Best Bolt Cutters in 2024: Unlock Your Freedom

Have you ever lost keys to your bike or the lock of your fence, and you need to get access right away?

Well, if that happened to you, then you are not alone. By having the best bolt cutters in your toolbox, you can get access right away, albeit destroying the lock. A bolt cutter is an invaluable tool for different variety of tasks. 

After all, it can be a lifesaver when in urgency. Bolt cutters vary from small regular size to heavy-duty for cutting stronger and thicker objects. To help you make a decision, we’ve put together our list of the best bolt cutters for any kind of locks and fence. 

Keep reading to learn more about it and learn the details of some of our favorites, but if you’re in a hurry, have a look at the quick picks below!

5 Best Bolt Cutters Available Today

What’s a Bolt Cutter?

Bolt cutters are used to cut any strong metal piece which you can’t cut through a regular slicer. Most often, it’s used to cut wires, padlocks, bolts, or chains. The key to its performance is its long handle and durable short blades.

The blades are typically made from hardened carbon steel that does not bend or get dull when used to cut thick metal objects. The long handle provides enough leverage to the blade to cut the metal piece.

There are lots of different designs and styles of bolt cutters available depending on the intended use and the maximum cutting thickness. The cutting happens by applying immense pressure at a small point.

Typical bolt cutters can apply up to 20 kilo-newtons of a powerful force, which is enough to cut most steel padlocks.

Best Bolt Cutters Review

Features of a Reliable Bolt Cutter: What To Look For

Bolt cutters should be strong and durable and should be able to get the job done. With that in mind, here are some features to look for when considering any bolt cutter.

Bolt Cutter Size

Bolt cutters come in different sizes. Most often, the size is measured from the tip of the handle to the blade edge, which can range anywhere from 12 to 45 inches.

If you are buying bolt cutters for personal use, then it’s more likely you may be intended to use them in cutting home locks, gyms lockers, and storage lockers.

Most of these locks and chains are generally ¼ inch in diameter. For these use case scenarios, buy a 24-inch blot cutter, which has a cutting capacity of 5/16 inches. For cutting thicker locks and chains, you can use bolt cutters that are 26 to 38-inch long.

Keep in mind that the longer the size of the bolt cutters, generally the thicker metal bars you can cut. However, larger size bolt cutters also become bulky and heavy, so choose the right size based on your needs. 

Cutting Type

You can make different types of cuts with bolt cutters such as angle cut, clipper cut, center cut, or shear cut. The type of cut dependents on the kind of material and how it’s hardened.

For example, if you have to cut the metal fence, then you should use clipper cut style bolt cutters, which are usually lightweight and more comfortable to handle. But if you have to cut strong flat bars or chains, then pick a bolt cutter that can do the angle cut and has a more extended handlebar for better leverage. 

Bolt Cutters Blade

The quality of the bolt cutter blade determines how easily you can cut the metal piece, and how long it may last. The blade quality depends on the material used in making a blade, the technique used to harden it, and the design of the module.

Most cutter’s blade is made from stainless steel as its robust, durable, and prevent rusting. To further harden these blades, so it does not get blunt after repeated use, these blades are heat treated.

In heat treatment, the steel is heated at a high temperature and then quickly cooled down. This process is called quenching, and it results in stainless steel getting hard but not brittle. 

Bolt Cutter Handle

Using an ergonomically designed bolt cutter handle makes it easier and comfortable for cutting. It also improves leverage and handgrip when cutting thicker locks or wires. Using a long handle that provides the best leverage and a good weight to length ratio is an important consideration.

The handle material can be either made of aluminum, steel, or cast iron. For a lightweight and sturdier option, the aluminum-made cutter handle works best.

To reduce the chance of blisters when using a bolt cutter, look for the material used in the grip handle. A sturdy non-slip grip handle made of rubber is generally the best option. 

Cutter Adjustability

For greater flexibility, using an adjustable bolt cutter allows you a broader cutting range. The adjustable bolt cutter cuts through different thicknesses and materials. This means you don’t need to carry multiple spare or different-sized bolt cutters.

This saves money and takes less storage space. For longer life of bolt cutter, always keep it clean and oil it regularly. It prevents rusting of the blades and adjusting joints. Some bolt cutter models also allow you to remove the modules from the handle that making it easier to clean. 

How To Use A Bolt Cutter To Cut A Lock Or Wire

The use of a bolt cutter may appear straightforward. But if you want to get a cleaner cut with less effort, then you need to think ahead before you start a cut.

Know The Lock Thickness

The first thing before cutting a lock is to know the thickness of the lock bar. This will determine the correct size of the bolt cutter required to make a cut.

For most average-size locks such as lock pads, bicycle cables, chain link fencing, or wire, the regular-size handheld cutter may work.

For thicker and heavy-duty chains or objects, you may need a longer handle bolt cutter.

