Despite requiring the highest amount of force out of all tested mini bolt cutters, this product was able to deliver clean cuts to each tested material.

Although the GreatNeck bolt cutter is our lowest-rated product, this tool is tied for second with the TEKTON and ARES bolt cutters for the least amount of force needed to cut through the tested materials. Affiliate Disclosure: This Old House’s Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. Since this product offers bolt cutters in larger sizes, its reviews cover the spectrum of its available bolt cutters, from eight- to 36-inch models. To determine the effectiveness of each mini bolt cutter, we tested the products on the required force, grip, and quality of cut. However, its cut quality saw a decrease when tested on the thinner wire, which could potentially signal a lack of blade sharpness.

However, what set this product apart from the rest was its cut cleanliness, as this model delivered polished cuts to various-sized strips of piano wire. The maximum diameter that most eight-inch mini bolt cutters can puncture is 3/16 inches, so a larger bolt cutter with more jaw capacity will be needed to cut most padlocks. Along with its easy-to-grip handle, this product features a 3/16-inch capacity for cutting wires, chain links, and small bolts.

A quality cutter will incorporate a comfortable yet practical design that minimizes effort and eases strain. Each mini bolt cutter is limited in the width of material it can cut, with the majority of models limited to wire, bolts, and rods under 3/16 of an inch. Bolt cutters are offered in a variety of sizes that cater to different needs and the material they need to cut. The bolt cutter that was able to cut through the tested materials and deliver the cleanest cut received all 5 possible points, while the second-best received a 0. This KNIPEX mini bolt cutter is built with steel jaws that are strong enough to cut any wire with a diameter of up to ¼ inches.A mini bolt cutter with a non-slip and easy-to-grip handle will make it easier to generate force and use over long periods. To help you cut through thicker materials, the mini bolt cutter comes with spring-assisted handles to increase your leverage.

Most padlocks have a diameter between 3/16 and 7/16 inches, which means a bolt cutter needs to have at least an equal jaw capacity to cut through the material. While we tested each product’s ability to cut through various-sized materials, we also paid attention to both the comfort and grip strength each mini bolt cutter’s handle provided. The amount of required force to cut material is closely tied to the effectiveness of a mini bolt cutter. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. We noted the number of times each bolt cutter slipped during testing and compared the comfort level provided by each bolt cutter’s handle.Additionally, the less force required to cut through materials, the less fatigue you’ll feel after continued use.