Different types of bolt cutters

Different types of bolt cutters

Bolt cutters come in many distinct types with a variety of heads which contain different blades designed to accomplish slightly different tasks. The shape of the blade determines the type of the bolt cutters most of the times but there are some other defining features like the hinges. Below are the different types of bolt cutters discussed in detail.

(i) Center cut bolt cutters

As the name suggest, this type of cutters have the cutting blades at the center and are very popular. The four slanted faces of the blade edges bear down equally on the master lock shackle or whatever they are cutting, forcing their way through on two sides of the item making them very effective. They are appropriate for major tasks like cutting through thick pipes, cables and rods.

(ii) Clipper cut bolt cutter 

These are the best bolt cutters for master locks since the upper faces of the blade edges slant down almost to the flat sides of the jaws. The lower edges of the blade are beveled to create sufficiently thin edge that allows the tool to apply as high pressure as its center cut counterpart. They are ideal for cutting through padlock shackles, nails, screws and bolts that are close to the surface of the work piece.

(iii) Compact bolt cutter 

This type of bolt cutters is designed for lighter work unlike the other bolt cutters. They are used for cutting through fencing wires and thin lock hasps. Compact bolt cutters are light in weight hence ideal for use at home and gardens.

(iv) Shear cut bolt cutter 

They are the ideal tool for cutting through wire cables. Instead of having blades, they are designed to press together during the cutting procedure. They overlap and slide past each other like scissors blades. The hooked shape of its jaws keeps the cable in place during the procedure.

Good padlocks have a hardened but short shackle and so the best bolt cutters for locks are tough and sharp blades that can cut through small spaces.