A lot of DIY lovers will agree with me that their tool inventory is incomplete without a bolt cutter.
After all, there are very few tools that are so compact yet can achieve so much. From construction to repairs, the versatility of a bolt cutter remains pretty much unmatched. And not to forget that it’s your best bet for a jammed lock and key.
Although I’m not a fan of DIY projects per se, I have assisted my husband on quite a few of them, which, in turn, helped me gain a better understanding of their utility.
So, when my neighbor approached me to help her pick one, I thought it’d be a good idea to curate this guide. Hello there! I’m Stacy, and today, I’ve reviewed the 5 best bolt cutters for my readers to take a pick.
Let’s get started!
Top 5 Bolt Cutters Reviews
1. WORKPRO W017006A
To start things off, I have the Workpro W017006A bolt cutter. Featuring a robust construction, it features a heavy-duty metal blade that can cut through various hard and soft materials with ease. What’s more, the compact design makes for hassle-free storage in your toolbox.
Product Highlights
Let’s just say that the brand name “Workpro” was enough to get me intrigued! And from the experience I had while working with this tool, it certainly emerged as a pro. Firstly, the cutter head is made from a drop-forged chrome molybdenum steel blade that’s suitable for cutting through bolts, rivets, chains, and wires up to 5/16 inches in diameter.
The anti-slip handles are reinforced with bi-material coverings and rubber grips to facilitate greater control while employing minimal effort. While I opted for the 24-inch long handle design, you may choose among the other three variants, viz., 14 inches, 18 inches, and 30 inches.
I also liked the overall compactness of the handles, which made it easier to grip them even with my work gloves on. Moreover, the lightweight design doesn’t put too much strain on the hands, especially when working with tough metals. Overall, this tool is worth considering.
What’s There To Like About It?
The feature that earned my praise at first glance was the classic fulcrum design that’s further enhanced with the precisely aligned blades on the head. Simply put, the combination of these two design elements works effectively to ensure added leverage with minimal user effort.
I loved the blade’s swift compound cutting action, which left clean marks on a couple of the jammed locks on my attic drawers. And with the powder-coated finishing on the jaws, corrosion and rust are kept at bay even with regular use.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Perhaps, the only thing that may deter potential buyers is the slightly expensive price tag when compared with some other units on the market. But if you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars on quality, then I’d strongly recommend going for this unit.
Pros and Cons of WORKPRO W017006A
Pros
Cons
- Drop forged chrome molybdenum steel and powder coated jaws for sure, efficient cutting and long life
- Classic lever-fulcrum design and precisely aligned blades deliver added leverage with less effort
- Ergonomic bi-material anti-slip grips provide greater control and comfort in cutting
2. TEKTON 3386
When it comes to tools and equipment, Tekton is a name that hardly needs any introduction. So, my list wouldn’t have been complete without mentioning its 3386 8-inch bolt cutter. Its robust yet compact construction is engineered for effortless use by both beginners and pros.
Product Highlights
Although looks shouldn’t be a priority while choosing a bolt cutter, I couldn’t help but admire the vibrant red and black combination. Besides, these colors make it easier to spot the tool in a crowded garage or workshop. You can avail it in 7 different sizes, including 8 inches, 12 inches, 14 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, 30 inches, and 36 inches.
Much like my previous pick, this one also uses a compound cutting action to deliver superior cutting power with less effort. Furthermore, the edges of the drop-hardened alloy steel jaws are specifically designed to deal with strong materials.
Talking about the handles, they are made from tubular steel to ensure high leverage without twisting or bending under pressure. Additionally, the soft rubber grips help maintain a firm hold so that you have better control over the cutting process. Weighing at just under 6 pounds, you can easily carry it around in your pocket.
What’s There To Like About It?
I was really impressed with the build quality as it felt quite sturdy in the hands. The rubber grips felt soft and adequately wide to keep my hands from pinching while pressing on the handles. I could cut through a couple of chains and threaded rods without employing a lot of force, which is nothing short of a boon at my age!
You will find a small hook-like structure at the end of the left handle to keep the handles “locked” together for easy storage.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I feel that the blunt edges on the steel jaw are more suitable for cutting hard material and may not be useful for softer materials like small gauge wires, sheet metal, bicycle cables, etc. So, you’re better off using a wire cutter for the latter. But despite having restricted utility, it serves its purpose quite well.
Pros and Cons of TEKTON 3386
Pros
Cons
- Forged and hardened alloy steel jaws
- Compound cutting action requires less effort
- Rolled steel handles with cushioned nonslip rubber grips
3. KNIPEX - 71 01 200
Up next is the Knipex 7101200, which is regarded by many to be the number one choice for professionals in various parts of the world. It has been designed to strike the perfect balance between utility and comfort.
Product Highlights
There’s a lot of thought that goes into the manufacturing of Knipex tools, and this bolt cutter is no exception to that. Firstly, it’s made from chrome vanadium electric steel that ensures a long-lasting service life with regular use. On top of that, the steel is hardened with 0.8% carbon for optimum cutting performance.
