Bolt Cutter vs Cable Cutter: Which One Should You Buy?

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Below: how the jaws differ, the cutters from the listings ranked by stated capacity, and how to pick the right one for the job.

Bolt cutter vs cable cutter: how the jaws differ

A bolt cutter is a leverage tool. The WORKPRO listings describe a classic lever-fulcrum design with precisely aligned blades that add leverage with less effort. The WORKPRO listings describe jaws forged from chrome molybdenum steel with a powder-coated finish, while the GRENPRO listing describes a Cr-V blade with high hardness. That hardness is the point: the WORKPRO listings state cutting capacities by hardness rating, with one figure for metals rated HRC≤42 and a larger figure for softer metals rated HRC<25.

No dedicated cable cutter is listed in this set. The cable work in this set comes from bolt cutters that list cable and wire uses, so the jaw type in the listings is the bolt-cutter jaw, not a separate shearing jaw.

The listings also show where bolt and cable work overlap. The GRENPRO mini cutter lists fine bolts, wires and cables among its uses, and the WORKPRO 18-inch cutter lists wire among the stock it cuts. A bolt cutter that lists wire still cuts with bolt-cutter jaws. For repeated work, pick the cutter whose listing names the material you cut most.

Cutters from the listings, ranked

The cutters below are ordered by stated cutting capacity, largest first, with the cutter that states no capacity last. Every figure comes from that cutter’s own listing.

WORKPRO 18-inch. The biggest cutter here, forged from chrome molybdenum steel with powder-coated jaws for corrosion and rust resistance. The listing states a 1/4-inch cutting capacity for metals rated HRC≤42 and a 5/16-inch capacity for metals rated HRC<25, with a maximum opening of 8 millimeters. Its stated uses cover chain, wire, screw, rivet, nets and poles, and its TPR ergonomic handles with anti-slip soft grips aim to reduce pressure on the hands during a cut. The classic lever-fulcrum design with precisely aligned blades adds leverage with less effort.

WORKPRO 14-inch. The same drop forged chrome molybdenum steel construction in a shorter frame, with bi-material anti-slip grips for control. The listing states a 7/32-inch cutting capacity for metals rated HRC≤42 and a 1/4-inch capacity for metals rated HRC<25. One limit is stated plainly in the listing: cutting locks is not recommended, so a padlock job calls for a different approach.

GRENPRO 8-inch mini. A compact cutter for fine work: fine bolts, wires and cables, with stated uses in industrial job sites, home renovation projects, maintenance and dismantling work. The listing states a maximum opening of 0.23 inch and a maximum cutting capacity of 1/10-inch (2.3 mm). Its tri-color PP+TPR insulated handle is shaped for a non-slip soft grip, and the lever design pairs with a hardened Cr-V blade for controlled cuts.

KNIPEX CoBolt compact, 8-inch. The compact option, weighing 0.65 pounds with dimensions of 8.0 inches by 1.8 inches by 0.75 inches. The listing states no cutting capacity, so do not size a job to this cutter from this listing alone. Its frame measures 8.0 inches by 1.8 inches by 0.75 inches, the same length as the GRENPRO cutter, and the missing capacity figure is the reason it ranks last here.

How to pick the right cutter for the job

• Match capacity to the thickest stock. Compare the hardness-rated figures in the WORKPRO listings: 7/32-inch, 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch capacities, and the softer the metal the larger the figure. If the stock exceeds the stated capacity, step up a size.
• Match the jaw to the material. Hard bolts, chain, screws and rivets call for bolt-cutter jaws. The GRENPRO listing names cables among its uses. The WORKPRO 18-inch listing names wire among the stock it cuts.
• Size the tool to the space. An 8-inch cutter is the compact length here: see the tight spaces picks. Lengths here are 8-inch, 14-inch and 18-inch, so an 8-inch cutter takes less room than an 18-inch cutter. Sets help when jobs vary: see the bolt cutter set picks and the bolt cutter pliers picks for smaller stock.
• Check the grip. Bi-material, TPR and PP+TPR grips all appear in these listings, each shaped for a non-slip hold. A grip that slips under load wastes the leverage the handles provide.
• Read the stated limits. The WORKPRO 14-inch listing states that cutting locks is not recommended, and the KNIPEX listing gives no cutting capacity. Limits in the listing are part of the comparison, not fine print to skip.

FAQ: garage tools

Will bolt cutters cut steel cable?

A bolt cutter can cut cable that falls within its stated capacity. The GRENPRO listing is the cable use example here, since it names cables among its uses, while no dedicated cable cutter is listed in this set.

How do I choose bolt cutters?

Start with the thickest stock the job involves, then compare the hardness-rated capacities in the WORKPRO listings, such as 7/32-inch, 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch figures. Then compare length: the cutters here measure 8-inch, 14-inch and 18-inch, so length and capacity together decide the pick. Finish by checking the grip and any stated limits, such as the WORKPRO note that cutting locks is not recommended.

Why do bolt cutters work?

Leverage. The WORKPRO listings describe a classic lever-fulcrum design with precisely aligned blades that add leverage with less effort, and the WORKPRO 18-inch listing says the design magnifies force. Hard jaws in the WORKPRO and GRENPRO listings are chrome molybdenum steel and chrome vanadium steel.

How do bolt cutters cut metal?

The WORKPRO listings describe precisely aligned blades that close on the stock. The hardness-rated capacities in the WORKPRO listings reflect that limit: harder metals rated HRC≤42 cut at a smaller size than softer metals rated HRC<25. Staying within the stated capacity is the limit given in the WORKPRO listings.

Related: the best bolt cutter set picks, the bolt cutter pliers picks, bolt extractor vs screw extractor and the engine and shop equipment hub.