4 best bolt cutter for screws

Bolt cutters are a type of hand tool designed for cutting various materials, including screws, bolts, chains, wires, and other objects made of metal. They are commonly used in construction, automotive, and maintenance work. Here is what you should know about using bolt cutters for cutting screws:

Design and Function: Bolt cutters have long handles with cutting blades at the end. When you apply force by squeezing the handles together, the blades come together to cut through the material. They work on the principle of leverage, making it easier to cut through hard or thick metal objects.
Types and Sizes: Bolt cutters come in various sizes, with longer handles and larger cutting capacities for cutting thicker materials. The size of the bolt cutter you choose should depend on the diameter and hardness of the screws or bolts you intend to cut.
Safety Precautions: When using bolt cutters to cut screws or any other materials, it's essential to wear appropriate safety gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, to protect yourself from flying debris. Additionally, ensure that you have a secure grip on the handles and that there is no one in the vicinity who could be injured by the cut material.
Technique: To cut screws with bolt cutters, place the screw or bolt between the blades of the cutter at the desired location for the cut. Ensure that the screw is positioned perpendicular to the blades for a clean and efficient cut. Squeeze the handles together with firm, even pressure until the screw is cut through. It may require multiple cuts for thicker screws or bolts.
Maintenance: Like any tool, bolt cutters require regular maintenance.Keep the cutting blades clean and sharp to ensure efficient cutting. Lubricate the pivot point to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
Limitations: While bolt cutters are effective for cutting screws, bolts, and other metal objects, they may not be suitable for all materials. For extremely hard or thick screws, you may need specialized cutting tools or equipment.
Versatility: Bolt cutters are versatile tools that can be used for various cutting tasks, including cutting through padlocks, chains, wire mesh, and more. They are handy additions to any toolkit.

When using bolt cutters, it's important to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents or injury. Always ensure that the tool is in good condition and that you have the appropriate size and type of bolt cutter for the task at hand.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best bolt cutter for screws on the market

TEKTON 8" Bolt Cutter | 3386, Black

TEKTON

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Cut bolts, chain, threaded rod, and heavy gauge wire up to 3/16 in. Diameter with the TEKTON 8 in. Mini bolt and wire cutter.

Forged and Hardened alloy steel jaws
Compound cutting action requires less effort
Rolled steel handles with cushioned nonslip rubber grips
Cuts bolts, chain, threaded rod, and heavy gauge wire up to 3/16 in. Diameter

User questions & answers

Question:	would these cut through a padlock
Answer:	It of course depends on the size of the padlock and the type of steel, but I do not think the 8-inch Tekton would do the job. These are fairly small. I have a "big brother" to the 8-inch Tekton and it might not even be enough. Look at the product description; many times the recommended size/diameter of wire/steel rod that the tool can cut is listed. Sorry that I could not provide a better answer.
Question:	Would the 12" work for cutting Closetmaid shelving racks
Answer:	I have the 9" and it cuts the clothes wire hangers real easy, but I don't have the 12" although the 12" is good for cutting bolts and locks so I think it shouldn't have problem cutting wire shelf hangers.
Question:	How come the 8-inch capacity is 3/16" and the 12-inch is 5/32"? 3/16" is bigger than 5/32", correct
Answer:	If you look at the pictures the 8" has a slightly different jaw design than the rest of the line. You'd have to take some measurements but the jaw geometry is probably slightly different allowing a larger opening (if scaled down proportionally like the rest of the line, it'd only have a 1/8" opening which isn't too useful. For wires or bolts that thin you could use any other cutting tool as well, so they probably had to change things up to make an 8-inch sized cutter useful.
Question:	Does it cut a master padlock
Answer:	I tried it on a ABUS 64TI/40 Titalium Aluminum Alloy Padlock and the Nano Protect Steel Shackle and the padlock just laughed at me while putting indentations on the bolt cutter blades.

Product features

TEKTON 8-Inch Mini Bolt and Wire Cutter | 3386

Cut bolts, chains, threaded rods, and wires up to 3/16 in. wide using the TEKTON 8 in. Mini Bolt Cutter.

