A bolt cutter is a tool which is used for cutting thicker metal materials such as wire mesh, chains, padlocks, and of course bolts. Bolt cutters feature long handles and short blades paired with composite hinges to guarantee the maximum cutting capacity and leverage. Hardness of a bolt cutter’s blades is measured by a unit called HRC, which is the abbreviation for Rockwell Hardness on the scale of C, and normally follows a number (for example, Cutting Blade Sharpness – 42 HRC).
Normal bolt cutters come in sizes of 12, 14, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 42 inches from the tip of the jaw to the handle’s end, but the ones we’ll be looking at, which exert the most force when cutting, vary from 36 inches up to as long as 44 inches. Take a look at the chart below to compare several different bolt cutters with the maximum cutting capacity available and be sure to consider the task at hand and the thickness of the hard or soft metal you will be cutting when choosing the perfect bolt cutters.
Cutting blades hardness — 42 HRC
Cutting Capacity:
- up to 1/2 inch in soft metal
- up to 3/8 inch in hard metal
Features:
- Drop-forged Cr-Mo steel
- Wide, ergonomic non-slip grip handles
- Length — 36 inches
- Weight — 17 pounds
Cutting blades hardness — 48 HRC
Cutting Capacity:
- up to 1/2 inch in soft metal
- up to 3/8 inch in hard metal
Features:
- Chrome vanadium heavy-duty steel
- Steel tube and powder-coated handles
- Length — 36 inches
- Weight — 11 pounds
Cutting blades hardness — 48 HRC
Cutting Capacity:
- up to 3/4 inch in soft metal
- up to 1/2 inch in hard metal
Features:
- High-Carbon Alloy Tool Steel
- Rubber gripped all steel handles
- Length — 36 inches
- Weight — 11 pounds
Cutting blades hardness — 48 HRC
Cutting Capacity:
- up to 11/16 inch in soft metal
- up to 1/2 inch in hard metal
Features:
- Drop-forged precision ground, alloy tool steel
- Steel handles with rubber grips
- Length — 42 inches
- Weight — 8.3 pounds
Cutting blades hardness — 42 HRC
Cutting Capacity:
- up to 11/16 inch in soft metal
- up to 1/2 inch in hard metal
Features:
- Hardened alloy steel
- Handles and grips allow greater mechanical advantage for crisp
- Length — 44 inches
- Weight — 25 pounds
Cutting blades hardness — 42 HRC
Cutting Capacity:
- up to 11/16 inch in soft metal
- up to 1/2 inch in hard metal
Features:
- Forged, alloy tool steel
- Length — 42 inches
- Weight — 19.2 pounds
Thinking about buying bolt cutter?
Don’t forget to check out our Buyer’s guide. Best of them are waiting for you — Best Bolt Cutters — Buyer’s Guide
About the author
Eugene M. Carter is a hobbyist and DIY enthusiast.
He always chooses carefully tools for various DIY and automotive projects. Eugene started this website to share with you his experience and help pick the right tools that are worth your time and money.
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