Cutting Tool Steel

[Kin Creed]

So I needed to cut down a T40 Torx bit to create a super stubby drive bit to get to a transmission pan bolt. I sort of knew this, but a hacksaw and/or a metal cutting blade in a jigsaw did next to nothing in terms of cutting the bit down. But using a small cutoff wheel in Dremel type rotary tool zipped through it pretty fast and clean.

So, am I correct to say that hacksaws and typical metal cutting blades are for mild steel, and when you get into tool steel/hardened steel you need something different? I don't mind using a cutoff wheel, I just don't like it when they explode shrapnel occasionally.

 

[rlitman]

You are correct in that assumption.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

There are some who say using a rotary tool and generating too much heat can ruin the bits heat treatment or if it were a knife blade etc but for what you are doing it's probably fine.

 

[rlitman]

There are some who say using a rotary tool and generating too much heat can ruin the bits heat treatment or if it were a knife blade etc but for what you are doing it's probably fine.

There's that, and there's also the fact that the bit is hardest at the tip, so cutting off the tip will leave you something softer. Still not a big deal for the most part though.

 

[four.cycle]

this is why they sell hacksaw blades and cut-off wheels in packages of 12.

 

[matt_i]

Get the woven cutoff wheels for the dremel. The other non-woven ones are junk and will explode as you mention.

 

[PelicanPines]

this is why they sell hacksaw blades and cut-off wheels in packages of 12.

Keyboard... ruined... spewed iced T ... laughing. I buy packs of 25

FWIW... I trim bits ... I used a Dremel with the bit in my drill press vise...

The vise acts as a heat sink on the business end of the bit.

 

[danielbuck]

a grinder will cut just about anything

 

[Natemade]

Yeah, any abrasive will do. I prefer a belt sander.

 

[PWC Repair]

a grinder will cut just about anything

Yep, it's my go-to cutting tool

 

[Mgraves235]

possibly anneal the bit to make it easier to cut? if you don't need to apply too much torque to the fastener.

 

[MattT]

So, am I correct to say that hacksaws and typical metal cutting blades are for mild steel, and when you get into tool steel/hardened steel you need something different?

You're half right. A decent saw and blade will cut tool steel not problem. They won't cut hardened tool steel though.