Bolt cutters

[Weyalan]

I guess we all hope that we never have to use 'em, but we all pretty much gotta have 'em! I actually don't currently own a set of bolt cutters :blush: I borrowed some for my delivery.

I plan on getting a set which will stay on board. Any tips on brands? sizes? best way to store? (I plan on vac-sealing in plastic?), etc.

[kimberlite]

If you need bolt cutters to cut steel bolts and chain fine. If you are looking for something to cut rigging you need rigging cutters (and big 0nes). Rigging cutters have a semicircular hole in one jaw so the rigging wire fits into the hole and the wire is sheared and not cut as with bolt cutters.
i have a pair about 2 1/2 -3 feet long and store them in a locker handles down cutters up. i spray the cutters with oil and put a zip lock bag over them and tape the bag closed around the cutter head. from west marine
fair winds,
eric

[sneuman]

I actually had to do this in the heat of battle about a year ago. On brandnew 5mm stainless strand wire (from Rolly Tasker), a set of ordinary medium-sized bolt cutters worked quite well. That was on a 28ft sloop.

Presumably at some point the diameter would require dedicated rigging cutters.

Rigging cutters vs bolt cutter is more a matter of the quality of the tool and quality of the cut than anything alse. I carry an assortment of both. The cheapo bolt cutters will work in an emergency. The rigging cutters make a much cleaner cut which is beneficial to installing new wire. The size of the cutters is the big issue. You can not have too much leverage in an emergency. I spray mine down with Fluid Film every so often to keep them from rusting.

[S/V Elusive]

Harbor Tool and Freight www.harborfreight.com

They have both bolt and cable cutters (rigging cutters if you prefer). Fairly inexpensive.