In fact, this bolt cutter is capable of cutting up to ¼-inch wide soft wires, 13/64-inch medium hard wires, and 9/64-inch piano wires. Long story short, it takes care of versatility and precision to help you get through the job without breaking a sweat.
Beyond that, you can use it for cutting cotter pins and nails, floral wires, fish hooks, as well as in automotive or construction activities. The ergonomic handles have a curvy design for comfortable gripping. Each bolt cutter is tested to pass a series of quality standards so that buyers get only high-quality tools.
What’s There To Like About It?
I truly appreciate the brand’s attention to detail, which is primarily reflected by the microstructured cutting edges of the jaws that firmly grip the workpiece. Hence, you don’t have to apply a lot of pressure on the handles to achieve precise and clean cuts.
Moreover, the general-purpose gripping surface (comprising two textured square tops) will come in handy for pulling wires and loosening nuts or screws. Buyers may also choose from 3 different sizes (6 inches, 8 inches, and 10 inches), along with accessories like a tool bag or holder.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Similar to its predecessor, the Knipex 7101200 is a premium tool, meaning it costs more than most average bolt cutters. But I did miss the rubber grippers that came with some of my other recommendations. That said, the quality and performance will easily last for the years to come.
Pros and Cons of KNIPEX - 71 01 200
Pros
Cons
- Precision Grade Performance Tools
- The Number 1 Choice Of Tradesman Worldwide
- Comfortable In Use And Quality Assured Design
4. Neiko 00559A
Before concluding the list, here’s the Neiko 00559A bolt cutter making an entry on my list, which is engineered to cut through heavy-duty chains and materials with absolute ease. Not only that, but it’s also available in 5 size variants for catering to different user needs.
Product Highlights
Featuring a sleek design, it has a chrome-molybdenum steel blade at the helm of affairs, much like the WORKPRO W017006A. As a result, it cuts through harder objects without requiring a lot of force. If you have used chrome vanadium bolt cutters, you will surely feel the difference in terms of the leverage on offer.
Furthermore, the lever-fulcrum design and accurately aligned blade structure aid in gripping the workpiece for maximum cutting power. Be it chains, bolts, or padlocks- you won’t have to look for multiple cutters to cut through them. Plus, there’s practically no maintenance required to keep the jaws sharp for prolonged periods.
The black plastic handles have a layer of rubber towards the bottom, near the area where your fingers will grip them. This ensures that they don’t slip out of your hands to cause uneven cuts or even injuries. And its affordable pricing won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
What’s There To Like About It?
For one, the high-frequency steel blades are specially treated with heat to retain their strength and sharpness with regular use. Not only that, but they also prevent other damages or dents, especially when cutting strong materials. I used the cutter to cut through some fence wires and didn't face any significant issues.
I also liked the textured grip on the handle that facilitates comfortable holding even if you don’t have a lot of clearance space in the area where you are working.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Since I haven’t used it for very long, I fell back on the customer reviews to gauge its longevity. And a lot of users have complained about chipped blades after just a few uses. Hence, it may not be suitable for regular heavy-duty use, especially by professionals or DIY enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons of Neiko 00559A
Pros
Cons
- CHROME MOLY STEEL: 14-inch premium Cr-Mo steel jaws cut through harder objects than chrome vanadium steel bolt cutters
- DURABLE BLADES: High-frequency, heat treated blades resist damage and dents in tough applications
- MORE POWER, LESS EFFORT: Classic lever-fulcrum design and precisely aligned blades deliver added leverage with less effort
5. Edward Tools Bolt Cutter
The Edward Tools Bolt Cutter is a heavy-duty unit that’s built to tackle professional and residential or DIY cutting jobs alike. Its robust appearance is a testimony of its strength and the lifetime warranty ensures greater peace of mind among buyers.
Product Highlights
The cutter head is essentially made of a heavy-duty forged T8 steel alloy blade, which is responsible for all the strength and leverage on offer. Without sounding too technical, the alloy is a mix of several metals like nickel and carbon that provide the blade with optimum strength.
Apart from that, it’s heat-treated to remain durable in the long run by resisting rust and corrosion. I liked how the cutter head is secured to the handle with a couple of metal bolts to prevent it from moving when dealing with strong materials.
The handles have thick rubber paddings on either side, which cover almost half the length so that users get a comfortable grip even when holding the tool at different positions. There are two small general-purpose gripping surfaces for pulling thin wires when needed. For its relatively budget-friendly price tag, I am decently satisfied with how it performs.
What’s There To Like About It?
I was quite surprised with how light the tool weighs, which makes handling less strenuous for the hands. It can cut wires and sheets up to 1/4-inch wide, so it will come in handy for a lot of DIY projects in and around the house.
