How To Adjust A Bolt Cutter? Everything You Need To Know

What is a bolt cutter?

photo: amazon

A bolt cutter is also often referred to as a Bolt cropper. These hand-held, heavy-duty cutting tools can quickly cut through solid metal items such as chains, bolts, rods, and padlocks. Typically, they include short blades and long handles.

Parts of bolt cutters 

Jaws

The handles forge the jaws, which compose the head of a bolt cutter, differently. The neck is where the blades are attached to the handles. They are secured in place by two bolts, as with a pair of scissors joined by a single bolt; the diagonally opposing blades and handle of the compact bolt cutter are forged into a single piece.

Blades

The blades perform the actual cutting function. Very durable and available in several configurations (such as Central cut, shear cut, etc.), they are suited for various applications.

Joints

Most bolt cutters include several joints contributing to the instrument's strength by multiplying the force applied to the handles.

Adjustment Bolts

Most bolt cutters, except the compact variety with a fixed head, include one or two adjustment bolts on the neck that may change the blade's angle. Unlike tools with two bolts, both blades are adjustable. In addition, the jaw plates' bolts may be rotated to change the distance between the edges.

Handles

Handles for bolt cutters vary in both length and construction material. This significantly affects their weight and functionality. Longer lengths are ideal for cutting materials that are down low/up, out of reach, or need a great deal of power, while shorter distances are lightweight and helpful in handling items that are readily accessible.

Handle Stops

Most long-handled bolt cutters often have a pair of metal stops around the neck or a short distance down the handles. This prevents the handles and blades from coming too close together after a cut and colliding.

Handle Grip 

Most long-handled bolt cutters include rubber grips at the end of the handles for added comfort and control.

Types of bolt cutters 

• End Cut Bolt Cutters

• Ratchet Bolt Cutters

• Centre Cut Bolt Cutters

• Clipper Cut Bolt Cutters

• Angled Bolt Cutters

• Shear Cut Bolt Cutters

• Compact Bolt Cutters

• Manual Bolt Cutter

• Hydraulic Bolt Cutter

How to adjust a bolt cutter

photo: amazon

Adjusting the bolt cutter is a significant part of using this tool. Follow our step-by-step guide to change it: 

Step 1: Position the bolt cutter

On the head of every bolt cutter is a bolt known as an eccentric bolt. Often, it is the middle bolt close to where the handles connect. This bolt must be adjusted to give the necessary tension for the cutters. Turn the edge on its side. This will enable the eccentric hexagonal bolt to face upward.

Step 2: Loosen the eccentricity bolt

Using a crescent wrench, turn the bolt counterclockwise to loosen it. It is recommended that the bolts not be entirely removed. Ensure that the bolt is sufficiently slack to separate the two sides of the cutter. Be careful not to overstretch the bolts while handling them; otherwise, the threads of the bolts get damaged. Work cautiously with bolts to prevent frustration.

Step 3: Adjust the bolt cutter

When the two halves have been sufficiently loosened, position the paper between them. Start turning the bolt clockwise until the cutters can press the form. After adjusting the bolt cutter, test it on the material that has to be cut. If the bolt cutter requires further adjustment, repeat the instructions listed above. If the bolts are blocked with filth and grease, use grease remover to clean them. This will not only aid in the adjusting process but also make it simpler.

Step 4: Polish the bolt cutter blades

When the metal blades of bolt cutters are not honed, they work poorly. Instead of changing these blades, use a damp stone to sharpen them by rubbing in the blade's angle to ensure they are properly sharpened. Use gloves when doing this task to prevent injury.

Tips and advies 

photo: amazon 

While the cutters of the bolt cutter may be exceedingly sharp, be careful not to damage yourself during this process. Adjusting the tools requires cautious handling.

Additionally, ensure that the bolt cutter has been appropriately calibrated before cutting since making adjustments during the cutting process may be annoying. If the bolts are difficult to remove, apply oil or grease to loosen them.

Gloves are suggested to prevent contact with grime and grease that may get entangled in the bolts and to guarantee a secure grasp on the wrench.

Work on a firm work table to guarantee adequate control over your work, wear a facemask when using the spray-able grease cleaning, and keep the can 15 inches from the bolts to ensure correct application.

FAQs 

What safety problems do bolt cutters present?

Always keep your hands, feet, and other body parts clear. There is a risk of metal fragments being ejected at high speeds. This might result in severe harm or even death for the operator or bystanders. Always keep spectators, hands, feet, and other body parts away from the cutting area.

How is the length of a bolt cutter determined?

Typically, bolt cutters are available in lengths of 12, 14, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 42 inches (30.5, 35.6, 46, 61, 76, 91.4, and 107 cm). The length is measured from the end of the jaw to the end of the handle. Angle cut uses an angled cutter head to facilitate insertion.

What safety precautions exist for cutters?

While using cutters, use safety glasses or goggles, a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles), and protective gloves. Choose the appropriate blade for the project. Cutters are tailored for a specific material type, hardness, and size.

How ought a cutter maneuver?

A cutter is a variation of the fastball meant to travel away from the arm side of the pitcher as it hits the home plate. Several Major League pitchers use cutters as one of their main pitches. Nevertheless, cutters are only utilized by some pitchers in the league.

Final thought 

Bolt cutters are used to cut through more resilient materials. To use them, you must adjust the jaws of the cutter based on the thickness of the thing you want to cut. Next, apply equal pressure with both hands around the cutter's pivot point. Follow our advice to properly adjust your bolt cutter to make your work easier. Thanks for reading!