Manual bolt cutter: special purpose tool capabilities

Manual bolt cutter: special purpose tool capabilities

The bolt cutter is a specialized tool that is designed for snacking fittings and other metal products. According to the principle of operation, it is similar to wire cutters or scissors, but has a reinforced design. The tool is widely used in construction, industry, everyday life and rescue operations, which determines the choice of the type of product. The most popular is the manual bolt cutter, to which this article is devoted.

The bolt cutter is designed for snacking bolts, fittings, wires and other metal products

Characteristics and varieties of bolt cutters

Bolt cutter, rebar scissors or pin cutter is a special purpose tool that is designed for snacking metal products in the form of rebar, bolts, steel cable, wire, chain, rods and other workpieces.

Manual bolt cutters are equipped with lever mechanisms

The principle of operation of the device consists in the concept of a double lever mechanism. The working part of the tool consists of two blades, one of which has a sharp sharpening, and the second is blunted. A metal blank is clamped between them. As a result of the impact of human muscular force, electric or hydraulic drive, the product is snacked into two parts.

Bolt cutter is characterized by a wide range of actions. It is used in industry, construction work, and everyday life. The tool is a necessary device for carrying out rescue operations, since it is used to clean passages and unblock blockages.

Depending on the method of action on the shear blades, hydraulic and mechanical bolt cutters are distinguished.

A mechanical or manual bolt cutter is often used in everyday life to perform a small amount of work, since it has limited productivity, which is determined by the physical capabilities of the person who drives the lever mechanism.

The hydraulic bolt cutter is characterized by large dimensions and an extended range of action, since its capabilities are not limited by the strength of the operator. The cutting mechanism is driven by a hydraulic cylinder, in which a special liquid is injected under pressure.

The effectiveness of the bolt cutter largely depends on the physical strength of the master

Manual bolt cutter: tool features

The manual bolt cutter is similar in appearance to ordinary wire cutters, but it is characterized by large dimensions. As can be seen in the drawings of structures, a manual bolt cutter consists of such elements:

• two handles 20-1150 cm long with cut ends, which are covered with rubber or polyurethane nozzles;
• double-shoulder cutting mechanism. When the tool handles are compressed, they act on the auxiliary arms, which transfer the force to the cutting edges;
• pairs of cutting elements (sponges) with a sharp edge, which are made of hardened steel and sharpened at a certain angle;
• the return spring, which facilitates the return of the tool to its original position;
• an adjustment screw with a lock nut, with which you can change the position of the sponges depending on the diameter of the workpiece being processed.

Pay attention! The longer the mechanical reinforcement shears are, the more powerful they are and, accordingly, need less effort to carry out the work.

Manual bolt cutter Bison

The main advantages of manual reinforcement shears are light weight, size, mobility of the device, independence from the energy source, the possibility of using underwater and affordable cost.

A significant disadvantage of the tool is the use of human muscular strength, which may not be enough to implement the maximum technical capabilities of the bolt cutter.

Technical and operational capabilities of manual bolt cutters

The value of the length of the handles of the tool determines its technical capabilities, namely the diameter of the element being snacked. The standard provides options with lengths of 350, 450, 600, 750 and 900 mm, calculated, respectively, for products M12, M16, M24 and M30. The last three versions of the instrument are reinforced. Devices with a handle length of 200-300 mm are considered pocket-sized. Various options can be seen in the photo of bolt cutters.

The operational capabilities of the tool depend on the shape of the cutting part. There are straight and angular mechanical bolt cutters. More in demand is the first type of tool, in which the handles and cutting jaws have a direct location.

The angular bolt cutter is used to work in hard-to-reach places, because it has inclined knife parts located at an angle of 25-35 degrees to the cutting plane.

With the help of reinforcing scissors, steel bars of various diameters can be cut

The choice of the position of the sponges is carried out by means of a sliding thrust plate, which is fixed in the seat and fixed by means of a pin. Such a tool has a special option that allows you to install the cutting elements in an inverted position. Corner bolt cutters are often used in rescue operations when dismantling metal structures.

There are bolt cutters with flat nozzles, thanks to which the tool can cut strip metal into elements of the same length, carrying out the so-called flash cutting.

Useful advice! It is best to purchase a mechanical bolt cutter with the possibility of changing sponges, which will allow you to replace worn elements, or expand the capabilities of the tool using straight, flat or angular nozzles.

The principle of operation of the hydraulic bolt cutter

The hydraulic bolt cutter, or hydraulic cutters, is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder instead of a cutting drive. It is actuated by hydraulic force, chopping off, not biting off the workpiece. At the same time, one blade remains stationary, and the second moves quickly relative to it. Among the advantages of the tool is its high productivity, which allows you to bite rather thick metal blanks, while it needs minimal effort on the part of the worker.

