mbshop
Well-known member
Has there been a discussion about them ? Thinking of getting a pair or would I be better off with a cordless grinder of some sort. Grinders need electricity though for charging. And no, no bad things planned.
bolt cutters
- Thread starter mbshop
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General Geoff
Well-known member
ehh, depends on what you're using em for. What specifically are you cutting?
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Ridgid or H K Porter make good cutters. Bolt cutters are much quicker and easier to use. Cheaper too...
It's good to have a pair of bolt cutters but if you think you'd have a use for it the cordless grinders these days are fantastic for any task that's 15 min or less, which are the ones that are most irritating to run a cord for. Only if you're already invested in a cordless line though
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I'd get the cordless grinder first. They don't care what grade of steel you're cutting. Once you've accumulated a family of cordless tools you'll end up with a number of batteries so you can keep what ever tool you're using pretty busy. Yes you do need electricity to charge them or is there a solar charger available?
My needs depend on the answers and further searching. I normally overthink things at times specially what I know nothing about. So right now I'm thinking of knipex wire cutters because they can cut fence wire. The other need would be locks. But I'm thinking that there may be better ideas for that than a huge pair of bolt cutters. This comes from need around the house and neighborhood. Folks loose keys and other needs. Also for shtf situations. Thanks,
rlitman
Well-known member
If you don't have a specific (and repetitive) job in mind, the grinder will be a better option for general purpose use.
A few years ago, I made a bunch of tomato cages out of rebar. That involved nearly 1000 cuts. In that case, it made sense to buy a pair of bolt cutters, just because it was cheaper and faster than using my portaband (yes, rebar cutters would have been even better, but were over the budget for this project). I still have the pair of 42" HF bolt cutters. I'll use them when I'm cutting chain, but for the most part, they hardly see any use any more.
A few years ago, I made a bunch of tomato cages out of rebar. That involved nearly 1000 cuts. In that case, it made sense to buy a pair of bolt cutters, just because it was cheaper and faster than using my portaband (yes, rebar cutters would have been even better, but were over the budget for this project). I still have the pair of 42" HF bolt cutters. I'll use them when I'm cutting chain, but for the most part, they hardly see any use any more.
for something like chiken-wire, coat hangers, or maybe ranch wire (barbed) look at co-bolts or felco hardened shears. different models for different needs...but yeah for just some capacity on on tough stuff, a grinder...
ScottsGT
Well-known member
We bought these at work. Works for our needs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JIKDCS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JIKDCS/?tag=atomicindus08-20
General Geoff
Well-known member
For up to 10mm or 3/8" lock shackles, a pair of 36" bolt cutters should work okay. Bear in mind that decent padlock shackles are hardened steel, sometimes boron or molybenum alloy, and they will be very rough on your cutter blades. Don't be surprised if they get dull after just a few shackle cuts. Shackles or hardened security chain bigger than 10mm or 3/8" I would just skip the bolt cutters and go straight to the angle grinder.
Rarified27
Well-known member
Leverage is your friend with bolt cutters.
No lie, I watched someone crack their ribs pulling one into their chest because they didn't have long enough handles on an otherwise well made cutter.
I use a 24" around the house for cutting wire shelving, chain, fence, etc. They were very helpful during a renovation.
Anything large or emergency related has to be 30" or more. The HK Porter's recommended above are nice if you don't mind paying a little more.
No lie, I watched someone crack their ribs pulling one into their chest because they didn't have long enough handles on an otherwise well made cutter.
I use a 24" around the house for cutting wire shelving, chain, fence, etc. They were very helpful during a renovation.
Anything large or emergency related has to be 30" or more. The HK Porter's recommended above are nice if you don't mind paying a little more.
kctyphoon
Banned
24" bolt cutters are the most versatile.. 36" cutters are huge, way overkill for most things. If you need pad locks or something cut, stick with 24", just get a good pair.. the best I've used are from Ridgid, model S24.. they're about $80 or so. They have no problem with padlock shackles.. I had a pair of 36" HK cutters at work too. Can count on one hand how many times I actually needed to pull those out. Maybe only for tough chains or something hard like 16m suspension strand. They are too big and too heavy to use on most things. 36" cutters are usually only needed once you get up to having cut something a 1/2" thick. That's BIG as far as locks and stuff go.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-S24-17-3-4-in-Bolt-Cutter-14223/202827055
If you need to cut something like grade 80 3/8" chain, a grinder and cutting wheel makes quick work of that.
If you just want something around the house, for occasional things, even a cheap pair of harbor freight or Home Depot HDX cutters will be fine for you. Even the 24" HDX cutters will cut padlock shackles, but for repeated use you'd be better off investing in a better pair like the Ridgid I linked. Figure a normal size padlock is probably 3/8".. I actually just used a pair of HDX 24" cutters to cut off two masterlocks last week.