Mini Bolt and Wire Cutter

Cut bolts, chains, threaded rods, and wires up to 3/16-inch.

Compound Hinge

Compound cutting action and drop forged hardened alloy steel jaws deliver superior cutting power.

Comfortable Grips

Strong, high-leverage tubular steel handles won't twist or give under load. Soft rubber grips offer non-slip comfort.

Fuller Tool 315-0270 Pro 14-Inch Bolt Rod and Wire Cutter Heavy Duty 1/4-Inch Cut Capacity for cutting wires, bolts, chains, truck seals, screws and more

Based on 21 reviews Check latest price

Product description

These bolt cutters are professional grade and include an adjusting screw for setting the position of the jaws when closed. Their chrome-molybdenum steel blades cut in the center, and are suited for an array of materials which includes select medium-hard pieces of metal. To maximize cutting force and reduce effort, which helps minimize strain on muscles and joints, these bolt cutters feature a compound cutting action

From the Manufacturer

Fuller rod and bolt cutters are professional quality. Handles work with two sets of hinges and a compound cutting action for extra leverage.

Heat-treated chrome-molybdenum steel jaws for longer life
Strong tubular handles with slip-proof rubber grips
Adjustable screws for easy alignment of cutting blades
Compound cutting action provides extra cutting power
Suitable for cutting through all kinds of metals

Product features

Fuller Tool 315-0270 14" PRO Bolt and Wire Cutter Heavy Duty for cutting wire, truck seals, bolts, locks, screws, chains and more

Heat-treated chrome-molybdenum steel jaws for longer life
Strong tubular handles with slip-proof rubber grips
Compound cutting action provides extra cutting power
Suitable for cutting through all kinds of metals

A customer-centric company

At Fuller Tool our customer come first, as it has for over seven decades. That’s why each tool we produce is engineered to exacting standards of quality and durability. Why? Because Fuller tools aren’t only about helping you work smarter and faster; they’re also about helping you build the future

Tough enough for pros and trusted by homeowners

So, whether that means framing a new wall, rewiring an electrical panel, replacing a leaky faucet or simply hanging a picture, Fuller tools are purpose-built to be tough enough for pros and trusted by homeowners to always get the job done right the first time, every time

Quality you can rely on

Backed by one of the most respected guarantees in the industry, the Fuller Tool name is synonymous with quality, job-ready tools that consistently deliver the kind of results professionals expect and DIY enthusiasts appreciate – as it has for generations

WORKPRO W017004A Bolt Cutter, Bi-Material Handle with Soft Rubber Grip, 14", Chrome Molybdenum Steel Blade

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This WORKPRO bolt Cutter is featured with molybdenum steel jaws, compound cutting action requires less effort. Bi-material soft handle for comfortable cutting.

Note: cutting locks is not recommended
Drop forged chrome molybdenum steel and powder coated jaws for sure, efficient cutting and long life. Ergonomic bi-material Anti-slip grips provide greater control and comfort in cutting
Classic lever-fulcrum design and precisely aligned blades deliver added leverage with less effort
Cutting Capacity: HRC≤42: 7/32-inch(5mm Maximum)；HRC<25: 1/4-inch(6mm Maximum)
Ideal for cutting soft metal, bolts, rods, rivets and chain

User questions & answers

Question:	What size workpro bolt cutter would be right for an 8mm bolt? will the 24" cutter work? would like to hear from the seller, if possible
Answer:	Get the biggest one you can handle the small ones don't have enough leverage.
Question:	Roofing nails protruding through sheathing in garage attic. Can I use this bolt cutter to snip them off
Answer:	Bolt cutters won't work--you CAN NOT cut them off flush and it will look crummy. I had the same problem with roof nails protruding into my attic by a poor roofing job--looked like a porcupine. I cut the nails flush with 14" "hoof nippers" made by Diamond Tool and Horseshoe in Minnesota. You will need 14" inch for the leverage. They work great!--but they are kinda spendy... but will last a lifetime.
Question:	Will these cut a large(14/0) fishing hook
Answer:	It can cut the wire with diameter of 3/16-inch, could you compare with your fishing hook? If your hook is thicker than 3/16-inch, it's hard to cut.
Question:	What size would be best for cutting bike locks, say 15 per night, for months
Answer:	The best option would be a 14-in size bolt cutter. Just large enough to cut a large lock but not so heavy that you can't run fast when holding it. Great question