Hydraulic Reinforcement Shears

Based on the type of drive, the hydraulic bolt cutter can be manual, electric or equipped with an external pump.

The manual hydraulic bolt cutter is equipped with one rigidly fixed handle. The second handle acts as a lever. The tool is put into operation by pumping the movable element, like a pump, up to 10 times, due to which the blade is compressed. When the lever moves, the piston moves inside the cylinder with the creation of pressure, which causes the cutter piston to move. Such manipulations require minimal effort from a person.

Hydraulic shears have a sharpened movable part, and the fixed one is presented in the form of a sharp-edged plate.

The manual hydraulic bolt cutter is characterized by increased power. It is able to bite a steel billet with a diameter of up to 18 mm.

Hydraulic bolt cutters with electric drive

Hydraulic reinforcing shears equipped with an electric drive or pump belong to the professional class of the tool. They are distinguished by their large weight and overall dimensions, unlike manual versions. Such powerful scissors are capable of snacking a carbon steel billet with a diameter of up to 32 mm in a matter of seconds, and of alloy steel – up to 20 mm. The main disadvantage of such a tool is the need to connect it to the electrical network.

Hydraulic bolt cutter with electric drive

Pay attention! There are models of electric bolt cutters equipped with an autonomous battery, which allows you to use the tool in areas where there is no access to the power grid.

Electric bolt cutters are equipped with a hydraulic pump that pumps fluid into the hydraulic cylinder. The tool operating from an external stationary hydroelectric station is characterized by maximum power and productivity. Such a hydraulic bolt cutter is used in large-scale production. It is connected to the pumping station by using a high-pressure hose.

Pay attention! Hydraulic bolt cutter with electric drive is often equipped with replaceable wire cutters of various types, which provide it with versatility.

How to choose a bolt cutter: basic recommendations

The choice of the type of bolt cutter is primarily determined by the scope of its further use. For household needs, work on the infield, where it is necessary to bite bars with a cross section of up to 8 mm, it is enough to purchase a standard mechanical end pocket model. For workshops and garages, it is better to choose a manual hydraulic bolt cutter, the price of which will depend on its technical capabilities.

Household bolt cutters are capable of snacking rods up to 8 mm in diameter

Useful advice! It is better to purchase a hand tool with a certain margin in the thickness of the snacking blanks, which will not only increase its functionality, but also require less effort when snacking a large number of elements with a diameter below the maximum possible for this product.

The next factor is the value of the maximum cross-section that the bolt cutter can bite. In manual models, this is determined by the length of the handles.

Before you buy high-quality reinforcing scissors, you should pay attention to such moments:

• there should be no gap between the cutting jaws with the handles closed;
• the tool with hollow tubular handles is characterized by a short period of operation, since the handles will bend quickly;
• the handles and the hinge mechanism must be made of tool or chrome-molybdenum steel with induction hardening;
• it is better to purchase a tool with removable cutting elements, which will increase its functionality and durability;
• the optimal price-quality ratio must be observed, since too cheap models are rarely good.

Before buying a bolt cutter, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with its technical characteristics

Rules for the safe operation of the bolt cutter

Before you start working with the tool, you should check the integrity of the structure. All elements must be rigidly fixed. The lever mechanism and cutting elements must be free of debris and foreign objects. The handles should be dry and clean.

It is necessary to work with the tool in personal protective equipment: overalls, shoes, gloves, glasses or a face shield. The workpiece is inserted between the cutting jaws with its neat fixation. The tool must be held at a certain angle to the armature. Having made sure of the reliability of the grip, it is necessary to apply the working force to the handles. The process of snacking must be carried out slowly, without haste, making sure that the cutting sponges do not jump off the workpiece. After performing the operation, ensure the initial position of the bolt cutter, excluding its shift.

Important! When buying replaceable cutting elements for a bolt cutter, you should choose original spare parts.

In case of dismantling of hinged structures, it is important to take into account the possibility of their falling after cutting and creating a traumatic situation, therefore it is recommended to additionally fix them.

Important! Do not bite a metal billet with a diameter exceeding the passport value, this may lead to its breakdown.

When working with the bolt cutter, it is necessary to use glasses or a mask and other personal protective items

After the operation of the manual bolt cutter is completed, all its elements are cleaned from contamination. After that, the mechanism and blades are lubricated with a special tool. The tool should be stored in a dry, ventilated area.

Overview of manufacturers of mechanical bolt cutters

The market offers a wide range of mechanical bolt cutters from domestic and foreign manufacturers. The following companies have proven themselves to be the best in this segment.

Related article:

Reciprocating cordless saw: a tool for gardening and processing workpieces

Features, advantages and disadvantages. Recommendations for selection. Additional features. Rating of the best saber autonomous saws.

