Photograph: Glenda Taylor
Whether or not it’s to chop that padlock with the lacking key from the yard shed or to trim steel chain hyperlinks for fencing set up, there are many good causes to have a high quality bolt cutter in your assortment.
Whereas bolt cutters are an important software for reducing heavy wiring, rods, and fencing, fashions vary broadly within the kind and thickness of metal they’ll lower. We examined a few of at the moment’s top-rated bolt cutters to see which of them have been true standouts. We lower fencing, all thread (threaded bolt rods), baling wire, and extra. The efficiency of some fashions positively impressed us, however not all of the bolt cutters we examined lived as much as our excessive requirements.
With so many manufacturers and sizes of bolt cutters accessible, determining which is the proper software for the job may be complicated. Be taught what to search for when selecting a pair of bolt cutters and uncover how the next fashions earned a spot on this lineup of the very best bolt cutters.
- BEST OVERALL: Crescent H.Ok. Porter 0190MCP 24-Inch Bolt Cutter
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: WorkPro W017004A 14-Inch Bolt Cutter
- BEST FOR ALL THREAD: DeWalt DCS350D1 20V MAX* Threaded Rod Cutter Package
- BEST CUSHION-GRIP: Tekton 3400 18-Inch Bolt Cutter
- BEST COMPACT: Tekton 3386 8-Inch Bolt Cutter
- BEST COMPOUND-ACTION: Crescent H.Ok. Porter 0090MCP 18-Inch Bolt Cutter
- BEST EXTRA-LONG: Pittsburgh 36-Inch Bolt Cutters
Photograph: Glenda Taylor
How We Examined the Greatest Bolt Cutters
Bolt cutters are a hand software that’s simpler to evaluate in individual than on-line, however to make sure we had a choice of the very best choices to check, we adopted some basic tips. First, we thought of model. Crescent H.Ok. Porter and Tekton are producers of a variety of high quality reducing merchandise, together with pruners, shears, and bolt cutters, so we picked their top-performing fashions. We additionally included lesser-known manufacturers whose customers rated their merchandise extremely. Lastly, we ensured we selected bolt cutters that assorted in measurement and price.
In testing, we used an easy, hands-on course of. We lower bolts, wires, and steel rods with every software, maintaining in thoughts that the dimensions and kind of the bolt cutter decided the thickness of steel it might lower, as specified by the producer. For instance, we lower rebar with the biggest bolt cutter however didn’t try to take action with a small, compact cutter not designed for that objective.
All through the testing course of, we awarded factors primarily based on a number of points, reminiscent of the general design of the software, ease of use, reducing efficiency, and gear high quality. Every software was awarded factors primarily based on a rubric—the higher it carried out, the extra factors it earned. After testing, we added the factors and used the ultimate scores to categorize the instruments.
Photograph: Glenda Taylor
Our Prime Picks
The next bolt cutters characteristic sturdy handles and highly effective reducing jaws, they usually excelled in our hands-on testing. Every bolt cutter in our lineup is healthier suited to some makes use of than others, however every is a standout in its class. One is certain to be a useful addition to your software caddy.
Photograph: amazon.com
Even with a high quality bolt cutter, reducing by way of steel may be an uphill activity requiring important upper-body energy. This bolt cutter from H.Ok. Porter makes reducing extra manageable because of its double-compound hinge design, which will increase the deal with’s leverage.
We used this bolt cutter to chop by way of quite a lot of steel, together with cattle panels, baling wire, fencing, 3/16-inch all thread (threaded bolt rod), and ⅜-inch rebar. These H.Ok. Porter bolt cutters are categorized as “heart lower,” which means each side of the blades are sharpened to a middle level. This is without doubt one of the most typical kinds of cutters, and we didn’t have any issues reducing by way of the cattle panels, baling wire, or all thread. It took a bit extra squeezing energy with these 24-inch cutters to get by way of the rebar, however we made it.
The double-compound hinge design options additional arm hinges that enhance reducing stress. We felt the design labored nicely for amplifying the leverage obligatory to chop by way of probably the most difficult check: the rebar. H.Ok. Porter bolt cutters additionally characteristic nonslip padded grips that make it simpler to understand and squeeze the arms collectively with out hurting palms.
The tubular metal handles didn’t bend throughout our checks, and we exerted fairly a little bit of stress. We didn’t discover any nicks on the metal blades from reducing the steel objects—one thing that may happen with low-quality metal blades. The one draw back we seen was that the hinges have been tight, making the arms barely tough to open. Whereas this was initially annoying, the hinges loosened up after we lower by way of 20 to 30 steel objects.
