How thick can a bolt cutter cut?

It depends on handle length and material: about 6 mm in mild steel with a 450 mm cutter, around 12 mm with a 900 mm one. Capacity drops in hardened material.

Which cutter for rebar?

Ribbed bar is harder than mild steel, so choose a model rated one size above the diameter you need to cut.

Can the jaws be adjusted?

On most models an adjusting bolt sets jaw clearance. As clearance grows the cut deteriorates and the edges notch, so it needs periodic checking.

Can I cut hardened bolts?

Only if the capacity states a hardness class covering them. Otherwise the jaws notch and the tool is ruined.

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Bolt & Wire Cutters

A bolt cutter concentrates the leverage of long handles into short, hard jaws to cut bar, bolts and wire. Capacity is quoted with both a diameter and a material hardness — reading the diameter alone is misleading.

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Handle length and capacity

Longer handles cut thicker sections with the same hand force: a 450 mm cutter takes about 6 mm in mild steel, a 900 mm model around 12 mm. In hardened material those figures drop markedly.

For rebar, the ribbed bar is harder than mild steel, and since capacity is usually quoted in mild steel it is worth stepping up a size.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick can a bolt cutter cut?
It depends on handle length and material: about 6 mm in mild steel with a 450 mm cutter, around 12 mm with a 900 mm one. Capacity drops in hardened material.
Which cutter for rebar?
Ribbed bar is harder than mild steel, so choose a model rated one size above the diameter you need to cut.
Can the jaws be adjusted?
On most models an adjusting bolt sets jaw clearance. As clearance grows the cut deteriorates and the edges notch, so it needs periodic checking.
Can I cut hardened bolts?
Only if the capacity states a hardness class covering them. Otherwise the jaws notch and the tool is ruined.