Many users have complimented it for the longevity and durability of the blade that doesn’t show any signs of chipping or bending even after prolonged use.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I saw my husband struggle with opening the cutter head to grip the wires as the handles were pretty tight. There are a couple of adjustment screws just below where the cutter head is attached to the handles, but the package didn’t come with any adjustment instructions. Hence, you may have to push and pull the handles a few times before the first use.
Pros and Cons of Edward Tools Bolt Cutter
Pros
Cons
- Not Recommended for Cutting Locks
- 14" Size is perfect for Wire, Chain Link Fence, Metal Rods, and Screws
- Heavy duty T8 Alloy Heat Treated Steel Blades
Buyers Guide
“How much more do I need to know? It’s just a bolt cutter after all!” is what my neighbor texted me after reading the product reviews. And if you, too, are thinking on the same lines, then hear me out for a bit.
Sure, most bolt cutters don’t cost a fortune, but without considering some key factors and your exact requirements, it’s highly likely that you’ll end up with the wrong unit. And if it doesn’t serve your purpose, then even the most affordable models will take your hard-earned money down the drain.
So, in the following sections, I’ve listed a few points to keep in mind before making a purchase decision.
1. Length
One of the first things to consider is the length of the handles since it’s directly proportional to the leverage on offer. In simple terms, the longer the handles, the more is the cutting force of the jaws, thereby reducing the “operational force” provided by users.
From what I have observed, the length of most bolt cutters ranges from 8 inches to 36 inches. And a majority of the bolt cutters have adequate size variants.
If you plan to use the bolt cutter for intermittent residential use, I’d advise getting one between 8 and 12 inches. Likewise, you may opt for a longer handle length in case of heavy-duty DIY projects involving intense constructions.
2. Cutting Head
The price of a bolt cutter is largely dependent on the kind of steel used for the cutter head or the jaws. Generally, the high-end models feature jaws made from hardened and tempered alloy, such as chrome-molybdenum steel blades. These don’t bend or twist under pressure and also resist rust and corrosion-related damages.
Another thing to take care of is that the jaws should have a firm grip on the workpiece. In this regard, you’d want serrated or grooved surfaces to ensure better traction between the jaws and the workpiece.
3. Cutting Capacity
Cutting capacity refers to both the types of materials and the maximum thickness that a bolt cutter can tackle. For instance, a unit that can cut through soft and hard materials like wires, cables, metal sheets, etc., is obviously more versatile than one designed for only hard materials.
Similarly, the maximum cutting thickness varies between 1/2-inch, 1/4-inch, 3/16-inch, and 5/16-inch, so you can pick one according to the types of materials you’d usually be cutting (½-inch being the highest capacity). I’d suggest going for a slightly higher cutting thickness to make room for sudden requirements.
4. Handles
Undoubtedly, the handles of a bolt cutter are among its most crucial components since they are responsible for controlling the cutting action. Handles protected with textured rubber grips or anti-slip bi-material coverings help maintain a firm grip, especially when you have mittens or work gloves on. Additionally, they prevent your hands from pinching while exerting pressure for cutting the workpiece.
5. Weight
Thankfully, most manufacturers understand that a lightweight design without compromising on quality aids comfortable cutting. Anything above 10 pounds can become difficult to work with, especially if you don’t have much strength in your hands.
6. Warranty
The warranty period offered by a brand is a good way to gauge the durability and longevity of its tools. Additionally, it saves users from the trouble of arranging for repairs and replacements (if the warranty covers these terms).
7. Accessories
Some of the commonly used accessories accompanying the tool include high-leverage diagonal cutters and long nose pliers. Not only that, but you may also get a bolt cutter bag or container for proper and safe storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most bolt cutters are designed to cut through different materials, including padlocks. But I’d strongly recommend going through the product description to check if it meets all your requirements.
Bolt cutters with a sleek and compact design are generally suitable for working in tight spaces as they don’t need a lot of clearance. However, an end-cut tool may be more suitable for such scenarios.
You can use a firm bristle brush to dust off any loose dirt in the jaws and near the bolts. Then, spray a water-displacing lubricant spray directly on the required areas and let it soak for some time. Wipe off with a clean cloth.
For sharpening the blades of a bolt cutter at home, I’d advise getting a mill file. Begin by cleaning the blades to get rid of any dirt or moisture and begin sharpening them at an angle (20 to 30 degrees). Once you’re satisfied, clean the blades once more to eliminate the small metal particles. Finish off by coating them with some machine oil for rust resistance in the long run.
My Final Recommendation
On that note, it’s time for me to wrap up today’s guide on the best bolt cutters.
I hope my reviews and buyer’s guide will eventually find you a suitable unit according to your needs and budgets. But if you’re still in two minds, let me assist you further by naming my top two favorites from the list.
Despite being a little pricey, the Workpro W017006A bolt cutter is my top recommendation owing to its versatility. But if you have to work with only stronger materials and don’t want to spend a lot of money, then try the TEKTON 3386.
I’ll see you with more such content. Till then, stay tuned and take care!