Prep The Area

You must take adequate safety precautions when cutting any metal piece. Clean out the surrounding areas before you start a cut to prevent any mishaps.

Metals, when squeezed, tend to snap or fly out. These loose metals may either hit other loose particles or hit you directly.

Cleaning or securing any loose objects from the cutting area minimizes accidental fly-outs. You can also wrap the cutting jaws with a cloth to catch any flyouts. At last, never attempt to cut a live electrical wire with a bolt cutter. 

Adjust The Cutting Angle

Determine the cutting angle for an optimal cut. Sometimes it may not be possible to pass through the cutting blades through a particular perspective due to obstructions or the position of the cutting object.

Find a comfortable cutting angle as it helps with a better cutting allowance that is essential for a cleaner cut. 

Using A Bolt Cutter

When you are ready for the cut, put on proper safety gear such as gloves and safety glasses. Once you are prepared for the cut, place the bolt cutter jaw at the correct cutting angle. Open the cutter jaws as much as possible to allow the metal piece to go through the blade.

In some instances, it may be easier to make a cut in the middle rather than at the edges as it allows you more room to adjust the jaw. The blade should be aligned at the right angle to the object. Don’t attempt to make an angled or diagonal cut as it may cause the blade to twist or slip.

Once you have the blade grip firmly on the object, start applying pressure on the handle. Grabbing the handle at the edge allows you maximum leverage.

You may need a couple of attempts in the cutting. If you are not able to cut in the first attempt, open the jaw again, adjust the angle a bit and position the jaws at the same place.

Don’t try to find a new cutting location unless absolutely necessary otherwise you will have to make more effort in cutting.

You should be able to cut the lock in two or three attempts. But if you find that you still cannot cut it, then try to get better leverage.

If it’s possible to support one handle on the side or to the ground, then use it to your advantage when applying pressure. You can also use handle extension or pick a large-size cutter if you still have difficulty making a cut. 

What Size Bolt Cutter To Use To Cut A Padlock?

The size of the bolt cutter depends on the hardness of the material you are planning to cut. This hardness is rated on the hardness rating scale (HRC). Some products also have this hardness expressed on the Brinell and Rockwell scales.

There are primarily three different sizes of bolt cutters. 

1. Compact size bolt cutters: The compact bolt cutters are smaller in size and are generally 8 inches to 14 inches long. These are good to cut soft and medium-hard materials with different hardness ratings ( Brinell 300 – 455 or Rockwell C31 – C48 ). You can cut padlocks, chains, or bolts up to maximum 1/8 inch in diameter.
2. Medium size bolt cutter: The medium size bolt cutters are 18 inches to 24 inches long. The longer handle length means you get better leverage and can cut similar hardness material but thickness up to 3/8 inch in diameter.
3. Large size bolt cutters: The larger size bolt cutters are 30 inches or longer in length and can cut objects thicker than 3/8 inch in diameter. The cutting success depends on the hardness of the object and the design of the bolt cutter. The longer handle provides increased leverage.

Will Bolt Cutter Cut Rebar?

Bolt cutters can cut most of the metals object, including rebar. The success depends on the hardness and thickness of the rebar. Always know the maximum cutting rating of the bolt cutter before you attempt to cut. Using a low-rated bolt cutter to cut thicker objects may cause the bolt cutter to break down.

As a general guideline, for cutting rebars, use bolt cutters that have forged steel blades with hardened steel edges. Keep in mind that you may not always get the cleaner cut with a bolt cutter.

If your main goal is to remove the object, then this works best, but if the aesthetic of the cut is necessary, then use other cutting methods such as sawing off the rebar.

An able-bodied person can apply up to 4 thousand pounds of cutting pressure, which is enough pressure to cut through most household or construction materials. Some hydraulic bolt cutters, most commonly used by emergency workers, can apply up to 16 thousand pounds of cutting pressure. 

How To Sharpen Bolt Cutter

There are several different ways to sharpen a bolt cutter. It all depends on the type of blade and its construction material. You can use an angle grinder or mill file to sharpen the bolt cutter. 

Make sure to clean the area from any debris or rust particles. For a smaller size bolt cutter, use a mill file to sharpen the blades. For a longer and larger size bolt cutter, use an angled grinder to sharpen the edges.

Use grip jaws to hold the bolt cutter firmly when using an angled grinder. If you don’t have grip jaws, then you can hold the bolt cutter in between objects and file it at a 20 to 30-degree angle.

When sharpening bolt cutters, don’t make the edges too sharp. The bolt cutters’ primary objective is not to slice through the material but rather apply highly pointed pressure to break.

Keep the blade slightly rounded off at the edges. This prevents the blade from buckling and denting which helps with cutting objects without damaging the blades.

Once you have finished sharpening the blades, use a brush and cleaner cloth to remove any leftover and fine metal particles. You can also lubricate the blade and the handle with lubricating oil, which prevents rusting and reduces cutting friction. 

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