Product Specs
- Size: 24 inches
- Weight: 7.74 kilos
- Compound motion? Sure, double compound
Professionals
- Bolt cutter hinges characteristic double-compound expertise that will increase the consumer’s leverage and makes reducing simpler
- Nonslip padded grips assist maintain customers’ palms from getting sore
- Minimize as much as ⅜-inch rebar in checks, making it highly effective and versatile
Cons
- Hinges have been stiff at first however loosened up after making a number of cuts
Learn our full assessment right here.
Get the Crescent H.Ok. Porter 24-inch bolt cutters at Amazon, The House Depot, Lowe’s, Acme Instruments, or Grainger.
Photograph: amazon.com
Bolt cutters are a kind of instruments that almost all DIYers use occasionally. With that in thoughts, some buyers might not want to make a big funding, and there’s no must overspend for a medium-size bolt cutter. We examined the 14-inch model of the WorkPro bolt cutter, which turned out to be fairly efficient at reducing wire and bolts. It will possibly fulfill bolt-cutting wants with out taking an enormous chunk out of buyers’ wallets.
For its measurement, we felt the WorkPro cutter was fairly efficient. We anticipated to exert much more energy, however the lever-fulcrum hinges (a compound hinge) lower by way of a number of steel objects, together with baling wire and cattle panels, with solely a reasonable quantity of exertion. The blades are heart lower, and the producer says they’re constituted of chrome-molybdenum metal. No matter they include, they’re rugged and sturdy. On a whim, we tried to chop 3/16-inch all thread. It didn’t work, however our effort didn’t chip or bend the blades.
The grips are delicate and ergonomic—designed to suit the hand—so customers can get a stable maintain with out slippage. It began snowing after we have been testing, and the cutters bought some moisture on them. We took them into the store to dry out, however we seen some rust on the hinges the following day. For that motive, we advocate utilizing them in dry climate or promptly wiping them dry in the event that they get moist.
Product Specs
- Size: 14 inches
- Weight: 2.05 kilos
- Compound motion? Sure
Professionals
- Inexpensive pair of midsize bolt cutters that lower 3/16-inch all thread in testing
- Compound (lever-fulcrum) hinges give customers extra leverage for reducing bolts
- Ergonomic nonslip grips are comfy to understand and scale back hand fatigue
Cons
- Hinges might rust, so customers ought to dry the cutters in the event that they get moist
Get the WorkPro bolt cutters at Amazon, Sears, or Kmart.
Photograph: amazon.com
We’ve owned and examined many DeWalt instruments over time and really feel DeWalt is a high energy software producer. Nevertheless, we’d by no means tried the model’s hydraulic bolt cutter—we didn’t even know DeWalt made one. We all know now, and we’re impressed!
Anybody who’s completed mechanical work or wanted to chop off too-long bolts has doubtless run into the difficulty of reducing a bolt and getting a jagged finish that needed to be filed down by hand. It is a nonissue with the DeWalt bolt cutter. All we needed to do was put a threaded bolt between the cutter’s jaws and pull the set off. The curved blades on the software (which comes with a 2-amp hour rechargeable battery and charger) instantly tightened across the bolt and lower it cleanly in half. We lower all thread as much as 3/16 inch, and the DeWalt didn’t pressure as soon as beneath the duty.
The producer says the software cuts as much as ⅞-inch threaded bolts, and whereas we didn’t have any available to check, we predict the DeWalt has sufficient reducing energy to do the job. It contains a solid metal head, a number of reducing blades, and metal handles with rubberized grips for management and luxury. A handy carrying case offers storage for the cutter and a set of spare blades.
One caveat, although—this software is just for reducing threaded bolts. We examined it on a easy bolt, and it stalled. This was our fault and never the software’s because it’s not designed to chop something however threaded bolts, nevertheless it does restrict the software’s use.
Product Specs
- Size: 11.125 inches
- Weight: 12.5 kilos
- Compound motion? Not relevant
Professionals
- This bolt cutter works on hydraulics, so customers can take it straightforward
- Multiblade jaws make clear finish cuts; little or no submitting is required
- Rechargeable battery is interchangeable with different DeWalt 20V energy instruments
- Comes with a helpful software bag for maintaining objects organized
Cons
- Not appropriate for reducing any wire or rods besides threaded ones
Get the DeWalt bolt cutters at Acme Instruments, Amazon, MSC, or Ace Device.
