Can Bolt Cutters Cut Metal

Can Bolt Cutters Cut Metal? When it comes to working with metal, having the right tools for the job is essential. Bolt cutters are a common tool for cutting metal, but can they actually cut through it? In this article, we’ll explore the capabilities of bolt cutters and discuss whether or not they can cut metal.

Can Bolt Cutters Cut Metal and How?

Yes, bolt cutters can cut through metal. The cutting jaws of bolt cutters are made of hardened steel, so they can easily slice through soft metals like aluminum or copper. However, they will struggle to cut through harder metals like stainless steel or titanium.

Most people think of bolt cutters as a tool for cutting through padlocks or chains, but did you know that they can also be used to cut metal? Bolt cutters are actually a very versatile tool and can be used to cut through a variety of materials, including metal. While they may not be the best option for every type of metal-cutting job, they can certainly get the job done in many cases.

So, if you need to cut through some metal and don’t have access to a power saw or other specialized equipment, grab a pair of bolt cutters and give it a try!

Cutting Metal Rods with Bolt Cutters

What Can Bolt Cutters Not Cut Through?

Bolt cutters are powerful tools that can be used to cut through thick metal rods and chains. However, there are some materials that bolt cutters cannot cut through. These include:

• Thick steel plates: Bolt cutters can only make clean cuts through relatively thin steel plates. If the plate is too thick, the blades will not be able to penetrate it and will simply slip off.

• Hardened steel: Hardened steel is much harder than regular steel and thus cannot be cut through with bolt cutters. The blades will simply bounce off without being able to make any progress.
• Concrete: Concrete is extremely hard and dense, making it impossible for bolt cutters to even dent it, let alone cut through it.
• Reinforced Steel Bars (Rebar): Thick rebar, often used in construction, can be difficult to cut with standard bolt cutters.
• Alloyed Metals: Some alloyed metals, such as titanium or types of hardened alloys, can be more resistant to cutting.
• Too Thick Chains: Heavy-duty chains with thick links can pose a challenge for bolt cutters. However, some specialized bolt cutters are designed for chain cutting.
• Security Cables: High-strength security cables, especially those designed for anti-theft applications, may resist cutting by standard bolt cutters.
• Armored Cables: Some cables are designed with layers of metal and other materials to make them resistant to cutting. They are often used for securing bicycles and other valuable items.

How Thick of Metal Can Bolt Cutters Cut?

Bolt cutters are designed to cut through metal, but the thickness of the metal they can cut depends on the size and strength of the bolt cutter. The larger and stronger the bolt cutter, the thicker piece of metal it can cut through. For example, a small handheld bolt cutter can typically cut through a piece of metal that is up to 1/2 inch thick, while a large industrial-size bolt cutter can cut through a piece of metal that is up to 4 inches thick.

There are also specialty bolt cutters available that are designed for cutting through extremely thick pieces of metal, such as those used in construction or demolition work.

What Can I Use to Cut Metal Bolts?

There are a variety of tools that can be used to cut metal bolts, including saws, abrasive cutoff wheels, and oxy-fuel torches. The best tool to use will depend on the size and type of bolt being cut. Saws can be used to cut both small and large bolts.

Abrasive cutoff wheels can be used to quickly cut through smaller bolts, but they should not be used on larger bolts due to the risk of the wheel shattering. Oxy-fuel torches can be used to cut all sizes of bolts, but they require more setup time than saws or abrasive cutoff wheels.

How Do You Cut Metal Chain With Bolt Cutters?

If you need to cut a metal chain, the best tool for the job is a pair of bolt cutters. Here’s how to use them:

1. Open the bolt cutters so that the jaws are fully extended.

2. Place the chain onto the jaws, making sure that both links are sitting squarely in between the blades. 3. Close the bolt cutters slowly and evenly until the blades meet in the middle of the chain link. The link should now be severed cleanly in two.

Also here you can find a full Guide to Cutting Chains with Bolt Cutters.

Can Bolt Cutters Cut Hardened Steel

When it comes to cutting through hard materials, bolt cutters are one of the most versatile tools you can have in your arsenal. But what about hardened steel? Can bolt cutters cut through this tough metal?

The answer is yes, but it depends on the type of bolt cutter you have. Standard bolt cutters will struggle to cut through hardened steel, but if you have a heavier-duty pair, they can do the job with relative ease. Just keep in mind that cutting through hardened steel will take more time and effort than other materials.

If you need to cut through hardened steel, make sure you have a good quality pair of bolt cutters. Heavy-duty models will make quick work of the job while standard varieties will likely struggle. With the right tool for the job, you’ll be able to get through even the toughest materials.

Can Bolt Cutters Cut Sheet Metal

If you’re in need of a tool to cut through sheet metal, you may be wondering if bolt cutters can get the job done. The answer is yes – bolt cutters can be used to cut sheet metal. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using this method.

For starters, it’s important to choose the right size of bolt cutter for the thickness of the sheet metal you’re working with. If the blades are too small, they won’t be able to make a clean cut through the material. Conversely, if the blades are too large, they may cause damage or deformities in the sheet metal.

Another thing to keep in mind is that cutting sheet metal with bolt cutters can be quite strenuous. If you don’t have a lot of upper body strength, it may be difficult to generate enough force to make a clean cut. In addition, cutting through thicker pieces of sheet metal will require more effort than thinner ones.

If you do decide to use bolt cutters to Cut Sheet Metal, just be sure to take your time and use caution. Make sure the blades are properly sized for the material you’re working with and apply as much force as necessary to make a clean cut.

Can Bolt Cutters Cut a Master Lock

If you’re looking for a way to break into a Master Lock, bolt cutters are definitely your best bet. With their long, powerful jaws, they can easily snap through the shackle of even the strongest lock. Just be aware that it will take some serious muscle to get the job done – so make sure you have someone else around to help out!

How To Choose The Perfect Bolt Cutter 

Pay attention on:

Small Bolt Cutters

8-, 10-, 12-, and 14-inch bolt cutters are designed to cut through thinner chains and pry off bolts with a softer to medium level of hardness.

Medium Sized Bolt Cutters

Medium-sized bolt cutters have a length between 18 and 24 inches. They’re effective with both soft and tough metals. A medium bolt cutter can easily cut through thick objects like padlocks and large bolts.

Large Bolt Cutters

Bolt cutters between 30 and 42 inches in length can easily cut through medium-hard metals such as thick steel chains, copper cable, steel rods, and colossal bolts and padlocks.

Quality of A Blade

Make sure the jaws and blade edge are made of strong, resilient, and extraordinarily hard steel.

Bolt cutters are made of chrome vanadium steel or chrome molybdenum steel that has been forged and heat treated. Both of these types of steel are commonly considered to be the most robust and long-lasting options out there.

Handles Design

You need to get enough leverage to open the jaws and the pliers won’t be able to grab onto and cut through metal with much effort.
Any hand fatigue will also be gone with an ergonomic design.

Find out what others think about this issue in the Quora community.

Conclusion

It is a common misconception that bolt cutters cannot cut metal. In fact, bolt cutters are specifically designed to cut through metal bolts, rods, and wires. The cutting blades of bolt cutters are made of tempered steel, which is extremely hard and durable.

However, the cutting edges of the blades are not perfectly sharpened. This allows the bolt cutter to grip the metal surface and apply immense pressure without slipping or breaking. When used properly, bolt cutters can easily cut through thick metal rods and wires.

FAQ