Best Overall
Crescent H.K. Porter 0190MCP 24-Inch Bolt Cutter
Best Bang for The Buck
WorkPro W017004A 14-Inch Bolt Cutter
Best for All Thread
DeWalt DCS350D1 20V MAX* Threaded Rod Cutter Kit
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Whether it ’s to reduce that padlock with the lose key from the backyard shed or to trim metal chemical chain inter-group communication for fencing installation , there are plenty of proficient reason to have a quality bolt cutter in your collection oftools .
While bolt cutter are a crucialtoolfor bring down heavy wiring , rods , and fence , theoretical account range widely in the character and thickness ofsteel they ’ll switch off . We tested some of today ’s top - rated bolt cutters to see which ones were true standouts . We cut fencing , all thread ( threaded bolt pole ) , baling wire , and more . The performance of some model by all odds impressed us , but not all the bolt cutlery we test hold up up to our high standards . Our favorite was theCrescent H.K. Porter 0190MCP 24 - Inch Bolt Cutter ; we make out its two-fold - chemical compound flexible joint design , nonslip plod grips , and tubular brand handles .
With so many brand and sizes of thunderbolt pinnace available , figuring out which is the right-hand cock for the line can be confusing . see what to see for when choosing a pair of bolt cutters and discover how the follow models earned a spot on this lineup of the in force bolt cutters .
Our Top Picks
The come after bolt of lightning cutters feature perdurable handles and muscular cutting jaws , and they surpass in our hired hand - on examination . Each bolt cutter in our lineup is well suited for some use than others , but each is a standout in its class . One is sure to be a beneficial accession to your puppet tea caddy .
Even with a quality bolt cutter , thin out through metallic element can be an uphill chore requiring meaning upper - organic structure potency . This deadbolt cutter from H.K. Porter makes turn off more manageable thanks to its double - chemical compound hinge aim , which increases the hold ’s leverage .
We used this bolt cutter to cut through a variety of metallic element , admit kine panel , bale conducting wire , fencing , 3/16 - column inch all screw thread ( string deadbolt rod ) , and ⅜-inch rebar . These H.K. Porter bolt cutter are sort out as “ center cut , ” meaning both sides of the blades are sharpen to a center full stop . This is one of the most common fashion of cutter , and we did n’t have any problems cutting through the oxen panels , baling wire , or all thread . It took a small more squeezing power with these 24 - column inch carver to get through the rebar , but we made it .
The double - chemical compound hinge design features excess arm hinges that increase cut pressure . We felt the conception put to work well for amplifying the purchase necessary to hack through the most intriguing mental testing : the rebar . H.K. Porter thunderbolt cutters also boast nonslip padded grips that make it easier to savvy and gouge the arms together without hurting hands .
The tubular steel hold did n’t bend during our trial , and we exercise quite a bit of pressure . The only downside we noticed was that the hinges were fuddled , making the weapon more or less difficult to open . While this was initially annoying , the flexible joint loosened up after we edit out through 20 to 30 metal items .
What our quizzer says:“I did n’t retrieve any nicks on the steel blades from cutting the metallic element detail — something that can occur with low - timbre steel blades . ”—Glenda Taylor , production Reviews tester & author
show our full review : Crescent H.K. Porter 0190MCP 24 - Inch Bolt Cutter
Get the Crescent H.K. Porter 24 - inch bolt stonecutter atAmazon , The Home Depot , Lowe’s , Acme Tools , orGrainger .
Bolt cutters are one of those cock that most DIYers use infrequently . With that in mind , some shoppers may not bid to make a important investment , and there ’s no need to overspend for a intermediate - sizing dash carver . We tested the 14 - inch edition of the WorkPro bolt cutter , which turned out to be quite effective at cutting telegram and bolt . It can fulfill bolt - lancinating penury without taking a big chunk out of shoppers ’ wallets .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
For its size , we felt the WorkPro stonecutter was jolly effective . We expected to exert a lot more might , but the lever - fulcrum flexible joint ( a chemical compound flexible joint ) cut through several alloy items , include baling telegram and cows panels , with only a restrained amount of travail . The blade are center deletion , and the maker sound out they ’re made from chrome - atomic number 42 steel . Whatever they contain , they ’re furrowed and durable . On a whim , we attempt to cut 3/16 - inch all screw thread . It did n’t do work , but our drive did n’t chip or bend the blades .
It started pull the wool over someone’s eyes when we were testing , and the cutters got some moisture on them . We took them into the store to dry out , but we point out some rust on the hinges the next Clarence Day . For that reason , we advocate using them in dry weather or promptly wipe them dry if they get wet .
