How to cut a bolt

Cutting a bolt to the correct length can be difficult as the thread is often damaged. This video shows how to cut a bolt and use the nut to repair the thread, it also shows how to cut smaller diameter bolts using electrical crimping pliers.

[@uktony1525]

Nice video on workshop practice. I never thought that the lessons I received when I was aged 11 such as the correct way to use a file, how to hacksaw, cutting threads with a tap and die etc would be so very useful in 50 years time. The lack of technical teaching in schools is a crime as the lessons on metal work, woodworking etc have been more use to me in later life than any amount of poetry etc that was also taught and remains in lessons today. No wonder we have generations of men who cannot even change a fuse !.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely. Thanks for the comment

[@davidwillard7334]

Your Perants ! Are ! Responsible ! For !! That !! No !! One !! ELSE !!

[@BigStew007]

That trick with the crimping pliers is a superb tip. Thanks.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad you found it useful ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@stever5887]

As I watched you cut the bolt with a hacksaw, I was reminded of another video that indicated we should use a small amount of oil on the bolt and saw blade to lesson friction and wear on the hacksaw blade. This is important because the oil reduces friction and cools both the bolt and the blade. We know enough to put oil on the tap before beginning the threading process, but you should also have put some on the drill bit that you drilled the hole with, then a few drops down into that hole before you begin tapping it. Any time you have metal-on-metal contact, a small amount of oil or cutting grease should be added before starting to lessen the amount of frictional wear on the tool. You wouldn't knowingly start an engine without making sure there was oil in the in the crankcase, owing to the amount of wear that would occur because it was run dry. A hacksaw blade becomes dull not so much from the act of cutting, but because it is operated in a dry state.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@tc9841]

WOW! I thought those electrical anti-wire-stripping pliers were only for making electrical jobs more difficult. I've discovered they're actually worth a SH*& for something now! Thank you very much!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@davidwillard7334]

Metal ! Shreadder !! Now !!

[@tonihannan]

Thganks for this. I just bought some handles for some home made cabinets and the bolts were too log. I was going to buy some new ones or pack it out with washers/ wood but the handy hint regarding the electrical crimpers was a god send. Always wobederd what those holes were for... brilliant thank you... Just saved me heaps of time and a bit of money. thanks!

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the video helped ;-) Thanks for the comment 👍

[@eskileriksson4457]

The cutting gets easier if you use two nuts. Lock the nuts together by the cut, and use the outer one as support for your hacksaw-blade.

[@alpachino468]

Genius!!!

[@SinisterC6]

You are extremely talented, that you for making all of these videos for us to learn from

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@MakingTheCut97]

I normally add a drop of 3 in 1 oil or wd40 on the hacksaw blade when I cut bolts, it just makes the blade screech less and makes it easier to cut. Never knew you could cut bolts with crimpers though!

[@SammyInnit]

It's easier to file at 45deg against the radius of the end of the bolt rather than flat against the cut end. That will remove burrs and give a factory finished tapered end with a clean thread. Easier to get nuts on and less chance of cross threading.

[@SammyInnit]

Badger0fDeath I'm not sure what you find confusing about it. Lie the rod flat on the bench with the end you want to file over the edge then file down across the the rod at 45.

[@dwightstewart7181]

+Badger0fDeath .. It's simple. Using the method shown (I place both nut & bolt head in the vice and cut with a portable band saw), cut the bolt leaving a sharp, rough, tip. Now taper the edges of that tip (all around the diameter) at a 45° angle (I use a belt sander). Look how regular bolt tips are finished. Finally, work the nut over the tip as shown to clean the threads. Result is a near perfect bolt.

[@ArcanePath360]

I was wondering the same, this is what I do because it takes the nasty sharp edges off the bolt which can cut you next time you handle the bolt.

[@davidwillard7334]

Sounds ! Like ! All !! Your ! Nuts ! Are ! All ! Cross ! Threaded !!

[@snowwhite7677]

You are the Champion my Friend!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 😉

[@MakingTheCut97]

I like adding a drop of 3 in 1 oil on the cut line and on the blade, it makes it easier to cut and it screeches less. Didn't know you could do that with crimpers.

