Bolt cutters are a handy tool to have around, whether you're a homeowner or a professional tradesman. But before you start using them, it's important to understand how they work and the different types that are available.
For most people, the easiest way to use bolt cutters is to position the jaws of the cutter on either side of the bolt head, with the cutting teeth facing inwards. Then, simply squeeze the handles together until the teeth bite into the metal and break through.
If you're trying to cut through a particularly thick piece of metal, however, you may need to use a little more force. In this case, it can be helpful to stand on one handle of the cutter while you pull down on the other. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to break through tough materials.
There are also times when it's necessary to cut bolts from an angle rather than straight on. This might be because there isn't enough space to position the cutter jaws directly over the bolt head or because you're trying to avoid damaging surrounding surfaces. To make angled cuts, simply adjust the jaws of your cutter accordingly before squeezing the handles together.
No matter what type of bolt cutters you're using - hand-operated or power-assisted - always take care not to damage any nearby surfaces with the cutting blade. And when you're finished using them, be sure to store your bolt cutters in a safe place where they can't do any accidental damage.