Bolt cutter

Bolt cutters

A bolt cutter, sometimes called bolt cropper, is a tool used for cutting chains, padlocks, bolts and wire mesh. The original use for bolt cutters was as the name suggests to cut bolt seals from shipping containers at the delivery point. It typically has long handles and short blades, with compound hinges to maximize leverage and cutting force. A typical bolt cutter yields 20 kilonewtons (4,500 lb_f) of cutting force for a 250 newtons (56 lb_f) 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 available usually in 12, 14, 18, 24, 30, 36 and 42 inches 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).

Many companies manufacture bolt cutters with fiberglass handles which can be used for cutting live electrical wires and are extremely useful during rescue operations. The fiberglass handles have another advantage of being lighter in weight than the conventional drop forged or solid pipe handles.

History

The bolt cutter was invented by the Swedish blacksmith Jonas Byman, from Tosåsen in Jämtland. He developed the first prototype from wood parts in 1885, but failing to realise the importance of his invention, he never applied for a patent on his invention and never received any financial compensation for his invention. Both prototypes are kept preserved in the neighbouring village of Persasen. Jonas Byman, the inventor, died in 1918.

External links

Media related to Bolt cutters at Wikimedia Commons