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Abolt cutter, sometimes calledbolt cropper, is a tool used for cuttingbolts,chains,padlocks,rebar and wire mesh. It typically has long handles and short blades, with compound hinges to maximizeleverage and cutting force. A typical bolt cutter yields 20 kilonewtons (4,500 lbf) of cutting force for a 250 newtons (56 lbf) force on the handles.
There are different types of cutting blades for bolt cutters, including angle cut, center cut, shear cut, and clipper cut blades. Bolt cutters are usually available in 12, 14, 18, 24, 30, 36 and 42 inches (30.5, 35.6, 46, 61, 76, 91.4 and 107 cm) in length. The length is measured from the tip of the jaw to the end of the handle.
Bolt cutters withfiberglass handles can be used for cutting live electrical wires and are useful during rescue operations. The fiberglass handles have another advantage of being lighter in weight than the conventionaldrop forged or solid pipe handles, making it easier to carry to the place of operation.
The tools became iconic at theGreenham Common Women's Peace Camp, where protestors used bolt cutters to remove fencing around theRAF airbase. A Greenham banner displaying bolt cutters, together with a hanging of Greenham fence wire, was displayed at thePine Gap Women's Peace Camp in Australia.[1]
Media related toBolt cutters at Wikimedia Commons