How to sharpen bolt cutters?

28th February 2020


How to sharpen bolt cutters


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		After using your bolt cutters for a while, you may notice that the blades have small dents and chips in them, which can often occur when they are used to cut through hardened steel. You can solve this problem by sharpening them.

		You will need:- A firm brush A clean cloth A vice (if you have one) A mill file or an angle grinder Oil or grease

		What is a mill file? A mill file is a tool with abrasive teeth that is designed to sharpen metal blades. For more information on mill files and how to use them, see: Mill Files

		What is an angle grinder? An angle grinder is a tool with an abrasive disc that is spun by an electric motor. For more information on angle grinders and how to use them, see: Angle grinders.

		If you are using an angle grinder to sharpen your bolt cutters, you will need to fit it with a metal grinding disc. For more information, see: Angle grinders.

		Step 1 – Check tool is clean Make sure, before you sharpen the blades of your bolt cutters, that they are free from debris and dirt. Brush the jaws, then wipe them down with a clean cloth.

		Step 2 – Open blades Open the jaws of the bolt cutters as wide as possible.

		Step 3 – Grip jaws firmly The best way to hold the tool head steady is to secure it in a vice. If you are using a file to do the sharpening, however, you could just grip the bolt cutters between your knees. When you have finished one blade, loosen the vice, turn over the jaws and reclamp to tackle the next one.

		Step 4 – File at an angle… The blades on bolt cutters, like scissors, are bevelled at the edge. That is to say, they are angled (at a degree of 20-30 degrees) to form a sharp ridge. When you file or grind your blade it is necessary to follow this angle.

		Step 5 – … but not too sharp! Do not grind or file your bolt cutter blades to a very sharp edge. They should have a rounded-off ridge, as they do not need to “slice” through material, but rather force it apart. Overly sharp edges diminish that blunt separating force and leave the blade edges vulnerable to buckling and denting.

		Step 6 – Clean up Brush and then wipe down your blades with the cloth when you have finished filing, to remove the fine metal particles which will have been created.

		Step 7 – Apply oil Finally, take the cloth again and wipe down the length of the blades with a generous coating of oil. This will help to keep them free from rust.