What our tester says:“The grip are soft and ergonomic — designed to fit the hand — so I could get a solid hold without slippage . ”
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the WorkPro bolt carver atAmazon , Sears , Kmart , orWalmart .
We ’ve have and tested many DeWalt tools over the year and feel DeWalt is a top power puppet producer . However , we ’d never try the brand ’s hydraulic bolt pinnace — we did n’t even live DeWalt made one . We lie with now , and we are impressed !
Anyone who ’s done mechanical work or postulate to veer off too - long bolts has likely run into the topic of cutting a dash and getting a jaggy end that had to be filed down by hand . This is a nonissue with the DeWalt bolt cutter . All we had to do was put a thread bolt between the cutter ’s jaw and pull the trigger . The curved blade on the tool ( which come with a 2 - amp 60 minutes rechargeable assault and battery and charger ) immediately fasten around the bolt and swerve it flawlessly in half . We abridge all ribbon up to 3/16 inch , and the DeWalt did n’t strain once under the project .
Photo: Amazon
The maker say the tool thin up to ⅞-inch threaded bolt , and while we did n’t have any on hand to test , we mean the DeWalt has enough cut power to do the job . It boast a forged steel head , multiple cutting blades , and sword handles with rubberized grip for control and comfort . A convenient carrying case provides storage for the cutter and a set of spare blades .
One caveat , though — this putz is only for prune string bolts . We tested it on a smooth bolt of lightning , and it stall . This was our fault and not the tool ’s since it ’s not designed to cut anything but threaded bolts , but it does limit the tool ’s consumption .
Get the DeWalt bolt cutters atThe Home Depot , MSC , Ace Tool , Amazon(tool only ) , orAcme Tools(tool only ) .
Photo: Amazon
Best Cushion-Grip
Tekton 3400 18-Inch Bolt Cutter
Sometimes it ’s not the flexible joint design that keeps users from being able to cut through steel rods and deadbolt . Sometimes it ’s the discomfort that comes with applying a lot of pressure to the grip of the bolt of lightning pinnace . luckily , we did n’t have that job with Tekton ’s 18 - inch bolt of lightning cutters that add up with cushioned nonslip grips .
The cutters feature inwardness - cut jaws and compound hinge for added leverage . We tested them on cattle panels , baling conducting wire , and 3/16 - inch all thread . The Tekton 3400 stonecutter made it through all three types of metallic element , but we had to exert a muckle of air pressure to burn through the all thread . That type of pressure would have led to painful hands with some example , but the cushioning on the Tekton grips saved us from serious hand weariness .
The downside is that after we powered through multiple steel bolt cut , we encounter a couple of nicks on one of the blades . That was disappointing , but these are still good cutter for thinner bolt or softer metal . We recommend not pushing them too hard to keep them in top working order .
Photo: The Home Depot
Get the Tekton 18 - inch bolt pinnace atAmazon , The Home Depot , Lowe ’s , orZoro .
Best Compact
Tekton 3386 8-Inch Bolt Cutter
For such a small dash ship’s boat , we found that this 8 - column inch Tekton tamp down quite a biff . It features compound flexible joint for added power and purchase . And the grips are made from soft rubber to absorb some of the pressure . We cut quickly through the baling conducting wire , and it took just a bit more drive to cut through the metal on a cattle panel .
The manufacturer says these thunderbolt cutters will cut through 3/16 - column inch conducting wire , and maybe it will , but we did n’t have any for testing and palpate the exploiter would need to maintain quite a bit of brawn to displume that off . We did test them on 3/16 - inch all train of thought , and they did n’t make a dent . However , that does n’t reflect negatively since they ’re not made for that purpose . Even if the scant grip do n’t supply enough leverage to cut thick bolts and blade rod cell , they were durable enough to resist twisting or bending , and their soft rubber grips supply some comfort for our hired man . Despite using as much pressure as possible while trying to cut the all screw thread , we were impressed that we did n’t see any poker chip or steel aberration on the cutters afterward . As long as users remember that these are light - obligation cutters , their 9 - Panthera uncia weight and 8 - column inch duration will easily agree in a puppet smash or tool box for impromptu cutting at work .
Get the Tekton 8 - inch bolt cutters atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
Best Compound-Action
Crescent H.K. Porter 0090MCP 18-Inch Bolt Cutter
As our second pair of H.K. Porter dash cutters to realise a spot on this lineup , these 18 - inch power players sport first-class cutting power in a midsize model . Like their big brother that took top honors in our tests , these inadequate cutters come with double - chemical compound hinge that increase the user ’s ability to trim down through gainsay alloy particular .
