.

We tested the power of these bolt cutters on baling wire, cattle panels, all thread, and rebar. The compound-action hinges made it a cinch to cut through the wire, panels, and all thread—even without exerting maximum force. It was also relatively easy to cut through ⅜-inch rebar, so we upped the ante by testing the Pittsburgh cutters on ½-inch rebar. This required more force—but we made it through. This was the only set of bolt cutters that cut through ½-inch rebar, and we didn’t find any damage to the blades afterward. Routine maintenance includes lubricating the joint with an oil such as WD-40 to keep it clean and functioning smoothly. To lubricate, spray the joint and allow the solvent to soak in. There are different types of cutting blades for bolt cutters, including angle cut, center cut, shear cut, and clipper cut blades. Bolt cutters are usually available in 12, 14, 18, 24, 30, 36 and 42 inches (30.5, 35.6, 46, 61, 76, 91.4 and 107cm) in length. The length is measured from the tip of the jaw to the end of the handle. Choose tools that have a grip span between 6cm and 9cm to prevent hands or fingers from getting pinched when the tools are closed

Bolt cutter hinges feature double-compound technology that increases the user’s leverage and makes cutting easier Ensure tools are clean and sharp because greasy or worn-down edges can compromise safety and could cause repetitive strain injuries with prolonged use As this cutter features a center cut, it can easily cut through a wide variety of metals. It will have no trouble working with soft (15RC), medium (31RC), and hard (42RC) metals. Plus, it powers through stainless steel, spring wire, heat-treated rod, reinforcing rod, steel cable, and bolts.

Avoid cutting hardened cable unless the tool is specifically designed for this task – it is better to use sturdier tools for this task as thinner types, such as needle-nose cutters, could incur damage Periodically sharpen the blade and clean it using soapy water and a brush. Dry it with a soft rag to prevent the metal from oxidizing. Sharpen bolt cutters by clamping them in a vice and using a file or an angle grinder to file the edge. FAQs We charged the lithium-ion battery overnight and then started testing by cutting baling wire. Unfortunately, the blades left about a 1/16-inch gap when cutting rather than touching together, meaning the cordless tool failed to cut. We pulled the baling wire out of the almost-closed jaws, and it didn’t have a scratch on it. When testing them on all thread, the jaws stopped closing once they met the metal. We kept pressure on the trigger, but no deal.

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Shear bolt cutters have slightly different blades. Unlike other bolt cutters where the sharp edges of the blades meet, shear-type cutters feature bypass blades—a popular configuration often found in pruning loppers. When the user applies pressure to the handles, the top jaw blade slides past the lower blade. This creates a slicing effect that is better suited to cutting softer cables than solid bolts. The cutters feature center-cut jaws and compound hinges for added leverage. We tested them on cattle panels, baling wire, and 3/16-inch all thread. The Tekton 3400 cutters made it through all three types of metal, but we had to exert a lot of pressure to cut through the all thread. That type of pressure would have led to sore hands with some models, but the cushioning on the Tekton grips saved us from serious hand fatigue.

Easily identifiable by their pincers, they have a shorter gripping surface at the tip and a cutting surface in the middle. These tools are popular in electrical and communications tasks, as well as construction. They are ideal for grasping, splicing or chopping leads and strip insulation.

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Hydraulic cable cutters can be used on a variety of conductors, wire ropes and even solid bars. They feature a guillotine-style head shear to minimise jams. These tools are mainly used in the power utility and electrical industry for chopping copper or aluminium power cables and overhead conductors. A range of models is available, such as manual, battery or remote hydraulic head, with different styles of tool heads including ratchet, guillotine and scissor type. We are long-time fans of Ryobi, one of The Home Depot’s flagship brands, but the Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Bolt Cutters didn’t meet our high standards this time. Small bolt cutters that measure 8, 10-inch, 12-inch, or 14-inches in length are primarily designed to cut through thinner chains and prise off bolts that have a soft to medium hardness. These types of bolt cutters, such as the superb Knipex Tools Bolt Cutters, are also very popular as they are strong, fit in tight, confined spots, and provide on-the-go portability. – Medium Sized Bolt Cutters Featuring an upgraded gripping zone, the powerful jaws allow for easy gripping, prising apart chain links, and pulling of nails. Like the other H.K. Porter bolt cutters we tested, the hinges on this 18-inch model were stiff when we started testing. It could be something common to this brand of bolt cutter, but the hinges eventually loosened up after 20 or so cuts to where we didn’t have to pull the handles forcefully to separate them.

The Knipex Tools 7101250 10-inch CoBolt XL Compact Bolt Cutter is an ultra-versatile tool for construction, automotive, farming, fencing applications, and home use. Sometimes it’s not the hinge design that keeps users from being able to cut through steel rods and bolts. Sometimes it’s the discomfort that comes with applying a lot of pressure to the handles of the bolt cutters. Fortunately, we didn’t have that problem with Tekton’s 18-inch bolt cutters that come with cushioned nonslip grips. It may have a mini design, but the Capri Tools CP40209 40209 8-inch Klinge Mini Bolt Cutter has surprising strength for challenging tasks. Despite using as much pressure as possible while trying to cut the all thread, we were impressed that we didn’t see any chips or blade distortion on the cutters afterward.As long as users remember that these are light-duty cutters, their 9-ounce weight and 8-inch length will easily fit in a tool belt or tool box for impromptu cutting at work. Make sure the edges of the tool are sharp as blunt or worn edges need a lot more force to make an accurate cutWith 130 years of quality hand tool manufacturing, this leading German company is at the forefront of efficient, innovative, and quality tools. The Knipex tools bolt cutter not only provides a legendary powerful performance, but also an effortless user-friendly design. Super-strong, portable, and affordable, the TEKTON 3386 8-inch Bolt Cutter is a must-have hand tool for tradesmen and DIY home maintenance gurus. Made from durable heat-treated chrome-molybdenum steel, the blades cut through threaded bolts, nails, chains with a vengeance. Sturdy jaws provide extra gripping power without shifting or wobbling when closing around a bolt, nail, or chain link. Bring on the muscle! The Pittsburgh 36-inch bolt cutters were the longest model we tested, and the extra length added up to extra leverage. With superior cutting action, industry-leading design, and utilizing smart PowerPivot™technology, the Crescent H.K. Porter 18-inch 0090MCP Bolt Cutter is the perfect metal cutting solution for industrial-style applications.