Photograph: amazon.com
Typically it’s not the hinge design that retains customers from having the ability to lower by way of metal rods and bolts. Typically it’s the discomfort that comes with making use of a whole lot of stress to the handles of the bolt cutters. Thankfully, we didn’t have that drawback with Tekton’s 18-inch bolt cutters that include cushioned nonslip grips.
The cutters characteristic center-cut jaws and compound hinges for added leverage. We examined them on cattle panels, baling wire, and three/16-inch all thread. The Tekton 3400 cutters made it by way of all three kinds of steel, however we needed to exert a whole lot of stress to chop by way of the all thread. That kind of stress would have led to sore palms with some fashions, however the cushioning on the Tekton grips saved us from critical hand fatigue.
The draw back is that after we powered by way of a number of metal bolt cuts, we discovered a few nicks on one of many blades. That was disappointing, however these are nonetheless good cutters for thinner bolts or softer steel. We advocate not pushing them too laborious to maintain them in high working order.
Product Specs
- Size: 18 inches
- Weight: 3.2 kilos
- Compound motion? Sure
Professionals
- Cushioned grips scale back hand fatigue that may happen when exerting most pressure
- Cuts by way of baling wire and cattle panels with relative ease
- Incorporates a compound hinge configuration that will increase leverage for simpler reducing
Cons
- Blades suffered a few nicks after reducing by way of metal bolts
Get the Tekton 18-inch bolt cutters at Amazon, The House Depot, Lowe’s, or Zoro.
Photograph: amazon.com
For such a small bolt cutter, we discovered that this 8-inch Tekton packed fairly a punch. It options compound hinges for added energy and leverage. And the grips are constituted of delicate rubber to soak up a number of the stress. We lower shortly by way of the baling wire, and it took only a bit extra effort to chop by way of the steel on a cattle panel.
The producer says these bolt cutters will lower by way of 3/16-inch wire, and possibly it would, however we didn’t have any for testing and really feel the consumer would wish to exert fairly a little bit of muscle to tug that off. We did check them on 3/16-inch all thread, they usually didn’t make a dent. Nevertheless, that doesn’t replicate negatively since they’re not made for that objective. Even when the quick handles don’t provide sufficient leverage to chop thick bolts and metal rods, they have been sturdy sufficient to withstand twisting or bending, and their delicate rubber grips supplied some consolation for our palms.
Regardless of utilizing as a lot stress as potential whereas attempting to chop the all thread, we have been impressed that we didn’t see any chips or blade distortion on the cutters afterward.So long as customers do not forget that these are light-duty cutters, their 9-ounce weight and 8-inch size will simply slot in a software belt or software field for impromptu reducing at work.
Product Specs
- Size: 8 inches
- Weight: 9.1 ounces
- Compound motion? Sure
Professionals
- Light-weight and compact, these bolt cutters are straightforward to hold in a software pouch or pocket
- The rubber deal with grips resist slipping and add cushion for palms
- The compound hinges assist this little cutter lower by way of baling wire and extra
Cons
- Gentle-duty-only bolt cutters—don’t anticipate them to chop what bigger fashions will
Get the Tekton 8-inch bolt cutters at Amazon.
Photograph: amazon.com
As our second pair of H.Ok. Porter bolt cutters to earn a spot on this lineup, these 18-inch energy gamers characteristic glorious reducing potential in a midsize mannequin. Like their large brother that took high honors in our checks, these shorter cutters include double-compound hinges that enhance the consumer’s potential to chop by way of difficult steel objects.
We examined these bolt cutters on baling wire, cattle panels, and three/16-inch all thread. It was straightforward to chop by way of the wire and panels, however we needed to apply extra pressure to sever the all thread (although not as a lot as with different 18-inch fashions we examined). We attribute the elevated reducing energy to the cutter’s hinge expertise, which H.Ok. Porter calls “PowerPivot.”
We then tried to chop ⅜-inch rebar however weren’t profitable. Nonetheless, it is a sturdy set of midsize bolt cutters. Even after attempting to chop the rebar, we didn’t discover any nicks or chips within the blades, and the nonslip padded grips scale back hand fatigue.
Like the opposite H.Ok. Porter bolt cutters we examined, the hinges on this 18-inch mannequin have been stiff after we began testing. It may very well be one thing frequent to this model of bolt cutter, however the hinges finally loosened up after 20 or so cuts to the place we didn’t have to tug the handles forcefully to separate them.