We tested these thunderbolt cutters on bale wire , cows instrument panel , and 3/16 - in all thread . It was easy to snub through the telegram and panels , but we had to apply more force to sever the all thread ( though not as much as with other 18 - in models we test ) . We attribute the increased disregard power to the cutter ’s flexible joint technology , which H.K. Porter calls “ PowerPivot . ”
We then attempt to cut ⅜-inch rebar but were not successful . Still , this is a robust set of midsize bolt cutter . Even after trying to thin out the rebar , we did n’t find out any nicks or chips in the blades , and the nonslip padded grips cut back hand fatigue .
Photo: Amazon
Like the other H.K. Porter dash carver we test , the hinge on this 18 - inch model were firm when we started testing . It could be something common to this brand of bolt stonecutter , but the hinge finally loosen up after 20 or so cuts to where we did n’t have to pull the handles forcefully to separate them .
Get the Crescent H.K. Porter 18 - in dash cutter atAmazon , The Home Depot , Tractor Supply Co. , orAcme Tools .
Best Extra-Long
Pittsburgh 36-Inch Bolt Cutters
fetch on the muscle ! The Pittsburgh 36 - inch bolt cutters were the longest manikin we essay , and the redundant length added up to extra leverage .
We tested the power of these dash cutters on baling wire , cattle control panel , all thread , and rebar . The chemical compound - activeness hinges made it a cinch to disregard through the wire , panel , and all thread — even without exerting maximum force . It was also comparatively prosperous to cut through ⅜-inch rebar , so we upped the ante by testing the Pittsburgh cutters on ½-inch rebar . This required more force — but we made it through . This was the only set of bolt of lightning cutters that cut through ½-inch rebar , and we did n’t find any damage to the blades afterward .
The cutters come with nonslip grips , though we felt they could use a bit more padding . And there is a downside to all that powerful duration : The longer deadbolt cutter are , the more ambitious it is to hold the jaw accurately . This pair ’s extra distance and free weight make the jaws unwieldy , especially when reaching overhead . Still , extended cutters mean more cutting business leader , so it ’s a swap - off count on the user ’s orientation .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Pittsburgh bolt cutters atAmazonorHarbor Freight .
Also Tested
We are long - time fans of Ryobi , one of The Home Depot ’s flagship trade name , but theRyobi One+ 18V Cordless Bolt Cuttersdidn’t meet our gamy standards this time .
We bill the Li - ion battery overnight and then started test by cut bale wire . regrettably , the blades left about a 1/16 - inch gap when cut rather than concern together , mean the cordless instrument failed to reduce . We pull in the baling wire out of the almost - closed jaw , and it did n’t have a scrawl on it . When test them on all thread , the jaws stopped closing once they met the metallic element . We hold on air pressure on the trigger , but no hand .
We had to eliminate the Ryobi bolt cutters from our tests , but this specific tool failure does not represent the brand ’s overall timber . Ryobi makes some fantabulous peter — perhaps we just got a lemon this time . We ’re exposed to testing a unlike or upgraded model in the future . e.
Photo: Harbour Freight
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested theBest Bolt Cutters
Bolt cutters are ahand toolthat ’s easier to gauge in mortal than online , but to ensure we had a selection of the best options to test , we followed some oecumenical guidepost . First , we consider brand . Crescent H.K. Porter and Tekton are manufacturers of a wide-cut range of timbre cutting product , including lopper , shears , and deadbolt cutters , so we cull their top - perform models . We also included lesser - known brands whose exploiter rated their products highly . in the end , we see we opt deadbolt cutter that deviate in sizing and monetary value .
In testing , we used a straightforward , hands - on process . We cut bolts , conducting wire , and alloy rods with each tool , keeping in mind that the size and case of the bolt pinnace determined the thickness of metallic element it could trend , as limit by the manufacturer . For model , we tailor rebar with the largest bolt ship’s boat but did n’t attempt to do so with a minor , compact cutter not designed for that aim .
Throughout the examination process , we award points based on several aspect , such as the overall design of the tool , easiness of use of goods and services , cutting performance , and tool quality . Each tool was awarded point base on a rubric — the good it performed , the more points it gain . After examination , we added the point and used the net scores to categorize the pecker .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
What to Consider When Choosing Bolt Cutters
Most DIYers trust that great is better when it come to bolt cutters . And while it may be genuine that long dash cutters can cut thicker metal , they ’re not desirable for every DIY project . Below , we go beyond size of it to review all the factor to consider before making a leverage .
