Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Power Tools). This thread is read-only.
Hello and thanks for any help.
Is there such a tool that can cut through hardened metal rods and bars like the stuff found in locks?
Do you think a rebar cutter can cut through hardenend metal?
I was thinking that probably hydraulic cutters are most likely, because I can’t seem to find a power tool that does it.
THANKS!
I’ve owned these for a year or so: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-18-Volt-ONE-Cordless-Bolt-Cutters-Tool-Only-P592/301913879
Unfortunately, I can’t attest to their utility, as I haven’t had a chance to test them out yet. I did, however, take them to a soon-to-be-sold house to cut up some copper rod for scrapping, and can try them on hardened steel next week.
Thanks for the link. I like the look of that tbh! it’s nice. 3/8 inch isnt bad altho id prefer a bigger cut potential. cant complain tho, a decent price too i think. I look forward to see what happens about them cutting hardened steel.
Hello,
If you want a tool that can cut through a powerful metal or rebar, then you should surely go for Rebar cutter. You can even go for hydraulic rebar cutter or portable rebar cutter.
I think these tools can help you a lot!
I’m not sure how well a rebar cutter would work on a case hardened lock. I still haven’t tried the Ryobi bolt cutter on one, but I can attest that regular bolt cutters get chewed up pretty quick cutting locks. Seven years ago I was tasked with ensuring the success of a new tactical equipment install. We had a Light Infantry brigade’s worth of vehicles, which are usually secured with Series 5200 locks (this is the basic low security lock, also used in arms rooms, but it is substantially more secure than the average Master Lock). I had to use bolt cutters almost daily for a few weeks, as drivers would park their HMMWVs or other vehicles and lock them up for some reason, despite knowing the trucks had to be pulled into the maintenance bay. I broke at least three pairs, from decent enough Kobalts to cheap Harbor Freight ones, and damaged the jaws on the others I used. I even drill out one lock, which took far too long (this was before I had higher performing drills and batteries).
Way back when, I ran rebar for a footing company. We had a manual cutter which worked pretty well, but we still had to touch up or replace the jaws fairly often. We usually ran #4 rebar, which was easy to bend for steps or bends in the footer, so I can’t imagine that cutter holding up to hardened steels.