Bolt Cutters

Bolt cutters, also known as bolt croppers, are used for cutting heavy-duty materials, including bolts, chains, padlocks, and wire ropes. Stronger than wire cutters, they can also cut through thick metal piping and reinforced chains, such as those found on padlocks and wire fencing.

Available in a range of sizes depending on the scale of material to cut, larger cutters offer greater lever length for the user, requiring less force on tougher materials. Meanwhile, the metal construction offers a strong and reliable tool often paired with rubber-coated tubular handles for added comfort and grip.

At RS Hong Kong, you can buy bolt cutters in a wide range of sizes, from 80.1mm to 1065mm in overall length, and with cutting capacities from 4mm to 18mm. Also, our selection includes leading brands, such as Knipex, Facom, and our very own RS PRO, among others.

How Bolt Cutters Work

Bolt cutters operate on the principle of leverage. These tools are designed with long handles that multiply the force you apply, allowing you to exert a small amount of effort and generate a much larger, concentrated cutting force at the jaws.

Unlike scissors that slice, a bolt cutter works by crushing and shearing the material between its jaws. This crushing action, combined with the immense force, enables a steel bolt cutter or a heavy-duty bolt cropper to easily cut through hard materials.

Benefits of Using Bolt Cutters

Bolt cutters offer a range of key benefits for both professionals and DIY users, making them an essential tool for demanding cutting tasks.

• Strong Cutting Force: These tools are suited for cutting heavy-duty metals. Their long handles provide the leverage needed to multiply your force at the jaws, allowing a small, large, or heavy-duty bolt cropper to easily sever thick materials like chains and bolts with minimal effort.
• Portability: Unlike larger, less mobile cutting equipment, bolt cutters are portable, allowing you to bring the tool directly to the job site.
• Versatility: A bolt cutter is a versatile tool for professionals in many trades. For DIY users, a small bolt cropper or wire bolt cutter is a simple and effective solution for projects around the home, saving you from a variety of tough jobs.

Types of Bolt Cutters

Choosing the suitable bolt cropper is based on the material you need to cut for your project.

Small Bolt Cutters

Small bolt croppers are ideal for precision work. Their lightweight and portable design makes them perfect for cutting thin chains, wires, and soft bolts where brute force isn't needed.

Medium-Sized Bolt Cutters

More powerful than their smaller counterparts, medium-sized bolt cutters feature longer handles for additional leverage. This makes them suitable for cutting through tougher metals like large bolts or padlocks.

Big Bolt Cutters

For the most demanding jobs, you'll need a large bolt cropper. These heavy-duty bolt croppers feature extended handles to deliver maximum cutting power to cut through thick steel chains, steel rods, and copper cables.

Applications of Bolt Cutters

Bolt cutters are versatile cutting tools used by many professionals for a wide array of demanding jobs.

Construction

In construction, bolt cutters are essential for cutting through metal rods, rebar, and wire mesh. On the other hand, a heavy-duty bolt cropper can efficiently cut concrete form ties and a variety of locks and chains.

Metalworking

A steel bolt cutter is invaluable for cutting hardened materials. It is routinely used to cut steel bars and bolts to a specific size, ensuring a flush end for fabrication.

Electrical Work

An ideal solution for electrical work, bolt cutters are used to quickly cut through thick cables and wires. Meanwhile, a wire bolt cutter can handle both thick cable and fencing applications.

Automotive Maintenance

Mechanics use bolt croppers to cut through thick, stubborn cables and to quickly remove corroded or damaged bolts, saving significant time during repairs.

How to Choose the Right Bolt Cutter

To make the best choice before buying bolt cutters from RS Hong Kong, consider these factors for your specific work:

• Material and Capacity: First, assess the material you'll cut. This is because the tool's cutting capacity must exceed the thickness of your target material to ensure a clean cut. For thicker, tougher materials like steel bolts or chains, a heavy-duty bolt cropper or alloy steel bolt cutter is essential.
• Handle Length and Portability: The length of your bolt croppers directly impacts leverage. While longer handles provide more cutting force for a large bolt cropper, a small bolt cropper is more portable and better for tight spaces. Therefore, choose a balance that suits your needs and application.
• Intended Use: For a dedicated task like cutting padlocks, you may require a specialised bolt cutter for padlocks. For general-purpose jobs like cutting fencing, a versatile wire bolt cutter is a perfect solution.

Why Choose RS Hong Kong for Bolt Cutters

When you need reliable bolt cutters, trust RS Hong Kong. We are a leading supplier offering an extensive range of durable bolt croppers and other models from trusted brands like SAM, Stanley, and RS PRO.

Sourcing your tool from us is simple. You can easily find the right bolt cutter for your application online, add it to your basket, and proceed to a secure checkout for swift delivery across Hong Kong.

We ensure your bolt cutters and other tools, such as pliers and pipe cutters, arrive quickly with our delivery services. For more information about our delivery options and fees, please refer to our Delivery page.