The bolt cutter is a specialized tool that is designed for cutting reinforcement and other metal products. In principle, it is similar to wire cutters or scissors, but has a reinforced structure. The tool is widely used in construction, industry, household 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 cutting bolts, fittings, wires and other metal products
Content
Characteristics and varieties of bolt cutters
A bolt cutter, reinforcing shears or a pin cutter is a special-purpose tool that is designed for cutting metal products in the form of reinforcement, bolts, steel cable, wire, chain, rods and other blanks.
Manual bolt cutters are equipped with linkages
The principle of operation of the device is based on the concept of a double lever mechanism. The working part of the tool consists of two blades, one of which has a sharp edge, and the other is dull. A metal workpiece is clamped between them. As a result of the influence of human muscular power, electric or hydraulic drive, the product is biting into two parts.
The 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 tool for rescue operations, as it cleans passages and unblocks debris.
Depending on the method of action on the shear blades, a distinction is made between hydraulic and mechanical bolt cutters.
A mechanical or manual bolt cutter is often used in everyday life for performing a small amount of work, since it has limited productivity, which is determined by the physical capabilities of the person who sets the linkage in motion.
The hydraulic bolt cutter is large and versatile because its capabilities are not limited by operator power. The cutting mechanism is driven by a hydraulic cylinder, in which a special fluid is injected under pressure.
The efficiency 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 large in size. As you can see in the construction drawings, the manual bolt cutter consists of the following elements:
- two handles 20-1150 cm long with cut ends, which are covered with rubber or polyurethane nozzles;
- double-arm cutting mechanism. When compressed, the tool handles act on the auxiliary arms, which transmit the force to the cutting edges;
- pairs of cutting elements (jaws) with a sharp edge, which are made of hardened steel and are sharpened at a certain angle;
- a return spring that helps return the tool to its original position;
- an adjusting screw with a lock nut, with which you can change the position of the jaws depending on the diameter of the workpiece being processed.
Note! The longer the mechanical rebar shears, the more powerful they are and, accordingly, require less effort to carry out the work.
Manual bolt cutter Bison
The main advantages of manual rebar shears are low weight, size, device mobility, independence from the energy source, the ability to use underwater and affordable cost.
A significant drawback of the tool is the use of human muscle 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 tool handles determines its technical capabilities, namely the diameter of the cut element. The standard provides for options in 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 devices. Various options can be seen in the photo of bolt cutters.
The performance of the tool depends on the shape of the cutting part. There are straight and angle mechanical bolt cutters. The most popular is the first type of tool, in which the handles and cutting jaws have a straight position.
Angle bolt cutter is used for work in hard-to-reach places, since it has inclined knife parts located at an angle of 25-35 degrees to the cutting plane.
Reinforcement shears can be used to cut steel bars of various diameters
The choice of the position of the jaws is carried out using 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 the cutting elements to be installed upside down. Angle 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.
Helpful advice! It is best to purchase a mechanical bolt cutter with the ability to change jaws, which will allow you to replace worn parts, or expand the capabilities of the tool using straight, flat or angled nozzles.
Working principle of the hydraulic bolt cutter
The hydraulic bolt cutter, or shear, is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder instead of the cutting drive. It is powered by hydraulic force, chopping off rather than biting off the workpiece. In this case, one blade remains stationary, while the second quickly moves relative to it. Among the advantages of the tool, one can single out its high productivity, which allows you to bite into rather thick metal workpieces, while it needs minimal effort from the worker.
Hydraulic rebar shears
Depending 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 mounted handle. The second handle acts as a lever. The tool is put into operation by pumping the moving element, like a pump, up to 10 times, due to which the blade is compressed. When the lever moves, the piston moves within the cylinder, creating pressure that causes the cutter piston to move. Such manipulations require minimal effort from a person.
Hydraulic shears have a sharpened movable part, and the stationary one is presented in the form of a sharp-edged plate.
The hydraulic manual bolt cutter is powerful. It is capable of cutting through steel workpieces up to 18 mm in diameter.
Electric hydraulic bolt cutters
Hydraulic rebar shears, equipped with an electric drive or pump, belong to the professional class of the tool. They are distinguished by their large weight and dimensions, in contrast to manual options. Such powerful scissors are able to cut a workpiece from carbon steel with a diameter of up to 32 mm, and from alloy steel - up to 20 mm in a matter of seconds. The main disadvantage of such a tool is the need to connect it to the electrical network.
Electric Hydraulic Bolt Cutter
Note! There are models of electric bolt cutters equipped with a self-contained battery that allows you to use the tool in areas where there is no access to the mains.
Electric bolt cutters are equipped with a hydraulic pump that pumps fluid into a hydraulic cylinder. The tool, powered by an external stationary hydraulic unit, is characterized by maximum power and performance. Such a hydraulic bolt cutter is used in large-scale production. It is connected to the pumping station using a high pressure hose.
Note! The electrically driven hydraulic bolt cutter is often equipped with a variety of replacement cutters for 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 a personal plot, where it is necessary to bite rods with a cross section of up to 8 mm, it is enough to purchase a standard mechanical end pocket model. For workshops and garage, it is better to choose a manual hydraulic bolt cutter, the price of which will depend on its technical capabilities.
Household bolt cutters can cut rods up to 8 mm in diameter
Helpful advice! It is better to purchase hand tools with a certain margin in the thickness of the blanks to be cut, which will not only increase its functionality, but also require less effort when cutting a large number of elements with a diameter lower than the maximum possible for a given product.
