Bolt Cutter Overview
– Tool used for cutting bolts, chains, padlocks, rebar, and wire mesh
– Typically has long handles and short blades
– Compound hinges maximize leverage and cutting force
– Yields 20 kilonewtons (4,500lb) of cutting force
Types of Cutting Blades
– Angle cut blade for easier insertion (typical angling is 25 to 35 degrees)
– Center cut blade with blades equidistant from the two faces
– Shear cut blade with inverted blades (like normal paper scissor blades)
– Clipper cut blade with blades flush against one face (for cutting against flat surfaces)
– Various blade types for different cutting needs
Bolt Cutter Sizes
– Available in various lengths: 12, 14, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 42 inches
– Length measured from the tip of the jaw to the end of the handle
– Different sizes for different cutting requirements
– Length affects reach and leverage
– Choose the appropriate size for the task at hand
Fiberglass Handle Benefits
– Bolt cutters with fiberglass handles can cut live electrical wires
– Useful during rescue operations
– Fiberglass handles are lighter in weight compared to drop forged or solid pipe handles
– Easier to carry to the place of operation
– Provides added safety and convenience
Cultural Significance
– Bolt cutters became iconic at the Greenham Common Womens Peace Camp
– Protestors used them to remove fencing around the RAF airbase
– A Greenham banner displaying bolt cutters was displayed at the Pine Gap Womens Peace Camp in Australia
– Symbol of resistance and activism
– Demonstrates the practical and symbolic power of bolt cutters Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolt_cutter
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A bolt cutter, sometimes called bolt cropper, is a tool used for cutting bolts, chains, padlocks, rebar and wire mesh. It typically has long handles and short blades, with compound hinges to maximize leverage and cutting force. A typical bolt cutter yields 20 kilonewtons (4,500 lbf) of cutting force for a 250 newtons (56 lbf) force on the handles.
There are different types of cutting blades for bolt cutters, including angle cut, center cut, shear cut, and clipper cut blades. Bolt cutters are usually available in 12, 14, 18, 24, 30, 36 and 42 inches (30.5, 35.6, 46, 61, 76, 91.4 and 107 cm) in length. The length is measured from the tip of the jaw to the end of the handle.
- Angle cut has the cutter head angled for easier insertion. Typical angling is 25 to 35 degrees.
- Center cut has the blades equidistant from the two faces of the blade.
- Shear cut has the blades inverted to each other (such as normal paper scissor blades).
- Clipper cut has the blades flush against one face (for cutting against flat surfaces).
Bolt cutters with fiberglass handles can be used for cutting live electrical wires and are useful during rescue operations. The fiberglass handles have another advantage of being lighter in weight than the conventional drop forged or solid pipe handles, making it easier to carry to the place of operation.
