Bolt cutters are the common tool of choice for to cut padlocks during forcible-entry. Unfortunately, most padlocks are made of case-hardened steel, which is very strong in comparison to the materials that bolt cutters were intended to cut.
What size of bolt cutters should you use to cut a padlock? A set of 24-inch bolt cutters can cut metal up to 7/16-inch in diameter, which will cut the bolts on most standard padlocks. For higher-quality padlocks that use a harder metal, use a 36-inch bolt cutter.
Tolsen industrial 14 inch bolt cutter is ideal tool for cutting rods, rivets, locks and chains.
Bolt cutters are the common tool of choice for to cut padlocks during forcible-entry. Unfortunately, most padlocks are made of case-hardened steel, which is very strong in comparison to the materials that bolt cutters were intended to cut.
Try a power saw.
The right power saw cuts through the lock itself. The New York city fire department uses saws with an aluminum oxide blade. It is effective when you can access the lock with it. Wear eye protection and cut through the body of the lock (not the shackle.)
Will 18 inch bolt cutters cut a padlock? If you're strong enough, they may be able to cut through. However, bolt cutters that are at least 24 in (61 cm) long will allow you to put more leverage on the shackle of the lock. Larger pairs of bolt cutters are better able to cut through locks with a larger diameter shackle.
Master Lock #21 Padlock Can be Cut with Bolt cutters, and Picked very Easily - YouTube.
This is a less hassle way on how to break a padlock without tools. All you need to do is find two wenches. Put both of their U-shaped clasp between the shackles and quickly pull closer until their handles meet. This will help in detaching the locking mechanism between the shackle and the body of the padlock.
Another handy way to cut a lock is to use a dremel tool. With a dremel, you will need a cutoff wheel, which is quite similar to that of an angle grinder. The best dremel tool usually is smaller than an angle grinder.
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.
Master combination locks have a hardened steel shackle that cannot be cut with a standard hacksaw blade. The shackle is hardened steel to deter thieves from breaking it. However, occasionally you might misplace the key for one of these locks or forget the combination, preventing access to your belongings.
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.
Angle Grinder
This can be the best way to cut a lock. Known as a side grinder disc grinder, this is a mobile machine used for sharp cutting and honing. The 60 grit disc, which is 3⁄64 inches (1.2 mm) in thickness, is the ideal size. It is compact but can be used to cut thick metal shackles.
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.
The EZ409 wheels have a thickness of just 0.75 mm for even thinner cuts. How to use? Cutting wheels only work on their edge. We recommend using a (two-handed) golf grip when using this accessory, and using the right angle attachment when a cut is hard to reach.
A Dremel is a useful hand-held tool with several attachments used to carve, clean and cut through wood and metal. It can be safely used to cut through rusted bolts that can't be removed otherwise.
Metal Types a Dremel Can Cut
As a general rule, sheet metal refers to steel, either galvanized or stainless.
Turns out, any Master Lock can easily be broken into with just a small hammer. As this video illustrates, all you need to do is tap the side of a Master Lock with a hammer to get it to open, no key, no combination required.