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If ascrew head becomes damaged , it can be very difficult to remove . Sometimes cutting a holdfast ’s nous off is the only workable solvent , and often cutting shtup and other fasteners is the good way to prevent major damage .

There can also be social function whenscrews , bolts , or nailsturn out to be too prospicient for a job . It can be very utile to be able to snub a screw so it ’s shorter without damaging the thread .

Using a drill to cut a screw with flashes of fire.

Photo: iStock istockphoto.com

Whether you need to know how to geld a screw brusk or how to rationalise a screw to remove it , there is more than one method acting . The abide by are effective ways to cut screws for one or both of these purposes .

1. Bolt Cutter

Bolt cuttersare designed to abridge through screws , thunderbolt , and other metal fastener . These fixings can often be solid in diam , so dash cutters come in a multifariousness of sizing with longsighted handles and lever tumbler mechanisms . This allow heavy - duty cutting ability with minimal exploiter effort , and dash cutter blades are usually hardened to improve their durability .

Although simple , this versatile putz will cut through steel chains , many padlock , and even rebar . Bolt cutters can also be a very utilitarian alternative when the electrical energy goes out . The only challenge deadbolt stonecutter face up when cutting screws is that they ’re a bulky creature , so it can be difficult to get the blade onto small screws or in tight spaces .

Our good word : H.K. Porter PowerPivot Bolt Cutters at The Home Depot for $ 56.97 . These high - character bolt stonecutter get in a range of sizes and have a compound action that multiplies power delivery .

A red and black bold cutter resting horizontally on a white background.

Photo: The Home Depot

Tried-and-True Advice

“ You ’ll postulate to reconstruct the thread after cut a screw if you still desire to work a crackpot onto it . Here ’s a dim-witted legerdemain for recutting the thread . Before make your cut , screw a crank onto the end of the screw just below the cutline . After trimming the screw , use a file to murder any bur or bevel square leave from the cut . total a small lubricating oil to the cut end , then unscrew the nut , working it back and onward over the cut end to recut the screw thread . ”

— Tony Carrick , Contributing Writer

2. Hacksaw

Ahacksawis a general - purpose metallic element press clipping saw usually delineate by its blade length . They can alter from 6 - inch mini hacksaws up to with child - duty 24 - inch tools . On small hacksaws , the sprung steel of the frame provides all of the tension necessary to hold the brand ; whereas a lever tumbler or tensioning thickening is used in larger models .

When cut screws , nails , or bolts , the slender blade makes it loose to reach into minute gaps . humble hacksaws can cost just a few dollar sign and are a valuable addition to any DIY toolbox . The downside is that they can ask a fair amount of forcible drive depending on the size of a screw being cut . A good metal saw blade always helps , and bi - metal blades can improve cut performance .

Our testimonial : Craftsman 12 - Inch Solid Frame Hacksaw at Amazon for $ 13.98 . This Craftsman hacksaw is a well - made , mid - range peter with a prosperous hold of a manageable size , and it offers reliable cutting off power at a competitory Leontyne Price .

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3. Reciprocating Saw

Areciprocating sawmimics the activity of a hand saw , but its powerful motor stimulate cutting screws and other metal fastener almost effortless . This is anotherversatile tool , and with the right blade , it is capable of cutting Sir Henry Joseph Wood , plastic , and complex .

To effectively swerve through a metallic element gaoler , you ’ll call for a specifically design blade , such asthis Horusdy 34 - piece metal reciprocating saw blade set — a pet in ourresearched guide to the dear reciprocating adage blades . Reciprocating adage are very achievable instrument declare oneself sound controller and balance . However , their heavy - tariff capabilities can make it challenging to achieve screws in restrain spaces or to work on small fastening .

Our good word : Milwaukee Cordless Sawzall Reciprocating Saw at Walmart for $ 221.24 . Milwaukee invented the reciprocating saw , and its recent cordless example uses brushless technology for better battery direction while deliver excellent carrying into action .

A red and black hacksaw resting in front of a white background.

Photo: Amazon amazon.com

4. Oscillating Tool

oscillate toolsare easygoing to handle and provide a speedy cutting or sanding motility with varying speeds that contact more than 20,000 OPM . They normally fare with a image ofquick - alteration attachmentsthat suit a broad variety of DIY tasks . Their versatility make them democratic with DIYers and with trade users such as pipe fitter and electrician .

Multipurpose oscillating peter blade will prune wood , plastic , and metal , and they are angled to allow protruding piece of ass and other fixings to be cut off flush with the surface . Although the blade adherence system variegate from one maker to the next , spare and specialisation blade like the ones in theVtopmart 20 - piece oscillating metal saw blades setare design to fit all democratic brands .

Our testimonial : Bosch StarlockPlus 30 - while Oscillating Multi - Tool Kit at Lowe ’s for $ 168.25 . Bosch ’s oscillating cock kit comes with a collection of attachments for cut , grind , and sanding , and all of these set in its handy type .

A reciprocating saw with red and black color patterns.

Photo: Walmart walmart.com

5. Angle Grinder

Angle grindersare often see as heavy - duty puppet , able of chop up through concrete , slurred bolts , and rebar . However , slant grinder can also be usedwith finesse for polish , sharpening , and edit out or shortening screw , nails , and other alloy holdfast .

slant grinders come in a mixed bag of size , and 4.5 - inch models ( the outer diameter of the disc ) are far and away the most popular . The type of disc used is a critical but aboveboard pick . Spares are clearly labeled either Harlan Fisk Stone cutting or metal newspaper clipping ; theseDeWalt 4.5 - in cutting wheelsare typical . Although they ’re DeWalt - branded , they will match any angle grinder with a standard ⅞-inch spindle .

Our Recommendation : Metabo HPT Slide Switch Angle Grinder Kit at Amazon for $ 39.96.Metabo ’s lightweight 4.5 - inch angle hoagie is a great value and come with a powerful 6.2 - adenosine monophosphate motor , a side handgrip for improved control , and five extra grinding disc .

An open black case that contains the various components to a Oscillating Tool, which are displayed in an organized fashion.

Photo: Amazon amazon.com

Final Thoughts

Every tool above provide a proved elbow room to take damage screws in various post . Most of these method acting also remove the problem of how to cut ass shorter . These pecker get the job done and ask minimal effort , but it ’s important to be careful when reduce screws or other metallic element target . optic protection is always recommended . Also bear in nous that the cutting piece can be very hot mighty after it ’s cut , so do n’t sample to pick it up straight forth .

Prices are valid as of publication on December 20 , 2024 .

This Is the class for a Kitchen Renovation

A green Angle Grinder displayed next to its case with multiple parts near it.

Photo: Amazon amazon.com

Whether you ’re sell or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we weigh this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .

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