Quick question about bolt cutters...

[zacnelson]

Would a 900mm (36 inch) long bolt cutter be able to cut 16mm rebar?

Thanks!

[journeyman Mick]

I doubt it. Even if the jaws opened wide enough (they probably don't) you'd struggle to make a dint even if you were built like Arnie. I use my mates combination cutter/benders which are close to 2M long and I have to use my entire body weight on the handle. Use a 9" grinder if it's just a few or order it all cut to length if it's a lot.

Mick

[Cementer]

No, The jaws will chew out (break) or if they're a cheap pair, the handles will bend. Thats from experience.
Neil

[zacnelson]

Lucky I asked! What about trench mesh with say 12mm thick bars... would a 900mm bolt cutter handle those?

[Claw Hama]

Mine do but they are a good brand, still takes a lot of grunt though.

[Cementer]

If they are a good quality brand, say,"record" then they will cut 12mm trench but be carefull not to twist and open the jaws up fully. Kmart quality maybe get a dozen cuts before the jaws start to chip. After that, they chip they are no use for anything.
Use a 9" grinder to be safer if possible.

[China]

If you have a large amount to cut, you can hire a rebar cutter.

[bsrlee]

There are special rebar cutters that have handles that short, but they operate on a cam system not simple leverage like bolt cutters, and they have a notch & bend function too. Cost a bit more than 'good' bolt cutters.

Strangle enough some of the Chinese made bolt cutters are quite good, and have all the necessary adjustments, unlike some models being sold as 'name' brands which are fixed, so if something wears or bends a bit, you have to chuck 'em & get a new set. The basic adjustments are eccentric bolts at the jaw pivots and 2 piece handles with take-up bolts, which can be used to adjust the gap between the jaws & out of parallel problems.

[Terrian]

Lucky I asked! What about trench mesh with say 12mm thick bars... would a 900mm bolt cutter handle those?

4" angle grinder will handle it better, we never use to cut anything more than F92 reo with the bolt cutters.

Just wondering why you would be using 12mm bar in a trench ?

[zacnelson]

Good question - my engineer has ridiculously over-specified everything, he stated 16mm Rebar for the trench reo, I was hoping to get away with trench mesh instead of rebar and therefore thought 12mm mesh would be a decent compromise (although I STILL think it's overkill)

[Terrian]

Good question - my engineer has ridiculously over-specified everything, he stated 16mm Rebar for the trench reo, I was hoping to get away with trench mesh instead of rebar and therefore thought 12mm mesh would be a decent compromise (although I STILL think it's overkill)

house foundation ?

the usual thing is 1 or 2 layers of F11 3 bar (or 4 bar, depends on the width of the trench), I think you need a second opinion of the engineer specs, but hey, thats just my opinion )