2024 Winner: Strongest Industrial Bolt Cutters
Whether you are cutting cables or just a small padlock, a reliable bolt cutter is something you want in the truck with you. There are a lot of tool brands out there but we focused on the top-tier brands that many power companies have discounts for. In this review session we spent the summer testing out all the new bolt cutter variations. You will notice that we listed off handle length for several of the options in the rankings. A longer handle on bolt cutters increases leverage, allowing for greater force to be applied to the blades. This increased leverage translates into more cutting power, making the longer handle bolt cutters stronger and capable of cutting through thicker and stronger materials. Overall our team was pretty impressed the quality of bolt cutters being produced these days but a couple stood above the rest:
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Klein Tools Steel Handle Bolt Cutters
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Milwaukee MHT Bolt Cutters
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Workpro Bolt Cutters
Read the full breakdown below.
Our Picks for the Best Bolt Cutters for hardened steel and the toughest projects
Klein Tools 63324 Bolt Cutter, Steel Handle, 24-Inch
Handles have heavy vinyl grips with flat grips ends for 90-degree cuts
Material:
Alloy Steel
Weight:
6.2 lbs
Length Options:
14, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 42 inch.
As a lineman, I have had the opportunity to use a variety of bolt cutters, but the Klein Tools 63324 Bolt Cutter has quickly become my go-to tool for cutting bolts and other heavy-duty materials. The 24-inch steel handles provide ample leverage for cutting through even the toughest materials, and the induction-hardened cutting edges stay sharp for longer periods of time, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
One of the things I love most about these bolt cutters is the comfortable grip. The handles are coated with a non-slip material that allows for a secure hold, even when my hands are sweaty or dirty. The handle design also reduces hand fatigue, making it easier to use for extended periods of time.
In addition to its cutting power and comfortable grip, the Klein Tools 63324 Bolt Cutter is also durable and well-made. The steel handles are sturdy and the cutting edges are made of high-quality material that can withstand heavy use. I have no doubt that these bolt cutters will last me for many years to come.
Milwaukee MHT932464826 Bolt Cutters 609mm
Max Hardness 48RHC
Material:
Alloy Steel
Weight:
4.62 lbs
Length Options:
14, 18, 24, and 30 inch
The Milwaukee Hand Tools Bolt Cutters are a reliable and powerful tool that is perfect for cutting bolts and other heavy-duty materials. The forged steel blades have a strong, durable cutting edge, and the blade adjustment screw ensures high performance and a long life. The bolt cutters are fitted with ergonomic handles that are comfortable to use, even for repetitive tasks. The handles also have lanyard holes for easy tethering. These bolt cutters have a length of 609mm (24in) and a cutting capacity of 11mm for HRC 31 materials and 8mm for HRC 48 materials. Overall, the Milwaukee Hand Tools Bolt Cutters are a great addition to any toolkit.
WORKPRO Bolt Cutter, 24-Inch, Chrome Vanadium Steel Blade for Cutting Pad Locks, Soft metal,Rivets and Chain
The bolt Cutter features with strong, hardened CRV steel jaws for long-lasting blade life.
Material:
Alloy Steel
Weight:
5.89 lbs
Length Options:
24 inch
The Drop Forged Chrome Vanadium Steel and Powder Coated Jaws Bolt Cutters have quickly become a go-to tool for cutting bolts and other heavy-duty materials for line workers. The classic lever-fulcrum design and precisely aligned blades deliver added leverage with less effort, and the ergonomic bi-material anti-slip grips provide greater control and comfort while cutting. These bolt cutters have a cutting capacity of 3/8-inch (11mm maximum) for HRC≤19 materials and 5/16-inch (8mm maximum) for HRC<48 materials. They are ideal for cutting pad locks, soft metal, bolts, rods, rivets, and chain. Overall, I highly recommend these bolt cutters to any lineman looking for a reliable and durable tool.
Greenlee BC24 Standard Bolt Cutter, 24-Inch
Custom rubber grips for maximum power.
Material:
Steel
Weight:
5.8 lbs
Length Options:
14, 24, 30, 36 inches
While Greenlee bolt cutters are a bit on the expensive side, you get what you pay for when you invest in a good pair of bolt cutters. These are made in Japan and can cut through pad locks pretty easily. The bolt cutter blade did not dent or chip while cutting. It took some muscle to cut the steel "D" rings though. Tool would be easier to cut if it had longer handles for more leverage. If you're cutting 1/4" and thicker go with Greenlee's bigger cutter.
MAXPOWER Bolt Cutter 24 inch, Chrome Molybdenum Steel Blade Heavy Duty Bolt Cutter
Cutting capacity: Up to 3/8 inch (10mm) for carbon steel, 5/16 inch (8mm) for alloy steel
Material:
Carbon steel or Alloy steel
Weight:
5.54 lbs
Length Options:
12, 14, 24, 30 inches
Overall, these bolt cutters have received mostly positive reviews from line workers, with customers praising their ease of use and good quality. Some reviewers have mentioned that the tool can handle cutting bolts and other heavy-duty materials with ease, and that the comfortable grip makes it easier to use for extended periods of time. However, a few reviewers have noted that the blade can dull quickly or that the tool is not suitable for cutting very thin materials. Overall, these bolt cutters seem to be a good choice for small jobs, but may not be suitable for more demanding tasks.
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