Product Specs
- Size: 18 inches
- Weight: 5 kilos
- Compound motion? Sure, double compound
Professionals
- Double-compound hinge expertise offers additional leverage for steel reducing
- Nonslip padded grips assist to scale back hand fatigue; excellent for longer initiatives
- Precision-ground metal blades stand up to heavy reducing with out harm
Cons
- Hinges are stiff at first however loosen up after a number of cuts
Get the Crescent H.Ok. Porter 18-inch bolt cutters at Amazon, The House Depot, Tractor Provide Co., or Acme Instruments.
Photograph: amazon.com
Carry on the muscle! The Pittsburgh 36-inch bolt cutters have been the longest mannequin we examined, and the additional size added as much as additional leverage.
We examined the ability of those bolt cutters on baling wire, cattle panels, all thread, and rebar. The compound-action hinges made it a cinch to chop by way of the wire, panels, and all thread—even with out exerting most pressure. It was additionally comparatively straightforward to chop by way of ⅜-inch rebar, so we upped the ante by testing the Pittsburgh cutters on ½-inch rebar. This required extra pressure—however we made it by way of. This was the one set of bolt cutters that lower by way of ½-inch rebar, and we didn’t discover any harm to the blades afterward.
The cutters include nonslip grips, although we felt they might use a bit extra cushioning. And there’s a draw back to all that highly effective size: The longer bolt cutters are, the more difficult it’s to regulate the jaws precisely. This pair’s additional size and weight make the jaws unwieldy, particularly when reaching overhead. Nonetheless, prolonged cutters imply extra reducing energy, so it’s a trade-off relying on the consumer’s preferences.
Product Specs
- Size: 36 inches
- Weight: 10.97 kilos
- Compound motion? Sure
Professionals
- Additional-long 36-inch size will increase leverage and reducing energy
- Compound-action jaws add much more pressure for reducing steel
- Excessive-carbon blades can lower by way of powerful metals with out harm
Cons
- The added size and weight make the bolt cutters unwieldy
Get the Pittsburgh bolt cutters at Amazon or Harbor Freight.
ALSO TESTED
We’re long-time followers of Ryobi, one in all The House Depot’s flagship manufacturers, however the Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Bolt Cutters didn’t meet our excessive requirements this time.
We charged the lithium-ion battery in a single day after which began testing by reducing baling wire. Sadly, the blades left a couple of 1/16-inch hole when reducing slightly than touching collectively, which means the cordless software failed to chop. 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 as soon as they met the steel. We stored stress on the set off, however no deal.
We needed to get rid of the Ryobi bolt cutters from our checks, however this particular software failure doesn’t characterize the model’s total high quality. Ryobi makes some glorious instruments—maybe we simply bought a lemon this time. We’re open to testing a unique or upgraded mannequin sooner or later.
What to Contemplate When Selecting Bolt Cutters
Most DIYers consider that larger is healthier in terms of bolt cutters. And whereas it might be true that longer bolt cutters can lower thicker steel, they’re not appropriate for each DIY venture. Beneath, we transcend measurement to assessment all of the elements to think about earlier than making a purchase order.
Supposed Use
Regardless of the identify, bolt cutters are useful for a lot of extra jobs than reducing bolts. Along with eradicating padlocks with forgotten mixtures or lacking keys, bolt cutters can lower wire mesh used to bolster concrete pads, rebar used for landscaping, and steel wire for chain-link fencing. Since bolt cutters are so highly effective—some can produce greater than 4,000 kilos of pressure—their design makes them helpful as highly effective reducing instruments for varied supplies, together with cables, wires, fencing, all thread, and nails.
Measurement and Weight
Size does matter in terms of bolt cutters. Longer arms create extra leverage and, subsequently, extra reducing energy. An 18-inch bolt cutter can typically lower steel with a diameter as much as 9/32 of an inch, whereas a 24-inch bolt cutter can lower thicknesses as much as 5/16 of an inch, relying on the fabric’s hardness and the standard of the software.
Massive bolt cutters, which may be so long as 48 inches, can deal with hardened metal rods, heavy chains, and thick threaded cable as much as 7/16 of an inch in diameter.
Bolt cutters differ in weight from about 2 kilos for smaller 8-inch cutters to round 8 kilos for bigger 48-inch cutters.
Minimize Type
Bolt cutters are available in varied lower kinds, together with angled, shear, clipper, heart, and hydraulic.