[@Sonic32084]

Magic tip with the crimping tool! 👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks 👍

[@cwinegarden6426]

Thanks. Great trick leaving the nut on first.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@lt3880]

This was much simpler than I thought, thanks. I knew how to use the wire cutters but even my bolt cutters were too small for an m10

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@Zen_but_not_Zen]

Thanks so much, needed to cut down some 6-32 30mm screws that were too long for intended use, and using the crimp pliers to cut them worked perfectly!

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the video helped Thanks for the comment 👍

[@reconnaisancesapper]

I prefer to get the correct length in the first place. Good video there mate.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yossi Allen That's the best solution ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@davidwillard7334]

Sounds like your Going wrong ! Now !!

[@KaniFuker-Sir]

Great tips, thanks again. Learn something new everyday.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@johnhilsmeyer5916]

Thanks dude! Helped me figure out how to cut and not screw up threads.. I’ll grab a nut tomorrow. You get an A+ from me.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@24jh42]

Put the nut on the bolt at the length you desire. Place the head of the screw and the nut in the wise. It is now secured firmly, and when you saw along with the side of nut. You will get a straight cut, and not damage the threads should the hacksaw jump.

[@24jh42]

You always file or grind the start of the thread after cutting or you risk metal pieces damaging the thread. Especially stainless steel can easily destroy your material. My method means you cut at the exact length, everything is secure and the first part of the thread is protected from a jumping hacksaw.

[@stegokitty]

Very helpful video!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it was helpful! 👍

[@bblack5535]

Nicely demonstrated - thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@furkinhellman]

Excellent advice - very helpful thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@JamesFoleybooks]

thanks for sharing this, very helpful!

[@tristantaus4556]

Thanks about the idea of putting the nut in and on why, and with the leftover chopped bolt piece could be used an extra nut insert a bit and arc weld it together.

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@petermoran2204]

Thx for the video made my job easier..

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@MrSprysy]

thank you for your video

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@jjab99]

Many thanks for another great and useful video.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@yzerman123]

Brilliance, thanks!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@yonitm24]

great video,i knew those crimping pliers were good for something (as they do such a poor job actually crimping) just weren't sure what that thing was...

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@212bag]

Great video...thanks!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@ccsmith2937]

Thanks for the tips.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@GalaXy808]

Nice tips

[@jessefoulk]

I never knew about cutting small bolts with the wire stripper/crimper. Thats new to me. Curious if that is really what its made to do? Talking about the holes you used....

[@ultimatehandyman]

+jesse foulk Yes, that is what the threaded holes are intended for. I only found out when an electrician that I used to work with showed me- before that I used to hacksaw them.Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@ultimatehandyman]

The tapped holes in the crimping pliers in this video can be used to shear small diameter bolts- that's what they are there for ;-) Thanks for the comments ;-)

[@ultimatehandyman]

They are specifically designed to cut small diameter bolts ;-)

[@PetePuebla]

Such a wonderful video. Thank you for sharing! #thumbsup

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thank you very much!

[@apple-on5pq]

how to cut the thread

[@ultimatehandyman]

You'll need a die and die stock to do that. I'm afraid I have not covered that yet. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@Mukeshmiktecrep]

The best way to cut a bolt is, just put the bolt in the drill machine and start it then just light press the saw blade from where you need to cut bolt, the drill will rotate the bolt and blade will cut deeper and deeper into the bolt and finally cut it without damaging the thread.

[@Mukeshmiktecrep]

De Factio You have not tried it..... I am sure about that.... do you know something about a lathe machine, it cuts the same way, the object rotates and the bit digs deeper. Not to worry, I will cut the bolt and post a video.

[@Mukeshmiktecrep]

De Factio Yes, absolutely correct, the benefit of this method that it does not damage the thread.

[@adad-nerari4117]

After the cut I make a little champfer on the edge of the threading ,it's more beautiful and it makes easier to screw the bolt into a nut.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@fro0tyl0opy87]

If I were a woman, I'd marry him in a heartbeat!! Extremely useful video :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@davidwillard7334]

Even ! If he / she ! Nags ! You you all the Time !! Wonderful !!

[@Carlostype]

Useful advice

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@TheA51fnr]

Place the hacksaw in the vice place the bolt in an electric drill position bolt over the hacksaw on the mark, start the drill GENTLY lower and hey presto!

