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. 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.

These versatile tools have many varied uses and are commonly found in a range of industries. Jewellery cutters and electrician's wire cutters are common types, but these tools provide a wide range of uses, including: Wires Angled-cut bolt cutters feature a head angled between 25 and 30 degrees. This design makes it easier to position the tool’s head to make lower cuts. This style of bolt cutter can cut off nails and screws protruding from wood flush to the surface.Various types and brands are available, but you should be aware that they can also be categorised by size. This can relate to one of two specifications - jaw length or overall tool length. Both are typically measured in millimetres (mm).

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.Bolt cutters are one of those tools that most DIYers use infrequently. With that in mind, some shoppers may not wish to make a significant investment, and there’s no need to overspend for a medium-size bolt cutter. We tested the 14-inch version of the WorkPro bolt cutter, which turned out to be quite effective at cutting wire and bolts. It can fulfill bolt-cutting needs without taking a big chunk out of shoppers’ wallets. For a comfortable grip, the strong rolled steel handles have soft cushioned non-slip rubber grips and the handles will not twist or give under load. Finding your cutter is so easy in your toolbox as the handle has a bright red color.

Ensure tools are clean and sharp because greasy or worn-down edges can compromise safety and could cause repetitive strain injuries with prolonged use To help you find the best bolt cutter for your projects, consider these very important features. Size It may have a mini design, but the Capri Tools CP40209 40209 8-inch Klinge Mini Bolt Cutter has surprising strength for challenging tasks.

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. 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.

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. We tested these bolt cutters on baling wire, cattle panels, and 3/16-inch all thread. It was easy to cut through the wire and panels, but we had to apply more force to sever the all thread (though not as much as with other 18-inch models we tested). We attribute the increased cutting power to the cutter’s hinge technology, which H.K. Porter calls “PowerPivot.”With so many brands and sizes of bolt cutters available, figuring out which is the right tool for the job can be confusing. Learn what to look for when choosing a pair of bolt cutters and discover how the following models earned a spot on this lineup of the best bolt cutters.