Bolt Cutters

I've just been to 2 hardware stores to have a look at bolt cutters: price range from $56 to $286 (no typo).

We need it for cutting down an old wire and batten fence which is beyond repair.

I found the bigger models hard to move (would be good exercise for biceps) and am not sure whether the smaller models would do the job.

The smaller models state: 'for aluminium, copper and unreinforced steel up to 8mm thick' (I hope I got the right word).

Would the smaller model do the job (quite a bit of fence there which needs to be cut into 2m bits of wire as there are 'home made lightning droppers firmly wrapped around the wire)? Some barbed wire is there, too.

I'd go for the lighter weight cutters if all you are intending to cut is fencing wire. It may be worthwhile to also buy fencing pliers to pull the staples out of the posts unless you already have them.
Would it make sense to cut the wire droppers rather than the line wires? Then it would be possible to roll up the line wires for reuse unless they are excessively rusty.

Thanks, Igor. The wires are excessively rusty and threaded through waratahs and some repairs had been made with battens, some with wire - it's a mess.

We'll take the wire fragments to a metal recycling place - that's about the best we can do.

I have a small pair of bolt cutters and they work fine on wire.

Bunnings have in the tool section, bahco wire cutters($65). They are a mini version of bolt cutters that fit nicely in your hand. The fencer that took our course uses the knipex version($120). They are great and easy on your hands. Will try and find a pic of them.

here they are

Attached files [IMG]http://app.lifestyleblock.co.nz/images/converted_files/439249=11278-bahco wire cutter.jpg[/img]

Simkin: Do you already have a pair of Ezepulls?

www.strainrite.co.nz/Products/494-ezepul...n1-fencing-tool.aspx

They have a cutter built in, but their real claim to fame is how easily they pull old staples out of battens and posts. If you want to clean up the battens or posts ready for re-stringing with new wire, they really are the Bees Knees. I have tried all sorts of Fencing Pliers and the Ezepulls leave them for dead.

As you will notice from the web page above, they also do crimps, which are such a quick and easy way to repair broken wires, or retension them. Ezepulls are usually priced between $160 and $200 but having owned a pair, I would never be without them so long as I have fences to look after.

Hi Simkin

I have a hmm coupla bolt cutters you can borrow if you like, I have a small set and a bigger set,

So unless you really want a pair in the tool room feel free to borrow mine

Many thanks - this gives a good idea. We'll probably go for a small bolt cutter then. We've got a wire cutter but as it is operated with one hand it's only good for a few cuts here and there for someone like us (none of us is 'well muscled').

Thank you, Griev, for your kind offer, but we'll buy one as these are handy to have.

We might look into that Ezepull tool - might make a lovely Christmas pressy

I've ruined lots of fencing pliers by cutting wire with them, but have only gone through 1 set of bolt cutters. The first ones I inherited and they lasted about 10 years more, and lots of fences. The second set are about 10 years old and still going well.
Bolt cutters are almost essential when getting an animal out of a fence. If the fence is electrified then having insulated handles is even better. Fencing pliers burr over and blunten very quickly.