The next factor is the value of the maximum cross-section that the bolt cutter can cut. In hand-held models, this is determined by the length of the handles.
Before you buy high-quality reinforcing shears, you should pay attention to the following points:
- there should be no gap between the cutting jaws with the handles closed;
- tools with hollow tubular handles have a short period of operation, since the handles will quickly bend;
- handles and hinges must be induction hardened tool steel or chromium-molybdenum steel;
- it is better to purchase a tool with removable cutting elements, which will increase its functionality and durability;
- the best value for money must be observed, since too cheap models are rarely good.
Before buying a bolt cutter, you must 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 linkage and cutting elements must be free of debris and foreign objects. The grips must be dry and clean.
Work with the tool should be in personal protective equipment: overalls, shoes, gloves, glasses or face shield. The workpiece is inserted between the cutting jaws with a neat fixation. The tool must be held at a certain angle to the reinforcement. After making sure that the grip is secure, you should apply a working force to the handles. The cutting process must be carried out slowly, without haste, making sure that the cutting jaws do not come off the workpiece. After completing the operation, ensure the initial position of the bolt cutter, excluding its shift.
Important! When purchasing replacement blades for a bolt cutter, select original parts.
In the case of dismantling suspended 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 secure them.
Important! Do not bite a metal workpiece with a diameter exceeding the passport value, this can lead to its breakage.
When working with a bolt cutter, use glasses or a mask and other personal protective equipment
After the end of the operation of the manual bolt cutter, all its elements are cleaned from contamination. Then the mechanism and blades are lubricated with a special agent. Store the tool in a dry, ventilated area.
Overview of mechanical bolt cutter manufacturers
There is a wide range of mechanical bolt cutters on the market from domestic and foreign manufacturers. The following companies have proven themselves from the best side in this segment.
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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.
Manual rebar shears from the Chinese manufacturer Matrix have an optimal price / quality ratio. The price of bolt cutters varies between 600-1500 rubles, depending on the capabilities of the tool.
The domestic manufacturer Bison has proven itself well. It offers quality household hand bolt cutters made of special alloy steel with forged connectors and dielectric handles. The minimum cost of the instrument is 750 rubles.
Reinforcement scissors from the Matrix brand
The tool from the Russian company Tekhmah is in great demand. It specializes in the production of various modifications of mechanical and hydraulic bolt cutters. The price of reinforcing shears starts at 800 rubles.
The best models of manual rebar shears
One of the best manual bolt cutters is the Jonnesway P4314. The cutting edges are made of hardened steel, which gives them increased strength and resistance to stress. They have locking lugs that absorb impacts when biting stubborn objects, ensuring a smooth cut. The lower part of the heads contains an additional cutter that is used to cut cables.
The ergonomic handles are made of impact-resistant polymer. They have special indentations that contribute to a comfortable and secure grip of the instrument in the hands. The bolt cutter length is 350 mm. The tool is designed for cutting rods, cables, wires up to 7 mm in diameter. The cost of a bolt cutter reaches 2.5 thousand rubles.
The bolt cutter KBT BR-600, which is designed for cutting metal elements up to 10 mm in diameter, will become a good helper in everyday life.The cutting part is equipped with chrome-molybdenum blades, which are characterized by increased hardness, elasticity and resistance to corrosion. They are sharpened at an angle of 30 degrees. Thanks to the thin steel handles with non-slip pads and the built-in return spring, it is easy to work with the tool even for a long period. You can buy a BR-600 manual bolt cutter for 2.2 thousand rubles.
Manual bolt cutter KBT BR-600
The manual bolt cutter Tоpex 01A118 is popular among consumers. The working part is made of chrome vanadium steel, which provides it with increased strength and resistance to high mechanical stress. The cutting jaws are additionally induction hardened to eliminate the possibility of corrosion. Thanks to the ergonomic shape of the handles, they are comfortable to grip and hold 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 RUB 950. The tool length is 450 mm. It easily copes with cutting rebar and rods up to 8 mm in diameter.
Rating of professional bolt cutters
The Norgau N177-42 model opens the rating of the best professional manual bolt cutters. The tool is equipped with forged cutting heads made of chrome-molybdenum steel, and tubular levers with ergonomic handles for a comfortable grip during operation.
The bolt cutter length reaches 1050 mm. It can handle workpieces up to 19 mm in diameter. Cam screws can be used to adjust the parallelism of the edges, which contributes to better tool performance. The cost of such a bolt cutter starts at 11 thousand rubles.
Ridgid S36 Professional Bolt Cutter
The Ridgid S36 Bolt Cutter is a good professional model that has received many complimentary reviews. The length of the tool is 950 mm, which allows cutting wires, bolts, fittings and other metal products of varying degrees of hardness up to 14.3 mm in diameter.
The special design of the thin working head allows the bolt to be bite at the very base. The cutting elements are made of hardened alloy steel, making them strong, resistant to stress and durable. Non-slip grips on the handles ensure comfortable handling, which guarantees a precise cut. The tool is equipped with a cam mechanism that facilitates quick blade alignment. The price of a bolt cutter is 12.3 thousand rubles.
Noteworthy is the Krаftool Red JAWS 1-23290-105 model, 1050 mm long, capable of biting metal items 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 to be processed, the position of the cutting edges can be adjusted using a special pin.
Important! Thanks to the double linkage mechanism, it is easy and accurate to cut large sections.
Professional reinforcement scissors Krаftool Red JAWS
For reliable and comfortable 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 master should have many different useful tools in his arsenal. One of them is the 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.
