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10 Best Bolt Cutters 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Klein Tools 63324 Bolt Cutter, Steel Handle, 24-Inch

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,257
Size
Cutting Capacity
Blade Material

Most important from
144 reviews

Size
Offers a solid balance of leverage and portability, suitable for medium-duty cutting jobs.
Cutting Capacity
Cuts through locks and metals effortlessly, making it a dependable tool to keep on hand.
Blade Material
Forged alloy steel jaws ensure clean, efficient cuts and long-lasting durability.
Handle Material and Design
Ergonomic handles with vinyl grips provide comfort and better control during use.

The Klein Tools 63324 is a 24-inch bolt cutter designed for professional use, making it a solid choice if you need a reliable tool for cutting through various metals. Its size offers a good balance between leverage and portability, suitable for medium-duty tasks. The cutting jaws are made from forged alloy steel, which is precision-ground to ensure efficient, clean cuts and long-lasting durability. It can handle a range of materials, including soft, medium, and some hard metals, with cutting capacities rated up to Brinell 400 (for harder metals), meaning it should work well for most typical cutting jobs you might encounter.

The handles are made from steel with heavy vinyl grips, providing a comfortable hold and extra control. Plus, the grips have flat ends that help with 90-degree cuts, which can be handy in some situations. A lockplate reinforcement keeps the jaws aligned and prevents bolts from loosening over time, which adds to the tool's reliability.

This bolt cutter does not include adjustability features, which means if you need to fine-tune the cutting jaw gap, you might find it less flexible than some other models. Additionally, its weight of 6.2 pounds is manageable but could feel a bit heavy for very prolonged use or for users looking for a lightweight option. The Klein Tools 63324 is a durable, well-built tool suitable for professionals or serious DIYers needing a dependable cutter for a variety of metals. Its strong blades and ergonomic handles make cutting efficient and easier, though it lacks adjustable jaw settings that some might find useful.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,257
Size
Cutting Capacity
Blade Material

Most important from
144 reviews

Size
Offers a solid balance of leverage and portability, suitable for medium-duty cutting jobs.
Cutting Capacity
Cuts through locks and metals effortlessly, making it a dependable tool to keep on hand.
Blade Material
Forged alloy steel jaws ensure clean, efficient cuts and long-lasting durability.
Handle Material and Design
Ergonomic handles with vinyl grips provide comfort and better control during use.
#2

WORKPRO W017006A Bolt Cutter, Bi-Material Handle with Soft Rubber Grip, 24", Chrome Molybdenum Steel Blade

The WORKPRO W017006A is a 24-inch bolt cutter designed to handle a range of soft metals, bolts, rods, rivets, and chains. Its cutting capacity allows it to cut bolts up to 8mm thick if they are harder (HRC ≤42) or slightly thicker, up to 10mm, if the material is softer (HRC <25). This makes it suitable for most household and light industrial tasks but might not be enough for very thick or hardened bolts. The blades are made from chrome molybdenum steel, a strong material that promises durability and effective cutting, while the powder coating helps protect the jaws from rust and wear. Its classic lever-fulcrum design provides good mechanical advantage, letting you cut with less effort, which is helpful if you’re using it frequently or on tougher materials.

The handles stand out because of their bi-material grip with a soft rubber coating, giving a comfortable, slip-resistant hold that reduces hand fatigue. Weighing about 5.3 pounds, it’s a good balance between sturdiness and portability – not too heavy for most users but solid enough for stable use. Some users might find the 24-inch length a bit bulky for very tight spaces, and the cutting limit means it may not replace larger industrial cutters, but for general purpose use, it performs reliably. If you need a dependable bolt cutter for everyday tasks, this model offers strong materials, comfort, and effective cutting power at a reasonable size.

#3

Ryobi 18-Volt One+ Cordless Bolt Cutters (Tool Only)

Rating
7.9
Size
Cutting Capacity

Most important from
207 reviews

Size
A compact and reasonably priced tool that is easy to handle and operate.
Cutting Capacity
Cuts through bolts and locks smoothly, making tough jobs significantly easier.

