Bolt cutters: Porter vs Knipex?

[EmptyWallet]

I'd like to pick up a set of bolt cutters, 18-24 inch in size (maybe 30) for $100-150.

Seems like I keeping coming up against Hk Porter and Knipex.

Which is the better brand regarding durability, hardness, and the better tool?

 

[fflintstone]

both are quality tools, I think porters are made here and knipex in germany. cant be certain these days.

 

[fflintstone]

the aluminum handled porters are only $50 on amazon. I have them and consider them to be the "minimum" in a bolt cutter.

 

[reptilezs]

i have hk porter and they are great. got them used so, cheap. used ones with damaged jaws are common though. mine are in mint shape. could also buy the used ones for the handles and get new heads

 

[nahuebsch82]

Love my Knipex they have all but replaced my diagonal cutters (also Knipex).

 

[jjjrmx5]

I love my Knipex tools but the bigger question I would ask is how often are you going to use them.

If used daily or heavily, then there is a good chance that you'll need a back up set or sets of replaceable jaws (cutting blades/heads).
Most of the Porter jaws are stocked or sourced easily through Grainger (and some hardware stores) , while Knipex parts can be a litle harder to come by.

For home use I prefer Knipex since they are used lessoften and are a bit more expensive.

For field/daily/professional use I like Porter for the reason I mentioned above.

Both are high quality products that you get what you pay for.

 

[EmptyWallet]

Love my Knipex they have all but replaced my diagonal cutters (also Knipex).

Are you referring to the mini bolt cutters?

 

[EmptyWallet]

Knipex is listed as capacity up to 48hrc, hardness of jaws is 62hrc

Porters are listed as maximum hardness that can be cut is C48.

What does this mean?

 

[jjjrmx5]

Knipex is listed as capacity up to 48hrc, hardness of jaws is 62hrc

Porters are listed as maximum hardness that can be cut is C48.

What does this mean?

What size bolt cutter?

18"?
24"?
30"?

 

[reptilezs]

Knipex is listed as capacity up to 48hrc, hardness of jaws is 62hrc

Porters are listed as maximum hardness that can be cut is C48.

What does this mean?

rockwell hardness. high carbon steels used in tools like knives can be hardened up to 55hrc or so. tools in general are usually a little lower for more toughness

 

[EmptyWallet]

rockwell hardness. high carbon steels used in tools like knives can be hardened up to 55hrc or so. tools in general are usually a little lower for more toughness

So which ones are then more durable or better? Of the two listed?

 

[nahuebsch82]

Are you referring to the mini bolt cutters?

suppose i was lol missed the 18-24in size lol

 

[plinker]

I have two set's of older cast iron handled 36" HK's, and a 14" tube handle model. cant go wrong with those. I dont know if I'd like the cast aluminum or not.

 

[EmptyWallet]

suppose i was lol missed the 18-24in size lol

No biggie. Lol.

 

[natas2000]

I'm going to Sears tomorrow to buy a Knipex 71 01 200. They have one of the best prices on it. Been waiting. Hope it works for what I want it too.

 

[Vinko]

Don't know if they still have them but HK Porter jaws (No. 1 and I think No. 3) were being sold for a very reasonable price by Epstein's Hardware. Just in case you buy an old pair cheap. I replaced the jaws on a few bolt old HK bolt cutters.

 

[neophyte]

I have two set's of older cast iron handled 36" HK's, and a 14" tube handle model. cant go wrong with those. I dont know if I'd like the cast aluminum or not.

Were the handles on the older H.K. Porter bolt cutters actually cast, or were they forged. I know some pipe wrench handles are cast, but I wonder whether a casting would be strong enough for bolt cutter handles. The current H.K. Porter aluminum handle bolt cutters are described as having cast handles. The cutting capacity on the aluminum handled bolt cutters is lower than the capacity of the steel handled version.

 

[Steve_P]

I have an old HKP and a couple new Knipex. I went with Knipex for my new ones as I figure the HKPs may not be made in the US much longer as they are part of one of the giant tool conglomerates.

The HKPs I have are 20+ yrs old and have steel tubing handles; I think they're 24".

 

[Vinko]

I've got some HK's -- probably from the 60's I'm guessing that look like the handles are cast. I'll take some photos.