Bolt cutters are powerful tools that can cut through bolts, chains, padlocks, rebar, and wire mesh with ease. But how do they work? What makes them so effective at breaking through tough materials? And how does the length of the bolt cutter handles affect the amount of cutting force that can be applied? In this article, we will explore the physics behind the force of bolt cutters and how to use them effectively.
Contents
What are Bolt Cutters?
Bolt cutters are a type of hand tool that consists of two long handles and two short blades that are connected by compound hinges. The compound hinges are designed to maximize the leverage and cutting force of the blades by multiplying the input force from the handles. According to Wikipedia, a typical bolt cutter yields 20 kilonewtons (4,500 lb f) of cutting force for a 250 newtons (56 lb f) force on the handles.
Bolt cutters come in different sizes and types, depending on the intended use and material to be cut. The size of a bolt cutter is measured by the length of the handle, which can range from 12 to 42 inches (30.5 to 107 cm). The type of a bolt cutter is determined by the shape and angle of the blades, which can be angle cut, center cut, shear cut, or clipper cut. Each type of blade has its own advantages and disadvantages for cutting different materials and shapes.
How do Bolt Cutters Work?
Bolt cutters work by applying a large amount of force on a small area of contact between the blades and the material to be cut. This force causes the material to deform and fracture, resulting in a clean cut. The amount of force required to cut a material depends on its hardness, thickness, and shape.
To understand how bolt cutters work, we need to understand some basic concepts of physics, such as torque, mechanical advantage, and stress. Torque is a measure of how much a force causes an object to rotate around a pivot point. Mechanical advantage is a ratio of output force to input force for a machine or device. Stress is a measure of how much force is applied per unit area on a material.
Bolt cutters are essentially a pair of levers that are connected by hinges. A lever is a simple machine that consists of a rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point called a fulcrum. A lever can be used to amplify an input force by changing its direction or distance from the fulcrum. The mechanical advantage of a lever is given by the ratio of the length of the lever arm on the output side to the length of the lever arm on the input side.
The compound hinges on bolt cutters act as additional levers that increase the mechanical advantage and output force of the blades. The hinges are arranged in such a way that they create two pairs of levers that work together. The mechanical advantage of this arrangement depends on the angles and distances between the hinges and the blades.
The output force from the blades is applied on a small area of contact with the material to be cut. This creates a high amount of stress on the material, which causes it to deform and break. The stress required to break a material depends on its hardness, thickness, and shape.
How does Handle Length Affect Cutting Force?
The length of the handle affects the cutting force by changing the mechanical advantage and input force of the bolt cutter. A longer handle means a longer lever arm on the input side, which increases the mechanical advantage and output force for a given input force. However, a longer handle also means more weight and bulkiness, which makes it harder to hold and maneuver.
A shorter handle means a shorter lever arm on the input side, which decreases the mechanical advantage and output force for a given input force. However, a shorter handle also means less weight and bulkiness, which makes it easier to hold and maneuver.
Therefore, there is a trade-off between handle length and cutting force for bolt cutters. The optimal handle length depends on several factors, such as:
- The type and size of material to be cut
- The strength and endurance of the user
- The space and accessibility of the cutting area
- The preference and comfort of the user
Generally speaking, longer handles are better for cutting harder or thicker materials that require more force, while shorter handles are better for cutting softer or thinner materials that require less force. Longer handles are also better for cutting in open spaces where there is enough room to swing them, while shorter handles are better for cutting in tight spaces where there is limited room to swing them.
How to Use Bolt Cutters Effectively?
To use bolt cutters effectively, you need to follow some basic steps and tips:
- Choose the right size and type of bolt cutter for the material and shape to be cut. For example, angle cut blades are better for cutting round or irregular shapes, while center cut blades are better for cutting flat or square shapes.
- Position the bolt cutter so that the blades are aligned with the material to be cut. Make sure that the blades are perpendicular to the material and not tilted or twisted. This will ensure a clean and even cut and prevent the blades from slipping or jamming.
- Apply a steady and firm pressure on the handles until the blades cut through the material. Do not jerk or twist the handles, as this can damage the blades or cause them to lose alignment. If the material is too hard or thick to cut in one go, you can try to make multiple cuts at different points along the material.
- Release the pressure on the handles and open the bolt cutter. Remove the cut material and inspect the blades for any damage or wear. Clean and lubricate the bolt cutter regularly to maintain its performance and durability.
Conclusion
Bolt cutters are powerful tools that can cut through almost anything with ease. The physics behind their force is based on torque, mechanical advantage, and stress. The length of the handle affects the cutting force by changing the mechanical advantage and input force of the bolt cutter. To use bolt cutters effectively, you need to choose the right size and type of bolt cutter, position it correctly, apply a steady pressure, and release it smoothly. By following these steps and tips, you can cut through anything with bolt cutters.