One of the world’s best manufacturers of bolt cutters is the German company StailerMaster. The cutting elements are made of a special alloy, which ensures the strength and durability of the tool, which can be purchased at a price of 1000 rubles.

The optimal price-quality ratio is provided by manual reinforcing scissors from the Chinese manufacturer Matrix. The price of bolt cutters varies between 600-1500 rubles, depending on the capabilities of the tool.

The domestic Bison manufacturer has proven itself well. It offers high-quality household hand bolt cutters made of a special alloy of steel with forged connectors and dielectric handles. The minimum cost of the tool is 750 rubles.

Reinforcing scissors of the Matrix brand

The tool from the Russian company Techmach is in great demand. It specializes in the production of various modifications of mechanical and hydraulic bolt cutters. The price of rebar scissors starts from 800 rubles.

The best models of manual reinforcing scissors

One of the best manual bolt cutters is the Jonnesway P4314 model. The cutting edges are made of hardened steel, which provides them with increased strength and resistance to loads. They have locking lugs that dampen impacts when snacking on unyielding products, ensuring a smooth cut. The lower part of the heads contains an additional cutter, which is used for cutting cables.

Ergonomic handles are made of impact-resistant polymer. They have special recesses that contribute to a convenient and reliable holding of the tool in your hands. The length of the bolt cutter is 350 mm. The tool is designed for snacking rods, cable, wire with a diameter of up to 7 mm. The cost of the bolt cutter reaches 2.5 thousand rubles.

A good helper in everyday life will be the bolt cutter KW BR-600, which is designed for snacking metal elements with a diameter of up to 10 mm. The cutting part is equipped with chromium-molybdenum blades, which are characterized by increased hardness, elasticity and resistance to corrosion. They are sharpened at an angle of 30 degrees. Thanks to thin steel handles with non-slip pads and a built-in reverse spring, convenient operation with the tool is ensured even for a long period. You can buy a manual bolt cutter BR-600 for 2.2 thousand rubles.

Manual bolt cutter KW BR-600

The Toreh 01A118 manual bolt cutter is popular among consumers. The working part is made of chrome vanadium steel, which provides it with increased strength and resistance to high mechanical loads. The cutting jaws are additionally subjected to induction hardening, which eliminates the possibility of corrosion. Thanks to the ergonomic shape of the handles, they are conveniently gripped and held during operation. To prevent the tool from slipping out during operation, their ends are equipped with rubber pads.

The price of a Topex manual bolt cutter is 950 rubles. The length of the tool is 450 mm. It easily copes with snacking rebar and rods with a diameter of up to 8 mm.

Rating of professional bolt cutters

Opens the rating of the best professional manual bolt cutters model Norgau N177-42. The tool is equipped with forged cutting heads made of chrome-molybdenum steel and tubular levers with ergonomic handles for convenient holding of the device during operation.

The length of the bolt cutter reaches 1050 mm. It is able to cope with workpieces with a diameter of up to 19 mm. With the help of cam screws, the parallelism of the edges can be adjusted, which contributes to better tool performance. The cost of such a bolt cutter starts from 11 thousand rubles.

Professional Bolt cutter Ridgid S36

A good professional model that has received many flattering reviews is the Ridgid S36 bolt cutter. The tool length of 950 mm allows you to bite wire, bolts, fittings and other metal products of varying degrees of hardness with a diameter of up to 14.3 mm.

The special design of the thin working head allows you to bite the bolt at the very base. The cutting elements are made of hardened alloy steel, which makes them durable, resistant to loads and durable. Non-slip pads on the handles provide convenience in operation, which is a guarantee of accurate cutting. The tool is equipped with a cam mechanism, which contributes to the rapid alignment of the knives. The price of the bolt cutter is 12.3 thousand rubles.

Noteworthy is the Kraftool Red JAWS 1-23290-105 model with a length of 1050 mm, capable of snacking metal products of various degrees of hardness with a diameter of up to 14 mm. The cutting jaws are made of alloy steel, which provides them with increased wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Depending on the diameter of the workpiece being processed, the position of the cutting edges can be adjusted using a special pin.

Important! Thanks to the double lever mechanism, easy and accurate cutting of large cross-section elements is provided.

Professional Rebar Scissors Kraftool Red JAWS

For reliable and convenient holding of the tool during operation, the ergonomic handles are equipped with rubberized pads. You can buy the tool for 8.8 thousand rubles.

A good craftsman should have many different useful tools in his arsenal. One of them is a bolt cutter, which is represented by different types of products. In order for the tool to meet the stated requirements, it is important to choose the right model, depending on the conditions of its further operation. The durability of the device will be ensured by competent work with it and proper storage conditions.