How to choose a bolt cutter: length and cutting capacity

A bolt cutter is chosen by its length and cutting capacity. The longer the handles, the less effort is needed: in the collection they range from 200 to 900 mm. The maximum capacity ranges from 8 to 14 mm in diameter, but applies to materials that are not too hard. For rods, bolts and ordinary chains, a 450-600 mm model is the most versatile; for large diameters, go up to 750-900 mm.

Types

• Bolt cutters with forged handles, such as the Stanley 1-95-565, 1-95-566 and 1-95-567. They are robust for daily work. There is also the FATMAX series.
• Bolt cutters with tubular handles, such as the 1-17-750 and 1-17-752: lighter to carry.
• Adjustable-arm and extendable bolt cutters: the arm extends when more leverage is needed and shortens for tight spaces.
• Angled bolt cutters: with an angled head, useful for cutting flush with a surface.
• Mini bolt cutters: 200-300 mm, for small pieces or when working in confined spaces.
• Bolt croppers for steelwork: for site work, from several brands including Fervi and Unifix.
• Replacement blades: to restore the cutting edge of the tool when the blades chip.

How to choose by job

What to look for

Length. It measures 200, 300, 350, 450, 600, 750 or 900 mm. The longer it is, the more force you get, but more free space is needed to move the handles.

Maximum cutting capacity. 8, 10, 12 and 14 mm (about 0.31-0.55 inches). This is the maximum diameter for a material of normal hardness; with hard or case-hardened steel the real capacity drops.

Handle type. Forged, tubular or adjustable arm. Forged for strength, tubular for light weight.

Jaw. In the data it is standard and non-serrated: it is for cutting, not for gripping.

Insulation. The models in the collection are not 1000 V (VDE) insulated: do not use them near live conductors.

Weight. It ranges from under 1 kg to over 4 kg for the longest ones. Bear this in mind if you work at height.

Height and overall size. In the data the height of the tool ranges from 25 to 57 mm: this tells you how much space is needed to close the handles and whether you can work in a tight recess.

How to cut. Place the workpiece as close as possible to the pivot of the blades, where the leverage is greatest, and close the handles in one continuous movement. If the blades chip, adjust them with the screw or replace them.

Common mistakes

• Cutting materials that are too hard. Case-hardened chains and padlocks ruin the blades if you exceed the capacity.
• Placing the workpiece far from the pivot. It cuts better close to the pivot of the blades.
• Levering sideways. The blades get chipped: close the handles in one continuous movement.
• Using it on live cables. The models in the collection are not insulated.
• Working without goggles. The cut piece can fly off.

Frequently asked questions

What length do I need for a 10 mm rod?

Choose a model with a declared capacity of at least 10 mm, preferably 12 if the steel is hard. The length of the handles determines how much effort you need.

Chipped blades: can they be repaired?

They can be replaced with spare blades or adjusted with the screw, depending on the model.

Can I cut a padlock?

It depends on the hardness of the shackle and the capacity of the model: reinforced padlocks can exceed the declared capacity.

How do I cut safely?

Check that diameter and hardness are within the capacity, insert the workpiece near the pivot and close the handles in one continuous movement. Always wear goggles.

Bolt cutter or bolt cropper?

They are the same thing: only the name used by manufacturers changes.

You will find all the models in the Bolt cutters collection: to choose length and capacity, request a quote or ask the AMES technicians for advice.