What size bolt cutter Do I need to cut a padlock?

What size bolt cutter to use to cut a padlock?

Compact size bolt cutters: The compact bolt cutters are smaller in size and are generally 8 inches to 14 inches long.
Medium size bolt cutter: The medium size bolt cutters are 18 inches to 24 inches long.

Similarly, it is asked, what size bolt cutters do I need to cut a Master Lock?

Most domestic keyed and master locks for home, gym, school lockers and so on are medium security with shackles of up to ¼ inch diameter. A typical 24 inch bolt cutter has a jaw capacity of 5/16 inch and this should suffice for a standard padlock. To be on the safe side, consider the 24-36 inch range of bolt cutters.

Likewise, what's the best tool for cutting off a padlock? Bolt cutters are one of the most effective and popular ways to cut through a lock. Essentially, bolt cutters are just a bit pair of scissors that are equipped with a fulcrum joint which allows them to transfer much more power to the blades, allowing you to cut through thick metals.

Also to know is, how do you cut a padlock with bolt cutters?

Hold the bolt cutters in a comfortable position near your waist. Pull the handles apart so the blades open. Place the bolt cutters on one side of the shackle close to the body of the lock. If the lock isn't attached to anything, secure it in locking pliers or a vise so it doesn't move around when you try cutting it.

How do you cut a padlock off?

How to Cut Through a Padlock

Buy a bolt cutter from a hardware store, or borrow one.
Grab the padlock and face the front of the padlock toward you.
Position the bolt cutter on the right side of the U-shaped lock on the padlock (it's the left side of the lock that rotates).

27 Related Question Answers Found

Can bolt cutters cut through hardened steel?

The short answer is yes, you can get cut-resistant chain. It's hardened throughout its thickness, and its flat face distributes the force of the bolt cutter's jaw over a wide area, thereby diffusing it. There are also industrial high-strength welded steel chains that are through-hardened.

How thick can bolt cutters cut?

A $20 bolt cutter is plenty powerful enough to cut easily through chains, cables and padlocks up to 3/8 in. thick. It took five seconds with a common 24-in.

Can you cut a master lock with bolt cutters?

Try bolt cutters.

You can use this tool on the shackle or on an attached cable. If you want to try to cut open the lock itself, cut the shackle. This will not work on most master locks, as they are made of case hardened steel.

What is the hardest padlock to cut?

Abloy PL 362 Shrouded Hardened Steel Padlock

It is one of the toughest padlock to cut or drill since it is resistant to all of that along with its hardened boron steel shackle. It is also shrouded with a hardened steel body. It is one of the biggest padlocks in the world as well as one of Abloy's largest.

Can bolt cutters cut handcuffs?

Bolt cutters can safely and quickly cut through steel using a large amount of force generated by the tool's two arms that is concentrated on the cutter's sharp blades. The person who is handcuffed cannot use this tool on themselves, but the bolt cutter can safely be used to remove the wrist cuffs.

Can bolt cutters cut 3/8 chain?

The 3/8" chain size should be impossible to cut with all bolt cutters of common sizes no matter what the conditions. Hacksaws can cut this chain, but it requires the chain to be in a vise, and you to have a lot of patience.

Is it illegal to own bolt cutters?

It is illegal to own bolt cutters but they sell them in all the local hardware stores.

What will bolt cutters cut?

Typically, bolt cutters are used for cutting heavy types of metals that mere shears can't touch — bolts, wire, chain links, padlocks, and more. When you have a heavy duty cutting job that entails slicing through formidable metals, bolt cutters are your answer.

How do you open a lock without a key?

You simply need a straight, stiff tool to unlock it—try a straightened paperclip or a small screwdriver. Some people swear by the Spam Key. (Though why anyone still has one of those lying around is beyond me.) In some cases, the lock will require you insert a tool and twist.

How big of bolt cutters do I need?

Compact size: 300mm (12″) and 350mm (14″) bolt cutters. Bolt cutters of a compact size can normally deal with soft and medium hard materials; (we're talking values such as Brinell 300/Rockwell C31). When cutting materials such as threaded rod and wire, the maximum you should play around with is 6mm (1/4″) in diameter.

How do you drill out a padlock?

Attach a 1/4-inch (6.5mm) or larger drill bit to your drill, and go through the lock again with the larger bit to break up the pins more and open the lock. Insert the blade of a flat-headed screwdriver into the lock head. Turn the locking mechanism in the same direction as you would with a key.

Will a Sawzall cut through a lock?

A reciprocating saw has a tough blade a bit like a jigsaw, and can be used to cut through the bolts on a lock. Using an angle grinder also creates a lot of noise, so only consider using this tool if the lock proves impossible to break with either a bolt cutter or a reciprocating saw.

How do you break a big lock?

Bumping a Padlock with a Hammer. Pull up on the shackle to create tension. The simplest way to do this is to insert two fingers into the shackle loop and use them to force the shackle away from the top of the lock. This will put the locking pins inside the lock into the right position for a quick crack-job.

How do you cut a shielded padlock?

Shielded padlocks cannot be cut with conventional methods.

Drill a pilot hole into the center of the keyhole slot on the bottom of padlock with a 1/8-inch drill bit.
Cut through the lock's tumblers.
Look inside the cylinder for a slot running across the top of the width of the keyhole.
Open the lock.