How to replace the jaws on bolt cutters?

28th February 2020


How to replace the jaws on bolt cutters





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		Bolt cutter jaws can be replaced once they have been worn down through use and repeated sharpening.

		To replace them, you need to unscrew the two sets of bolts on the neck and head of the tool and loosen any neck adjustment bolts.

		What you will need
		An open-ended spanner Screwdrivers for any retaining screws on the jaw plate (although bolts are more common) Vice

		Step 1 – Hold tool steady You may have to use considerable force to turn what may be very tight bolts, so it is sensible to clamp the handles of the bolt cutters in a vice, with the head upwards, before you start.

		Step 2 – Unscrew bolts Bolt cutters with replaceable jaws have two pairs of bolts, corresponding to the two pairs of bolt holes on replacement blades. Unscrew the bolts at the neck end first, which will detach the jaws from the tool, and then unscrew the plate which holds the blades together.

		Step 3 – Screw new jaws onto tool Attach the new jaws to your tool using the above procedure, but in reverse.

		Step 4 – Adjust jaw gap, if necessary It may well be that you need to adjust the position of the blades on your tool, once you have changed the jaws. For a step by step guide, see: How to adjust the jaws on bolt cutters