5 Best Bolt Cutters (2021 Review)

The Knipex CoBolts are probably the best bolt cutters because they’re small but mighty. German pliers superstars Knipex really know how to make a professional set of bolt croppers.

Everything about the CoBolt screams quality- the ergonomic handles and multi-component grips are supremely comfortable, and the oil hardened Chrome Vanadium jaws are the best you can get on bolt cutters.

What makes these the best bolt cutters around is that at just 200 mm long they could fit in a big pocket, but provide you with tons of cutting power thanks to the clever design- they’re small bolt cutters in size but massive in what they can do.

Half-way between mini bolt cutters and full-size bolt croppers, the TEKTON 3391 bolt cutters are a good example of simple but effective design. Drop forged hardened steel jaws are powered by tubular steel handles that help keep the weight down, but the compound cutting hinge amplifies the power.

The soft rubber grips are comfortable to hold and have useful loops in the bottom for attaching a cord if you need it. What makes these the best bolt cutters is that you can adjust and replace the cutting jaws when they wear out.

If you’re looking for a full-size set of heavy duty bolt cutters, the EFBC18 bolt cutters from Eclipse are the ones to pick. 45 cm of solid forged handles and a cutting force of 36 kg between the jaws makes for an impressive set of chain cutters.

Designed to cut hard materials up to 50HRC on the Rockwell Scale and weighing in at just under 2 kg, these bolt cutters punch way above their weight. Thanks to drop forged jaws and clever force multiplying technology, they make the most of every bit of power you put into the handles.

Neilsen Tools have made a serious pair of 45 cm long heavy duty bolt cutters that will make light work of steel bolts and thick cables. The heat-treated steel jaws come together nicely using high leverage and can be used as lock cutters if the steel isn’t too thick.

The handles are large and have positive hand grips that should keep the chain cutters in your hand no matter how hard you squeeze them, and the mechanism includes stoppers to protect your hands from coming together. They’re excellent budget screw cutters.

Tool company Meccion have created the Heay Duty 8″ CR-V Mini Bolt and Wire Cutter – an innovative set of mini bolt cutters that can cut a range of hardened materials up to 6 mm in diameter. These small bolt cutters pack a hefty punch with its lever fulcrum design that puts the leverage as close to the cutting blades as possible.

Small enough at just 20 cm to fit in a pocket or small toolbox, they’re handy screw cutters or chain cutters that will be there when you need them. They won’t take up much space and for the price they’re some of the best bolt cutters you can buy.