Product features

WORKPRO W017004A 14-Inch Bolt Cutter

Using the WORKPRO 14-inch bolt cutter to cut bolts,rods, wires, rivets and chains up to 3/16 inch wide.

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripping Tool / Wire Cutter, 8-Inch (2078309)

IRWIN

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The IRWIN VISE-GRIP Multi-Tool Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter is a must-have for anyone performing electrical work. With an induction hardened cutting edge, this single tool combines a wire stripper, wire cutter, and crimper into one tool that strips and cuts 10-22 AWG, crimps insulated and non-insulated terminals, and cuts bolts to size with a perfect lead thread. This handy tool features a pliers nose for pulling and looping wire and ProTouch grips for maximum comfort and reduced hand fatigue to keep working all day. Meets or exceeds all ANSI standards.

Wire cutter with induction hardened cutting edge stays sharp longer
Strips and cuts 10-22 AWG
Pliers style nose allows wire stripper to pull and loop in wire
Bolt cutter cuts bolts to size and leaves perfect lead thread
Crimps insulated and non-insulated terminals

User questions & answers

Question:	Anyone uses it for jewlery making? How is it? Thanks
Answer:	I've never used it for jewelry but it cuts wire very crisply and the nose has a flat crimper that would close small metal parts easily.
Question:	does it cut guitar strings ? how about bike break cable
Answer:	As a bike mechanic, I would highly recommend getting a tool specficially for cable cutting. It's a curved blade that won't fray the stands. I expect steel cables will dull this blade quickly.
Question:	How can you tell which crimp area to use? The color codes on the tool show 2 "ranges" of wire gauge, but it looks like there are 3 crimp areas
Answer:	On the left there is a label ("INSUL AND NON-INSUL") that points the center of the two places to crimp, with the one closest to the pivot color coded for blue and yellow connectors (or 16 - 10 gauge), and the next crimp area for red connectors (or 22 - 18 gauge). The bump on the right side between the two is not meant for crimping.
Question:	Where are these made
Answer:	Thank you for contacting Irwin Tools. The country of origin for this self adjusting wire stripper is Taiwan.

Product features

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Strippers

Get the job done right with IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Strippers. Featuring comfortable, textured-grip handles, and special features such as AWG selection dials, spring-assisted jaw openings, built-in crimpers, quick-release locks, and dual-metal construction (features depend on model), IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Strippers are the tools you need to get electrical and other wire-based work done faster, easier, and with less hand fatigue.

IRWIN Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

Self-adjusting stripper strips wire from 10-24 AWG.

IRWIN Multi-Tool Stripper/Crimper/Cutter

Induction hardened cutting edge stays sharp longer.

IRWIN Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter

6 stripping stations for 10-24 AWG selection adjusts for stripping wire of varying gauges.

IRWIN Wire Stripper/Cutter

10-20 AWG selection dial adjusts for stripping wire of varying gauges.

Make IRWIN Part of Your Total Worksite Solution

The IRWIN VISE-GRIP brand is legendary. Professional tradesmen have trusted the strength and durability of VISE-GRIP pliers since 1924. With proven performance in every turn, these are the tools that tradesmen choose first – and pass on to the next generation.

Anti-pinch, non-slip ProTouch Grips provide comfort, control, and less hand fatigue. VISE-GRIP offers a full line of pliers, wrenches, wire strippers, and more. IRWIN VISE-GRIP products continue to set the standard for dependability, quality, and innovation. ..today and tomorrow. Wherever there’s a need for a quality tool, IRWIN VISE-GRIP is on the job.