A
bolt cutter, sometimes called
bolt cropper, is a tool used for cutting
chains,
padlocks,
bolts and wire mesh. The original use for bolt cutters was, as the name suggests, to cut bolt seals from
shipping containers at the delivery point. It typically has long handles and short blades, with compound hinges to maximize
leverage and cutting force. A typical bolt cutter yields of cutting force for a force on the handles.