What Is a Bolt Cutter Used For? Common Jobs, Limits and Safety
A bolt cutter is a long-handled tool that cuts thick metal such as chain, bolts, rods, rivets, wire and fencing. The long handles multiply your hand force so the short, hard jaws can shear stock that would defeat ordinary pliers or snips. How much it can cut depends on handle length and on how hard the metal is.
WORKPRO W017006ABest overall
SPENDINS SDBCLongest and strongest cutter
Steelman 93909Folds for easy storageWhat a bolt cutter actually does
A bolt cutter works like a lever with a pair of sharp jaws at one end. When you squeeze the long handles together, the force is multiplied and focused on a tiny contact area at the blades. The jaws then shear through the metal instead of crushing it.
That is why a bolt cutter can slice through a steel rod in one clean motion. A pair of pliers or wire cutters would only bite and twist at it. The design is simple, with no motor, battery or cord, so it works anywhere you can stand and squeeze.
In short, bolt cutting means cutting thick, tough metal stock by hand using leverage. If you want to see how popular models compare on length and capacity, our best bolt cutter page lays the published specs side by side.
Common jobs for a bolt cutter
Most people reach for a bolt cutter when a job is too big for snips but does not justify a power tool. The listings for the models we compare mention a similar set of uses.
Typical tasks include:
- Cutting chain, including links on a gate, bike or trailer
- Trimming bolts, screws, rivets and threaded rods to length
- Cutting rebar and metal rods on a construction or garden project
- Cutting chain-link fencing, wire mesh and heavy wire
- Removing a lost-key padlock or a rusted lock, if the cutter is rated for it
- Cutting some pipe and metal stock, as listed by certain makers
What a bolt cutter should not be used for
A bolt cutter is not a universal metal cutter. Hardened steel is the main limit. Case-hardened chain, high-grade padlock shackles and hardened bolts can chip or dent the blades instead of cutting. Forcing a cut beyond the tool's rating can leave a nicked edge that never cuts cleanly again.
Cutting live electrical wire is another no. Even insulated grips are not a substitute for shutting off power. Never cut anything that is energized, under tension or connected to a gas line.
Small tools have extra limits. For example, Rizom states that its 8 in mini bolt cutter is not recommended for cutting locks. Always read the maker's notes before you try a lock.
Why capacity and hardness matter
Every bolt cutter lists a maximum cutting capacity, which is the thickest stock the jaws can cut. That number falls as the metal gets harder. A listing may show a larger figure for soft material and a smaller one for harder steel, so the hard metal number is the one to trust for bolts, rebar and padlock shackles.
The table below uses published figures from the models on our comparison page. Capacities are in millimeters.
Handle length is the other half of the story. Longer handles give more leverage, but the tool is heavier and harder to store. The 30 in SPENDINS lists 8 lb, while the 24 in WORKPRO lists 5.7 lb.
| Model | Length (in) | Soft metal (mm) | Hard metal (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klein Tools 14in | 14 | 7.9 | 4.8 | Center cut jaws |
| WORKPRO 24in W017006A | 24 | 10 | 8 | 5.7 lb, bi-material grips |
| Steelman folding | 25.75 | Not listed | 9.5 | Folds to 13.5 in, padlock rated |
| SPENDINS 30in | 30 | 13 | 10 | Padlock rated, 62 HRC blades |
How to use a bolt cutter safely
Bolt cutters are simple, but the cuts can be sudden. Cut pieces can fly off, and a slipping jaw can pinch a hand. Wear safety glasses and sturdy gloves for every cut. Wear ear protection if you are cutting in a small, enclosed space. If you are working overhead or on a ladder, secure your footing first, because a sudden release can throw you off balance.
Follow these steps:
- Check the material against the hard metal capacity, not the soft one.
- Open the handles wide and place the stock deep in the jaws, close to the pivot, where the force is greatest.
- Keep the stock square to the blades. Angled cuts can twist the jaws out of alignment.
- Brace the work so it cannot swing or fall, and keep your face and other people clear of the cut ends.
- Squeeze the handles steadily with both hands. Do not jerk, and do not add a pipe to the handles for extra reach.
- If the cut stalls, stop. Try a different spot or a larger tool instead of forcing it.
Choosing a bolt cutter for your job
Start with the hardest material you expect to cut, then match it to the hard metal capacity. For light jobs such as wire, small bolts and fencing, a compact cutter like the 14 in Klein Tools model, with its 4.8 mm hard metal capacity, may be enough.
For rebar, thick chain and lock work, look for longer handles and a higher hard metal rating. The 30 in SPENDINS lists 10 mm for hard metal. For lock work, look for a stated padlock rating and blade hardness. In our lineup, only two models list blade hardness, 62 HRC and 65 HRC.
If storage is tight, a folding model may help. The Steelman folds down to 13.5 in and is padlock rated. You can compare these and the rest in our bolt cutter comparison, which draws on published specifications and listings. Some makers leave details blank, so check the listing for any figure you depend on.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bolt cutter cut a padlock?
Some can, but only models rated for padlocks. Shackles are hardened, so a light-duty cutter may chip or fail. Check for a padlock rating and the hard metal capacity before you try.
Is a bolt cutter the same as a wire cutter?
No. Wire cutters handle thin wire and cable. A bolt cutter has long handles and heavy jaws for thicker, harder stock such as bolts, chain and rods.
Does a longer bolt cutter cut thicker metal?
Usually it gives more leverage, which helps with thicker stock. Capacity still depends on blade quality and metal hardness, so read the listed capacity rather than judging by length alone.
What are adjustable blades for?
Some models, such as the SPENDINS and the Steelman, list eccentric bolts on the jaws. These let you fine-tune blade alignment so the edges meet cleanly as they wear.
Do I need gloves and eye protection?
Yes. Cut ends can fly off and jaws can pinch. Safety glasses and gloves are sensible every time, and the SPENDINS listing includes a pair of gloves.