Intended Use
Despite the name , deadbolt pinnace are helpful for many more caper than cut bolt . In addition to remove padlocks with forgotten combination or overleap key , bolt of lightning cutter can cut wire mesh used to reinforce concrete digs , rebar used for landscaping , and metallic element wire for chain - connection fencing . Since deadbolt cutters are so powerful — some can produce more than 4,000 pounds of force — their excogitation makes them utilitarian as powerful cut tools for various materials , including cables , wires , fencing , all thread , and nails .
Size and Weight
Length does matter when it total to dash cutters . long weapon system make more leverage and , therefore , more cutting power . An 18 - inch dash carver can often trim metal with a diameter up to 9/32 of an inch , while a 24 - inch bolt pinnace can cut thickness up to 5/16 of an inch , calculate on the material ’s hardness and the calibre of the tool .
Large deadbolt cutters , which can be as tenacious as 48 inches , can plow indurate steel rods , heavy Chain , and thick weave overseas telegram up to 7/16 of an in in diameter .
bolt of lightning cutter vary in weight unit from about 2 pounds for little 8 - column inch cutter to around 8 pounds for enceinte 48 - inch cutters .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Cut Style
Bolt cutter number in various cut mode , including slant , shear , clipper , heart , and hydraulic .
Handles
Since drug user must use a significant amount of force when using bolt of lightning cutter , the bolt cutters must have comfortable and durable handles to protect substance abuser ’ hands and expand the tool ’s sprightliness . Most bolt stonecutter handle consist of blade tubes that resist deflection and feature pad grips to maximise comfort and control .
Bolt cutter handles also have metal stops near the neck opening , which foreclose them from closing too closely together , do the blade to overlap .
Adjustability
Blades on some character of thunderbolt cutters ( but not all ) are adjustable . Bolts on the neck and jaw of a bolt cutter allow the user to correct the blades . Turning the jaw adjustment bolts get the comparable steel to either move towards or away from the joint . A clockwise turn moves the blades nearer together , while a counterclockwise round moves the blades far apart .
align the bolts on the neck opening changes the blade ’s slant by moving the tip closer together or far aside . Properly adjusting the blade is crucial for right cutting and protect them from damage .
Maintenance
The good way to stretch forth the life history of deadbolt cutter is to use them as the manufacturer intended . seek to sheer material that are harder or thick-skulled than what the bolt cutter are rat to handle can damage the sword or the joints .
Routine maintenance include lubricate the joint with an oil such as WD-40 to keep it clean and functioning smoothly . To lube , spray the articulatio and countenance the solvent to surcharge in .
Periodically focalize the blade and clean it using soapy water and a brushwood . dry out it with a mild rag to prevent the metal from oxidize . Sharpen bolt of lightning cutter by clamping them in a vice and using a file or an angle mill to file the boundary .
FAQs
Read on for the answer to the most commonly asked questions regarding bolt cutters . fe . pass over down the blade with a cloth , and then oil it using a metal lubricating solvent .
Look for a right stead to grip the metallic element so the handles can move freely . Move the fabric as deep into the jaws of the blades as possible to maximise the tool ’s cut force . This also prevents the material from dislocate out of the jaw as you employ insistency . pluck the handles together using controlled and careful activity . Slowly apply more pressure until the blades switch off through the material . Do not turn or wrestle the handle , as this could damage the blades or the jaws .
To point the blade , you want a alloy frailty , oil , a file or an slant torpedo , and a clean cloth . check that the head of the dash cutter is unclouded , then firmly clamp it in the vice . Using a grinder or a filing cabinet , charge the blade , making sure to follow the chamfer slant of the blade . Do not sharpen the edge as you would a knife . Bolt cutters have a beveled edge that squeeze material apart . It does not slice up through metallic element like a knife . Wipe down the blade with a cloth , and then oil it using a metal lubricating result .
Depending on quality , 24 - in bolt cutters can cut metal up to 7/16 - inch in diameter , which will veer the thunderbolt on most standard padlocks . For high - calibre padlocks that apply a harder metal , use a 36 - in bolt cutter .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a intersection tester and writer specialize in the construction , remodeling , and real the three estates industries . She and her hubby own a ecumenical contracting company , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial-grade building applications . She tests a blanket image of power pecker as well as other dwelling house improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden product .
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