- Angled-cut bolt cutters characteristic a head angled between 25 and 30 levels. This design makes it simpler to place the software’s head to make decrease cuts. This type of bolt cutter can lower off nails and screws protruding from wooden flush to the floor.
- Shear bolt cutters have barely completely different blades. In contrast to different bolt cutters the place the sharp edges of the blades meet, shear-type cutters characteristic bypass blades—a preferred configuration typically present in pruning loppers. When the consumer applies stress to the handles, the highest jaw blade slides previous the decrease blade. This creates a slicing impact that’s higher suited to reducing softer cables than stable bolts.
- Clipper-cut bolt cutters characteristic an angle blade that runs to a flat facet. The slight bevel on these blades creates excessive stress on a single focus, maximizing reducing energy. Since they’ve a flat facet, clipper-style bolt cutters are perfect for shearing off nails and making clear cuts by way of sheet steel.
- Middle-cut bolt cutters characteristic blades which might be beveled on each side and are evenly spaced from one another. That is the commonest kind of jaw configuration and the one kind we examined apart from the powered all thread bolt cutter. When stress is utilized, the blades bear down on both finish till they separate the fabric. Middle-cut bolt cutters are perfect for reducing by way of cables, pipes, and steel rods.
- Hydraulic bolt cutters use a motor to energy the reducing blades. A hydraulically powered piston drives the leading edge ahead with considerably extra pressure than handle-operated bolt cutters can produce. As a result of this extra energy, hydraulic bolt cutters can lower delicate metals practically an inch in diameter.
Handles
Since customers should apply a big quantity of pressure when utilizing bolt cutters, the bolt cutters will need to have comfy and sturdy handles to guard customers’ palms and prolong the software’s life. Most bolt cutter handles encompass metal tubes that resist bending and have padded grips to maximise consolation and management.
Bolt cutter handles even have steel stops close to the neck, which forestall them from closing too intently collectively, inflicting the blades to overlap.
Adjustability
Blades on some kinds of bolt cutters (however not all) are adjustable. Bolts on the neck and jaws of a bolt cutter enable the consumer to regulate the blades. Turning the jaw adjustment bolts causes the corresponding blade to both transfer in the direction of or away from the joint. A clockwise flip strikes the blades nearer collectively, whereas a counterclockwise flip strikes the blades farther aside.
Adjusting the bolts on the neck adjustments the blade’s angle by transferring the ideas nearer collectively or farther aside. Correctly adjusting the blades is essential for correct reducing and defending them from harm.
Upkeep
The easiest way to increase the lifetime of bolt cutters is to make use of them because the producer meant. Trying to chop supplies which might be tougher or thicker than what the bolt cutters are rated to deal with can harm the blade or the joints.
Routine upkeep consists of lubricating the joint with an oil reminiscent of WD-40 to maintain it clear and functioning easily. To lubricate, spray the joint and permit the solvent to soak in.
Periodically sharpen the blade and clear it utilizing soapy water and a brush. Dry it with a delicate rag to stop the steel from oxidizing. Sharpen bolt cutters by clamping them in a vice and utilizing a file or an angle grinder to file the sting.
FAQs
Learn on for the solutions to probably the most generally requested questions relating to bolt cutters.
Q. How do you employ bolt cutters?
Search for an excellent place to grip the steel so the handles can transfer freely. Transfer the fabric as deep into the jaws of the blades as potential to maximise the software’s reducing pressure. This additionally prevents the fabric from slipping out of the jaws as you apply stress. Pull the handles collectively utilizing managed and deliberate motion. Slowly apply extra stress till the blades lower by way of the fabric. Don’t flip or twist the handles, as this might harm the blades or the jaws.
Q. How do you sharpen bolt cutters?
To sharpen the blades, you want a steel vice, oil, a file or an angle grinder, and a clear material. Be certain that the top of the bolt cutter is clear, then firmly clamp it within the vice. Utilizing a grinder or a file, file the blade, ensuring to observe the beveled angle of the blade. Don’t sharpen the sting as you’d a knife. Bolt cutters have a beveled edge that forces materials aside. It doesn’t slice by way of steel like a knife. Wipe down the blade with a material, after which oil it utilizing a steel lubricating solvent.
Q. What measurement bolt cutters do you have to use to chop a padlock?
Relying on high quality, 24-inch bolt cutters can lower steel as much as 7/16-inch in diameter, which can lower the bolts on most traditional padlocks. For higher-quality padlocks that use a tougher steel, use a 36-inch bolt cutter.
