Best Mini Bolt Cutters
The mini bolt cutter is one of the most popular types of cutting tools used for home improvement. They are small enough to fit into your pocket or purse and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some have blades that can easily cut through sheet metal while others are designed with a serrated edge so that they will cut through many layers of wood without breaking.
There are some mini bolt cutters that have a blade made from stainless steel which makes them very effective against electrical equipment. These are generally not recommended for use on padlocks because they do not produce any sparks when cutting through the lock’s insulation.
There are several brands of mini bolt cutters available today and each brand has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of different brands:
Safest Brand – Stanley Cutlery
Stanley Cutlery is considered to be one of the safest brands in terms of quality control. Their products are manufactured under strict quality control procedures and they only sell their products through authorized dealers. They offer a lifetime warranty on all their bolts, saws, drills, jigsaws and other cutting tools.
Most Efficient Brand – Bahco
Bahco is a Swedish company that has been in business for over one hundred years and is the most respected name in cutting tools. They have a large array of mini bolt cutters available from heavy duty industrial models to small precision tools that are used by jewelers. They are known for making very durable and reliable tools.
They also offer a lifetime warranty on all their products.
Best Bang For Your Buck – Stanley Fatmax
The Stanley Fatmax line is affordable but does not sacrifice quality when it comes to functionality. They offer a wide range of tools that can be used for multiple functions. Their mini bolt cutters are durable and can withstand heavy duty work loads.
They also offer a lifetime warranty on their products.
Most Popular Brand – Kobalt
Kobalt is a very popular brand among do it yourself enthusiasts and some of their products are sold at mass merchandisers such as Home Depot. They offer an affordable price point but some of their products do not have the same quality that you get with the other brands listed above.
The Best Mini Bolt Cutters On The Market
1. The Bahco 396-LAPC Mini Bolt Cutter
The Bahco 396-LAPC is a patented cutting tool that has been designed for professionals who need to cut bolts and wires on a regular basis. It has the power necessary to easily cut through a wide range of materials including bolts, chain, wire and cable. It is made from durable chrome vanadium steel that has been forged and chrome plated for long lasting durability.
The handles are made from a lightweight material that has been ergonomically designed for added comfort.
Professional contractors who need to cut a wide variety of bolts, chain, wire and cable will find this tool to be one of the most valuable additions to their toolbox. It is great for use in many different applications from construction to plumbing.
It is ideal for cutting through multiple layers of metal and it is made out of durable materials that will last for years.
Pros:
Very affordable
Chrome plated for added durability
Lightweight and comfortable to use
Ergonomic design reduces hand strain
Can cut through bolts, chain, wire and cable
Cons:
May not be ideal for occasional use due to the heavy duty nature of the tool
2. The Bahco 396-L Mini Bolt Cutter
The Bahco 396-L is a mini bolt cutter that is very similar to the 396-LAPC as far as its design and overall functionality. It has been designed with one purpose in mind, which is to make cutting through bolts and wires easier than ever before. It is made from high quality materials and is professionally forged and engineered for longer lasting durability.
It also has a lightweight design which makes it comfortable to use for extended periods of time and it has an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand. It is one of the best tools to have in your toolbox when you need to cut through bolts or chains quickly and efficiently.
Pros:
High quality design and construction
Professional grade cutting tool
Can be used for a wide variety of applications
Lightweight and comfortable to use
Ergonomic design reduces hand strain
Cons:
More expensive than other bolt cutters on the market
3. The Estwing E3-FFP 15-Inch Fatmax Multi-Purpose Bolt Cutter
The Estring E3-FFP is a multi-purpose bolt cutter that can be used for many different applications. It can easily cut through bolts, wire and chain. It has a very durable design with a forged steel construction throughout for added strength and reliability.
The cutting jaws are very easy to line up and it cuts smoothly every time. It also has a large cushioned grip for added comfort and an easy to use lever.
Pros:
High quality forged steel construction
Can be used for multiple applications
Forged jaws are very easy to line up
Cuts through chain, wire and bolts easily
Durable and comfortable to use
Cons:
Design may be too simplistic for some users
4. The Bahco 396-LAW Bolt and Wire Cutter
The Bahco 396-LAW is a bolt cutter that has been designed specifically for job working pros. It is forged from a single piece of chrome vanadium steel that has been engineered to provide reliable long lasting durability. The handles are made from lightweight materials that have been ergonomically designed for added comfort.
This tool can easily cut through bolts, chain, wire and cable.
Pros:
Lightweight and easy to use
One of the most durable and reliable bolt cutters available
Cut through multiple layers of metal with ease
Professional grade cutting tool
Cons:
More expensive than other bolt cutters on the market
5. The Bessey BCS-510 Multi-Purpose Bolt and Wire Cutter
The Bahco Bessey BCS-510 is a multi-purpose bolt cutter that can be used for cutting through bolts, chain, wire and cable. It has a very durable design with forged steel jaws that are easy to line up for smooth and reliable cutting every time. The handles are made from lightweight materials for easy use and it has an oversized soft grip for comfort and reduced hand strain.
Sources & references used in this article:
Anti-shatter padlock shackle, and process by M Flack – US Patent 3,850,014, 1974 – Google Patents
Two-Best Price China Factory Plug Plastic Tube Injection Moulding Machine by G Bartmann, G Brackelmann – 2020 – cermam.com.br
Mini blind cutter by JL Sands, RJ Dagel, JA Elsenheimer – US Patent 5,339,716, 1994 – Google Patents
CHA High quality & Best price 2p3t slide switch, 3 position slide switch for MINI size 9.5 x3. 5×3. 5mm-KANGERLE China Tact Switch 4.5 x4. 5 Factory by L Singh, N Grover – Medical Journal, Armed Forces India, 2011 – eifmanballet.ru
Locking device for closures by BM Nelson – US Patent 4,613,175, 1986 – Google Patents