If you just need to cut wire shelving, chain link fence, small locks, a 14" pair will suffice, in just about any brand.. you can spend $20 on those and they will work fine.
24" HDX cutters for $23 - http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-24-in-Bolt-Cutters-9003H/100015010
14" HDX cutters for $17 - http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-14-in-Bolt-Cutters-9001H/100094248
Just to add something about 36" cutters, the problem with them usually occurs actually trying to use them. If you can lay them (one handle) and what you're cutting on the ground, it's not a big deal. Trying to hold 36" cutters open wide enough with a handle in each hand, and then actually close the handles to cut something like a lock that's still in place is NOT easy. Often times too, the heads are so big you won't even be able to fit something like a padlock into the jaws to cut them in them first place. Things will be in the way, and you'll struggle just trying to get the jaws around what you wanna cut. Unless you have a specific need for something as big as those, I'd pass..
So yea, if you're a home guy just wanting to add something to make occasional jobs easier, you can cheap out on these.. for more repeated use, get something like the Ridgid, or a similar pair from HK Porter.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-S24-17-3-4-in-Bolt-Cutter-14223/202827055
If you need to cut something like grade 80 3/8" chain, a grinder and cutting wheel makes quick work of that.
If you just want something around the house, for occasional things, even a cheap pair of harbor freight or Home Depot HDX cutters will be fine for you. Even the 24" HDX cutters will cut padlock shackles, but for repeated use you'd be better off investing in a better pair like the Ridgid I linked. Figure a normal size padlock is probably 3/8".. I actually just used a pair of HDX 24" cutters to cut off two masterlocks last week.
If you just need to cut wire shelving, chain link fence, small locks, a 14" pair will suffice, in just about any brand.. you can spend $20 on those and they will work fine.
24" HDX cutters for $23 - http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-24-in-Bolt-Cutters-9003H/100015010
14" HDX cutters for $17 - http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-14-in-Bolt-Cutters-9001H/100094248
Just to add something about 36" cutters, the problem with them usually occurs actually trying to use them. If you can lay them (one handle) and what you're cutting on the ground, it's not a big deal. Trying to hold 36" cutters open wide enough with a handle in each hand, and then actually close the handles to cut something like a lock that's still in place is NOT easy. Often times too, the heads are so big you won't even be able to fit something like a padlock into the jaws to cut them in them first place. Things will be in the way, and you'll struggle just trying to get the jaws around what you wanna cut. Unless you have a specific need for something as big as those, I'd pass..
So yea, if you're a home guy just wanting to add something to make occasional jobs easier, you can cheap out on these.. for more repeated use, get something like the Ridgid, or a similar pair from HK Porter.
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FigureItOut
Well-known member
All true, and I wish I'd read this before I bought my 36" HK Porters a couple years ago. I wanted to buy my last pair and I figured go big, but their actual utility is very limited by their size. I also have an 18" Kobalt pair that come out more often, and have been warrantied more than once from light use. Doing it over again, one 24" pair from Ridgid, Klein, HK Porter or Knipex would likely have covered all my needs.
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Ign
Well-known member
I use 24" Kobalts to rip down horse panel which is only 3/16 wire. Over the years I've warrantied them twice (LT warranty but keep your paperwork). Still, for the occasional padlock I'd pull out my cordless grinders -- plus as mentioned I wouldn't expect 24" cutters to cut a padlock easily if at all
I got some 30" HK Porters at local pawn cheap, in good condition.
If you're looking to store like in a vehicle some of the new folding handle options are nice. My LWS was carrying something-Gorilla? that didn't appear to be cheap import like the Olympia/Alltrade folding cutters.
I got some 30" HK Porters at local pawn cheap, in good condition.
If you're looking to store like in a vehicle some of the new folding handle options are nice. My LWS was carrying something-Gorilla? that didn't appear to be cheap import like the Olympia/Alltrade folding cutters.
stercorarius
Well-known member
Anybody have any experience with the Olympia folding bolt cutters you occasionally see around?
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Klein bolt cutters are garbage. And this is coming from a Klein fan. If you want fiberglass handle bolt cutters there is only one name hasting. They are superior to Klein in every way. The Klein’s are not electrically rated the Hastings are. The Klein’s use the bolt jaw alignment system the Hastings use the cam system. The Klein’s also have a notch towards the back of the jaw which makes cutting utility stand difficult because some of the strands get caught in the notch and will not cut. Ok now to the original post question. I agree will most of what kctyphoon said 24in will be your most versatile for home owners. At work we use either ratcheting hk porter 24in for large utility strand 7/16-1/2. Or we use huskie hydraulic cutters. For padlocks or hardened material a angle grinder and cutoff disk will take a lot less effort.
