Looking for bolt cutter recommendations

[jdcompman]

Well I'm in the market for probably a 16 or so inch bolt cutter and I'm looking for some suggestions. Are there any USA made bolt cutters? I looked at HD today and all they had were "Made in China" ones. I'm looking for something I can have the rest of my life type of thing.

I did search but came up empty handed. Hope I didn't miss a thread if this has been discussed before.

Thanks!

 

[sk farmer]

try harry epstein.

 

[-B-]

Big piece of advice never ever use them on cables no matter what you end up with.

I buy a 12" pair every 3-4 years at the swap meets for less then 20 I cut drive chains of bike with them.

 

[ImportTuner]

I have a Sears Champion (Made in Japan) that is about 30 years old; don't really use it that much though .. probably why it lasted this long Yeah, Harry Epstein has some nice ones.

 

[T_F_E]

I have had really good luck with a harbor frieght one

 

[jdcompman]

Thanks guys!

A little OT but I'm installing some of that metal wire shelving in a closet and I think it's easiest to cut that stuff with a bolt cutter. I've tried a cutoff wheel and a hacksaw and it seems to me like the bolt cutter would be easiest. Anyone else installed this stuff and have any hints for cutting it?

 

[ImportTuner]

Thanks guys!

A little OT but I'm installing some of that metal wire shelving in a closet and I think it's easiest to cut that stuff with a bolt cutter. I've tried a cutoff wheel and a hacksaw and it seems to me like the bolt cutter would be easiest. Anyone else installed this stuff and have any hints for cutting it?

They sell plastic coated metal shelving at Lowes; and next to it is a 14" bolt cutter for you to cut to fit/size .. my buddy borrowed my 24" bolt cutter and did a complete garage closet with these shelves.

 

[jdcompman]

Awesome! Thanks again! Now I just have to decide which one I should get. Decisions Decisions.

 

[Uncle Buck]

HK Porter USA and damn good.

 

[rsanter]

Thanks guys!

A little OT but I'm installing some of that metal wire shelving in a closet and I think it's easiest to cut that stuff with a bolt cutter. I've tried a cutoff wheel and a hacksaw and it seems to me like the bolt cutter would be easiest. Anyone else installed this stuff and have any hints for cutting it?

bolt cutters all the way
dont bother with anything else. all else takes more time for lesser result
if it bothers you to have that 'niped' end on the wire, a 5 sec touch to a bench or hand held grinder solves that and you still will have less time in it than the dremel

bob

 

[rsanter]

Awesome! Thanks again! Now I just have to decide which one I should get. Decisions Decisions.

I have an older USA made one that I swiped from my dad. the bolts were worn from use and keeping it from working quite right. I changed the bolts out for some grade 8s that fit well and it has worked fine for me for the last 15 years. I also have a china (larger version) that I picked up at OSH about 12 or so years ago.
for the amount I use them (a couple of times a year at most) I am sure that both will work the rest of my life and beyond.
if you are going to use them alot then just pop the money for the good stuff and move on.
if you use them like me, I dont think it matters

bob

 

[rhandwor]

I had a worn out one I bought at a flea market. I then found a new head and used it on my old handles this one was never used. It was made by Truecraft out of Japan. I even think Proto made some of their tools as they had USA stamped on them. I am satisfied with this one,buy one with a capacity of 3/8 inch bolts. I have one designed for 1/4 inch bolts and its a real strain to cut a 1/4 inch bolt.

 

[Major Ramifications]

I have an HK Porter, which still MIGHT be made in U.S.A. They are part of the Cooper Group, which tends to move production elsewhere, so who knows.

 

[charlie_nj]

I also have HK Porter, bought used at an estate sale. Made in Sommerfield Massechusetts. Without question, the only way to cut that metal shelving is with bolt cutters. Use those rubber end caps to cover the cut ends so clothes, etc dont snag. Fastest and best way to do the job.

 

[Vinko]

try harry epstein.

I got OEM replacement jaws for my HK Porter bolt cutter there. Good stuff.

 

[tj2]

Thanks guys!

A little OT but I'm installing some of that metal wire shelving in a closet and I think it's easiest to cut that stuff with a bolt cutter. I've tried a cutoff wheel and a hacksaw and it seems to me like the bolt cutter would be easiest. Anyone else installed this stuff and have any hints for cutting it?

I've always used a Sawzall with a metal cutting blade. Makes a clean cut, especially if you're going to have exposed ends and want to put on those little caps for the sharp edges.

 

[heffneil]

I think HK is still made in the states. The problem is they are UBER expensive. For that metal shelving you could use the harbor freight cheapos. We used to sell the chinese bolt cutters are the flea markets (new) and they were pretty disposable. They would cut a lock or chain and then be pretty worthless. It is a battle of steel there. The better the steal you are cutting the better you want your bolt cutters.

Neil

 

[Stuey]

http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/CF_Files/model_detail.cfm?upc=037103040985

As far as I'm also aware, HK Porter cutters are still USA made.

But, for something like wire shelving, cheapo/import bolt cutters perform decently enough.

 

[Vinko]

cheapo/import bolt cutters perform decently enough.

Often, any cheapo/import tool performs decently enough. Wouldn't have much discussion if everyone bought them though would we...

 

[Stuey]

Often, any cheapo/import tool performs decently enough. Wouldn't have much discussion if everyone bought them though would we...

For wire shelving, yes they do. I was going to buy a pair of HK Porters but the store I was at was out of stock. So I picked up the cheapo 18" pair (Husky/Work Force?), and it performs decently enough. Don't forget that wire shelving is fairly soft and unhardened.

I am usually vehemently against cheapo/low quality tools, but they're more than suitable for this particular application.

 

[-B-]

I picked up my $8 18" TUV rated cutters this weekend at the swap/ show. They are better than the chepies at retail stores and close to great ones.

 

[FNFS2000]

KNIPEX is the best, yes they make big ones now too....

 

[Junkman]

I have a pair of lifetime guarantee Vermont American, but I can't tell you were they were made. I do know that the jaws are on the soft side, because they are already showing wear. Trying to find a dealer to warranty it is impossible. No stores seem to carry them. I bought them at a swap meet, so I didn't pay a lot. For what you are doing, any brand will be fine. The shelving metal isn't that strong.

 

[mrb]

for wire shelving, the knipex compact bolt cutters are perfect.

 

[Major Ramifications]

I think HK is still made in the states. The problem is they are UBER expensive.

Trust me, if they were that expensive I wouldn't have them. I'm cheap. They aren't cheap, but they are not unreasonable.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Trust me, if they were that expensive I wouldn't have them. I'm cheap. They aren't cheap, but they are not unreasonable.

No, but they are indeed the best!

 

[Vinko]

For wire shelving, yes they do. I was going to buy a pair of HK Porters but the store I was at was out of stock. So I picked up the cheapo 18" pair (Husky/Work Force?), and it performs decently enough. Don't forget that wire shelving is fairly soft and unhardened.

I am usually vehemently against cheapo/low quality tools, but they're more than suitable for this particular application.

Guess I should get some workforce sockets and screwdrivers -- they'll turn bolts and screws. "They'll do"

 

[Stuey]

Oh, you know what I mean.

Then again, I did buy the cheapo tool out of necessity - I needed bolt cutters and that's all that they (and the nearest Lowes, Sears, and 2nd closest Home Depot) had.

I suppose that if I had used them even once more in the two years since then, I would have upgraded already...