The Ryobi 18-Volt One+ Cordless Bolt Cutters are designed for users who need a portable and battery-powered tool to cut through materials like chains, locks, bolts, fencing, and wire shelving up to about 3/8 inch thick. This cordless feature is convenient for working in places without easy access to power outlets. The jaws are made from hot-forged steel with a hardened steel mechanism, providing good durability and cutting strength for common tasks.

It works with any Ryobi 18V battery, but the battery and charger are not included, so you'll need to have those separately or buy them as a set. The handles are made from plastic or composite, which may feel lighter but might lack the robust grip or comfort found in some heavier-duty bolt cutters with rubberized handles. The product dimensions make it relatively compact and easy to handle, though there are no adjustable handles or blade settings, which may limit versatility for different cutting angles or sizes.

This tool is suitable for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, or light-to-medium users who want a cordless option for occasional cutting jobs rather than heavy industrial use. It is less ideal if you need to cut thicker or tougher materials regularly or require more customizable cutting features.

Rating
7.9
Size
Cutting Capacity

Most important from
207 reviews

Size
A compact and reasonably priced tool that is easy to handle and operate.
Cutting Capacity
Cuts through bolts and locks smoothly, making tough jobs significantly easier.

Buying Guide for the Best Bolt Cutters

Choosing the right bolt cutters can make a significant difference in the ease and efficiency of your work. Bolt cutters are essential tools for cutting through heavy materials like chains, padlocks, and wire mesh. When selecting bolt cutters, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and choose a tool that will perform well for your specific tasks.
SizeThe size of bolt cutters is measured by the length of the handles, typically ranging from 8 inches to 42 inches. This spec is important because it affects the leverage and cutting capacity of the tool. Smaller bolt cutters (8-14 inches) are more portable and suitable for lighter tasks like cutting small bolts or wires. Medium-sized bolt cutters (18-24 inches) offer a balance between portability and cutting power, making them versatile for various tasks. Larger bolt cutters (30-42 inches) provide maximum leverage and are ideal for heavy-duty cutting, such as thick chains or padlocks. Choose the size based on the type of materials you will be cutting and the level of portability you need.
Cutting CapacityCutting capacity refers to the maximum diameter of the material that the bolt cutters can cut through. This spec is crucial because it determines the tool's ability to handle different thicknesses of materials. Cutting capacities are usually listed in millimeters or inches. For light-duty tasks, a cutting capacity of up to 5mm (0.2 inches) is sufficient. For medium-duty tasks, look for a cutting capacity of 5-10mm (0.2-0.4 inches). For heavy-duty tasks, a cutting capacity of over 10mm (0.4 inches) is necessary. Assess the thickness of the materials you will be working with to choose the appropriate cutting capacity.
Blade MaterialThe material of the blades affects the durability and cutting performance of the bolt cutters. Common blade materials include hardened steel, chrome vanadium steel, and tungsten carbide. Hardened steel blades are durable and suitable for general use. Chrome vanadium steel blades offer enhanced strength and resistance to wear, making them ideal for frequent use. Tungsten carbide blades are extremely hard and can cut through the toughest materials, but they are also more expensive. Consider the frequency and intensity of your cutting tasks to select the right blade material.
Handle Material and DesignThe material and design of the handles impact the comfort and ease of use of the bolt cutters. Handles are typically made from steel, aluminum, or fiberglass and may have rubber or plastic grips for added comfort. Steel handles are strong and durable but can be heavy. Aluminum handles are lighter and easier to maneuver but may not be as strong as steel. Fiberglass handles offer a good balance of strength and weight. Ergonomic handle designs with cushioned grips can reduce hand fatigue and improve control. Choose handles that feel comfortable and provide a good grip, especially if you will be using the tool for extended periods.
AdjustabilitySome bolt cutters come with adjustable jaws, allowing you to change the cutting angle and optimize the tool for different materials. This spec is important for versatility and precision. Adjustable bolt cutters can be fine-tuned to provide the best cutting performance for various tasks. If you need a tool that can handle a wide range of materials and cutting angles, look for bolt cutters with adjustable jaws. This feature is particularly useful for professionals who require flexibility in their work.

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