Are bolt cutters easy to use?

Author: Nelson Towne  |  Last update: Sunday, June 26, 2022

Large bolt cutters can get through thick pieces of metal, but sometimes you need a smaller bolt cutter for things like, well, bolts. It can also be used to cut threaded rods, chains and wires. It's a convenient handheld tool that can be used with one hand and kept in a pocket. The soft-touch grip makes it easy to use.

Are bolt cutters hard to use?

Bolt cutters are ideal portable hand tools that are useful for cutting locks, chains, fences and bolts. Around the home there are many uses for bolt cutters. They are tough tools that will work in any situation a small section of (usually cylindrical) metal needs to be cut.

How do you use a bolt cutter for the first time?

How to use bolt cutters
  1. Step 1 – Oil joints if necessary. ...
  2. Step 2 – Check jaw gap is even. ...
  3. Step 3 – Choose cutting point. ...
  4. Step 4 – Position material at base of jaws. ...
  5. Step 5 – If necessary, brace cutter arm. ...
  6. Step 6 – Close blades. ...
  7. Step 7 – Apply pressure.

How well do bolt cutters work?

The Strictly speedboats cutters do not cut through materials in the same way that scissors can cut fabric between two sharp blades but rather crush them through the concentration of enormous forces on the small area where the blade makes contact with the item.

What is the best tool to cut a bolt?

  • BEST OVERALL: HK Porter Power Link Bolt Cutter.
  • BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: WORKPRO Bolt Cutter.
  • BEST HYDRAULIC: Happybuy Hydraulic Rebar Cutter.
  • BEST COMPACT: TEKTON 8” Bolt Cutter.
  • BEST HEAVY DUTY: GreatNeck BC30 30 Inch Bolt Cutters.
  • ALSO CONSIDER: Olympia Tools Power Grip Bolt Cutter.

How to use a Bolt Cutter (Basics) to cut a Padlock & Bolts

What can bolt cutters not cut through?

Strong Steel Construction

Steel alloys tend to give the strongest protection against bolt cutters. Boron alloy is one example of a material that's difficult to cut through. Hardened steel is also used in many locks and can make the lock more resistant to bolt cutters.

How do you cut bolts with bolt cutters?

Grasp the handles with both hands and hold the cutter with the jaws facing away from you. Pull the handles apart as far as possible to fully open the jaws of the cutter. Position the middle of the cutting edges around the bolt or other object you plan to cut. The edges should be at right angles to the object.

Can bolt cutters cut steel cable?

bolt cutter can cut through 5/8-in., vinyl-coated, flexible, braided, steel cable in 60 seconds. The cable took a bit longer than solid chain because it didn't sever as cleanly.

Do bolt cutters need to be sharp?

Do not grind or file your bolt cutter blades to a very sharp edge. They should have a rounded-off ridge, as they do not need to “slice” through material, but rather force it apart. Overly sharp edges diminish that blunt separating force and leave the blade edges vulnerable to buckling and denting.

Can bolt cutters cut rebar?

– Bolt Cutters

Don't underestimate the power of a bolt cutter; of course, you can use these devices to remove padlocks and chains, but they are also effective at snapping rebar. The cutting force alone is enough to chop through smaller diameters of reinforced steel.

Can bolt cutters cut a bike lock?

Bolt cutters will easily cut through cable locks, but it's worth using a cable extension to deter chancers! So if you want your bike lock to put up a fight against bolt cutters, get one made with hardened steel, and get the thickest possible option.

How do you cut a padlock without a bolt cutter?

By far the easiest way to cut a padlock is with bolt cutters.
...
How to Cut a Padlock Without Bolt Cutters (9 Quick & Easy Methods...
  1. Use an Angle Grinder. ...
  2. Use a Dremel. ...
  3. Use a Propane Torch and Hacksaw. ...
  4. Use a Cutting Torch. ...
  5. Use a Hammer. ...
  6. Use a Shim. ...
  7. Lock Picking.

Can bolt cutters cut all locks?

Yes, bolt cutters are an effective tool you can use to cut off a lock. Choose a pair of long-handled bolt cutters and place the shackle between the blades. Squeeze the grips of the bolt cutters together until they cut through the shackle. Then, simply remove the lock.

Can a woman use bolt cutters?

You should be fine. I'm a bit above average strength for a woman and I found I had to work a bit but it didn't feel like an all-out effort! In terms of lifting the bolt cutters, it's not any harder than most things you do in daily life--certainly easier than lifting an averaged-sized carry-on into the overhead bin!

Are bolt cutters adjustable?

The position of bolt cutter blades can be adjusted using either the jaw adjustment bolts, located on the plate that is mounted across the two jaws, or the neck adjustment bolt, located near to where the blade joins the handle on one side of the tool.

How do you lubricate a bolt cutter?

Use a water-displacing lubricant spray to clean any grime from bolts and hinges and keep them moving freely. Spray the solvent directly onto the bolt or hinge and let it soak in for a while.

How do you sharpen cutters?

Method 1: Sharpening with flat file or whetstone
  1. Step 1: Assemble the tools. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean the cutters. ...
  3. Step 3: Set up the dikes on a vise. ...
  4. Step 4: File or whet the cutting edge. ...
  5. Step 5: Test the pliers. ...
  6. Step 6: Wipe the blades. ...
  7. Step 7: Apply machine oil on the blades.

What is the most difficult metal to cut?

The 4 Strongest and Hardest Metals on Earth
  1. Tungsten: The Strongest Metal on Earth. Of all the metals, tungsten reigns supreme in terms of tensile strength. ...
  2. Chromium: The Hardest Metal on Earth. Chromium is the hardest metal known to man. ...
  3. Steel: The Strongest Alloy on Earth. ...
  4. Titanium.

What is harder to cut chain or cable?

unless you find a chain that was used on a battleship anchor, that cable is gonna be the way to go. We use a relatively thin gauge and it takes much more time to cut it than it does to cut a chain. It frays really bad - so at least the potential thief might be detured knowing that cutting the cable will take some time.

What is a bolt cutter used for?

Bolt cutters' blades are flat. These are made to cut through heavy metal, like locks, cables and heavy wiring. Plus, they can also be used for cutting wood, like branches or dowels. Bolt cutters have handles up to 4 feet in length, and generally, the longer the handle, the more force that can be applied.

How do you cut nuts off bolts?

Let's begin!
  1. Step 1: Use Some Muscle. Try a 6-point wrench or socket on your seized nut/bolt. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean It Up. ...
  3. Step 3: Leverage. ...
  4. Step 4: Heat 'er Up. ...
  5. Step 5: Be Smooth. ...
  6. Step 6: Home Chemistry. ...
  7. Step 7: Drill a New Hole. ...
  8. Step 8: Split a Nut.

Do bolt cutters work on screws?

The first type -- sometimes called anvil cutters -- are best for cutting nails and screws. Longer handles give you more cutting power but may make the tool difficult to carry in your tool belt. Bolt cutters are the heavy-duty cousins of anvil-type wire cutters.

How do you cut a bolt without messing up the threads?

Drill a hole horizontally through the board the same diameter as the bolt you plan to cut. Screw a nut on the bolt, then slide the bolt through the hole in the board. Thread another nut on the bolt, and use a wrench to tighten it up against the board. Use a hacksaw to cut the bolt to length.

What is the hardest lock to break?

ABUS Granit™: one of the world's most secure padlocks with a tensile resistance of over six tonnes. Granit locks have a tensile resistance of over six tonnes, making it almost impossible for attackers to release the shackle from the lock body by force.

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