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.jhar...s-bolt-cutter-24-with-fiberglass-handles.aspx
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RSOG7M/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.spartacogroup.com/produ...t_select=Product&_sfm_filter_product_types=23
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Carquest
Well-known member
One vote for Knipex. I have the 24 and the 30 inch, don't use them every day but have not had any issues with them.
General Geoff
Well-known member
kctyphoon
Banned
So in other words the metal on the rest of the head isn't that great?? Lol.. I'm jk. I dont even know the brand. I'm my eyes, good bolts cutter heads should be pretty indestructible. They are an everyday tool in my trade.. a good set will last a long time.
Even the best pair of cutters can meet their match. Some things are just better off being cut with a grinder. The cheap models will work surprisingly well though, they just don't last very long under heavy use without getting damaged. The op will just need to decide for himself what best suits him.. honestly, for home (my "home life" might be different than his, I don't exactly live on a farm) I wouldn't hesitate to buy a $25 set from Home Depot.
This is pretty extreme, but ratcheting bolt cutters are available also. Not cheap, not good for limited access, but they are made.. I pretty much hate the chain driven sets, but some guys love em. I think Klein recently came out with a newer model that's suppose to be an improvement over the normal pair that's been used all over in utility.. they both seem like overkill to me for normal stuff, but ask me again in 10 more years and my opinion might change.. these are the newer Klein,
Just to add, it's tricky with sizes I think between some brands.. I THINK some go by overall length, and others advertise the length of the handles. I have no clue how important that might be for you, but just check the overall length to know exactly how big they really are.
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General Geoff
Well-known member
it's all about the hardness of stuff you're cutting vs the hardness of the blades. If you cut stuff above HRC55 hardness with any bolt cutters, the blades will dull very quickly. The Krenn bolt cutters have replaceable blades so that if you're cutting super hard stuff and you dull the blades, you can re-index and eventually replace them instead of trying to resharpen the existing fixed blades of most bolt cutters. If hardened lock shackles are what you're feeding your bolt cutters every day, this is what you want.
The Krenn blades are hardened to HRC60 minimum. I think the Knipex ones (which are probably some of the finest with fixed blades) are HRC 63 or 64.
Ign
Well-known member
I had no idea such a thing existed. As a machinist that's very appealing.....we like indexable insert tooling!!
FSrepair&fabrication
Well-known member
The only good qualities of a set of bolt cutters are that they dont make noise and dont make sparks. Unless youre working around gas fumes or in the library, Id reccomend the cordless grinder, theres so many more uses for them even the thieves are using them now lol
hoston23
Well-known member
the knipex ones are awesome,
Ign
Well-known member
............and here's General Geoff's thread:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=336619
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=336619
General Geoff
Well-known member
Thank you for reminding me of that thread. Let me correct my previous post, the Krenn RI (heavy duty) series bolt cutters come with blades hardened to HRC62.
Ign
Well-known member
Ya know for what they are ~$200 doesn't seem outrageous to me. I'm sure I missed it: how much are inserts?
General Geoff
Well-known member
$61 per pair: http://shop.wirecutterstore.com/Replacement-Blades-for-Krenn-Bolt-Cutters-R-Series_p_179.html
bearing in mind each pair should last a very long time because they have three cutting edges per blade. Also if you're a machinist, you could make your own replacement blade inserts pretty easily. Heat treating them for hardness might be harder than machining them to shape.
bearing in mind each pair should last a very long time because they have three cutting edges per blade. Also if you're a machinist, you could make your own replacement blade inserts pretty easily. Heat treating them for hardness might be harder than machining them to shape.
kctyphoon
Banned
That's a pretty serious point on those cutter heads.. I wonder how long they last. Typically bolt cutters don't have an aggressive edge like that.. wouldn't mind trying those out. Honestly though the HK and Ridgid I've used have always been good enough for heavy use. Never heard of that brand before. Looks interesting.
General Geoff
Well-known member
Krenn cutters are made in Germany, and they are probably the heaviest, strongest manual bolt cutters in existence. The heads are positively massive.
The 49" ones are not exactly portable in the truest sense of the word, and they're very awkward to use on stuff that's not at ground level. I'd probably go with the 32" R10 or 36" R12 cutters for use on anything that you can't cut on the floor/ground.
The 49" ones are not exactly portable in the truest sense of the word, and they're very awkward to use on stuff that's not at ground level. I'd probably go with the 32" R10 or 36" R12 cutters for use on anything that you can't cut on the floor/ground.