A bolt cutter, sometimes called bolt cropper, is a tool used for cutting bolts,

chain A chain is a serial assembly of connected pieces, called links, typically made of metal, with an overall character similar to that of a rope in that it is flexible and curved in compression but linear, rigid, and load-bearing in tension. A c ...

s, padlocks,

rebar Rebar (short for reinforcing bar), known when massed as reinforcing steel or reinforcement steel, is a steel bar used as a Tension (physics), tension device in reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry structures to strengthen and aid the concr ...

and wire mesh. It typically has long handles and short blades, with compound hinges to maximize leverage and cutting force. A typical bolt cutter yields of cutting force for a force on the handles. There are different types of cutting blades for bolt cutters, including angle cut, center cut, shear cut, and clipper cut blades. Bolt cutters are usually available in 12, 14, 18, 24, 30, 36 and 42 inches (30.5, 35.6, 46, 61, 76, 91.4 and 107 cm) in length. The length is measured from the tip of the jaw to the end of the handle. *Angle cut has the cutter head angled for easier insertion. Typical angling is 25 to 35 degrees. *Center cut has the blades equidistant from the two faces of the blade. *Shear cut has the blades inverted to each other (such as normal paper scissor blades). *Clipper cut has the blades flush against one face (for cutting against flat surfaces). Bolt cutters with fiberglass handles can be used for cutting live electrical wires and are useful during rescue operations. The fiberglass handles have another advantage of being lighter in weight than the conventional

drop forged Forging is a manufacturing process involving the shaping of metal using localized compressive forces. The blows are delivered with a hammer (often a power hammer) or a die. Forging is often classified according to the temperature at which it ...

or solid pipe handles, making it easier to carry to the place of operation.

Cultural significance

The tools became iconic at the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp, where protestors used bolt cutters to remove fencing around the RAF airbase. A Greenham banner displaying bolt cutters, together with a hanging of Greenham fence wire, was displayed at the Pine Gap Women's Peace Camp in Australia.

References

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