[@CameronDC-Grimes]

Do a video on cutting Grade 10.9 automotive bolts

[@Nev36]

I've NEVER noticed those holes on my cheap wire strippers before! Could have totally used them to cut some plug socket screws I needed to shorten the other day. Instead I pissed about with the junior hacksaw and file! Nice one.

[@ultimatehandyman]

To be honest I did not know that those holes were for until an electrician at work told me! Thanks for the comment

[@FoodOnCrack]

***** never thought those pliers could cut a bolt. They always look so cheap and flimsy.

[@ultimatehandyman]

FoodOnCrack They are ok for stripping wires but terrible for crimping and of course very useful for cutting small bolts. Thanks for the comment

[@jackjonson2696]

Sorry i ment the crimping pliers u used. Can they cut nuts ? I have a nut stuck on a bolt in my car. It can be seen but i can feep the nut with my hand. Its a 13mm nut, but the threads are damaged. So i was think to cut it ? Thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

No, you won't be able to cut that using pliers. Nuts are very difficult to cut due to the size of them. We often use a hack saw on-site, or grinder. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@chesshooligan1282]

I can't believe nobody has made a dedicated tool for cutting bolts yet. There should be something like the crimper but a bit chunkier and with a longer handle so it can cut bigger bolts as well. I've been looking for it everywhere but I can't find it.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You can get them. Hilti make one as well as supertool, if you search for threaded rod cutter you will find them. Thanks for the comment

[@chesshooligan1282]

Thank you!

[@jamesrbrindle]

So much i never knew :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@robviolin1]

helpful, thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@iaxable]

Right on

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@thomasstewart2470]

If you cut 1/2way through with a hack saw then wiggle the cut end off the nut will start no problem.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@thomasstewart2470]

@@ultimatehandyman I should have said cut in from both sides

[@Iliketoweldandbraze]

An interesting video was on the Discovery Channel or History Channel they installed a roof on a stadium the screws they install were too long they cut the screws and took the temper out of the screws roof fell in three years later who would ever think that could happen after the fact it's easy to see it

[@ultimatehandyman]

Working Man I'll try and watch that one day ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@dwightstewart7181]

+Working Man .. Well, if I ever install a several thousand ton roof on a sports stadium, I'll try to keep that in mind. LOL.

[@Keego0201]

they probably used a cutting torch and heated the metal up too much, using a cutting wheel won't heat it up enough to take the temper off. Or using a handsaw

[@kudoz9315]

Thanks!

[@GalaXy808]

That's what it is for m5 or ect.i was wondering what is that for? Thank you

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@troymay7362]

What brand/type of hacksaw is that?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I think I used my Teng hacksaw in this video! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@robviolin1]

Thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

robviolin1 You are welcome

[@st8kout961]

This is why Dremels were invented.

[@NicholasLeader0]

I prefer to melt down the screws / bolts and recast them in my forge to the proper length. /heh

[@ultimatehandyman]

LOL

[@mjmjersey]

Do you use a mill file

[@ultimatehandyman]

No, I do not own one of those, I just use regular files. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@jimbo32010]

Dang i chucked my pair of pliers as they were crap crimpers lol

[@ultimatehandyman]

LOL

[@EddyNordlander]

Or you just cut as a normal person, and use a grinder to finish the edges off...

[@axtra92]

Really? Why not just use the file..

[@josephbeltramini5442]

Now that’s what I’m talking aboooot.

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@davidwillard7334]

Akward !

[@Mitchs]

Already cut my bolt without putting the nut on :( Tips on how to thread the nut on?

[@ultimatehandyman]

If you have a bench grinder you can grind the end up and the nut will go on. You need to hold the bolt on the tool rest as if you are going to sharpen the end with the bolt in the same orientation as the grinding wheel (vertical), gently touch the end of the bolt onto the wheel whilst rotating it. This will grind the end and the nut will go on every time without fail.

[@Mitchs]

Thanks, I went out and bought a new bolt and cut it with 2 nuts on it, then with the nuts still on, I grinded the bolt on some cement to clean it up then ran the nuts on it, little sticky but gets the job done!

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

That's a thick bolt face it down and face it left. So terrible