Did you lose a key and wonder if bolt cutters can cut a padlock? You are in the right place, as we will cover the details about bolt cutters and if they can cut locks. However, it’s important that you should only use this information for your personal padlock.
Bolt cutters are widely used to cut regular padlocks. With 24-inch bolt cutters, you can use moderate force to slice through a lock’s shackle. However, there are also lock types that can’t be cut, like a round lock or bike U-lock.
This article aims to help answer questions about cutting padlocks and dispel myths about the process. Keep reading further to learn whether bolt cutters can cut a padlock and what other tools you can use to open a padlock without a key.
What Type Of Bolt Cutters Can Cut a Padlock?
When cutting a padlock, using larger bolt cutters will make the process easier for you. At Serious Home Security, we recommend using quality bolt cutters 24 inches or larger to cut a regular padlock.
While cutting a padlock with 18-inch bolt cutters is possible, you will need to use more strength to do it. Most self-storage facilities use large bolt cutters to cut the padlocks off abandoned storage units.
If you want to purchase a pair of bolt cutters to cut a padlock, we recommend the KSEIBI 141585 Heavy-Duty Bolt Cutters. The soft rubber grips help to reduce the strain placed on your hands when pushing the two handles together.
Is it Difficult to Cut a Padlock with Bolt Cutters?
While bolt cutters are the most popular way of cutting locks, they still require some strength to cut through a shackle. The difficulty of cutting the lock will depend on the material of the lock’s shackle and its thickness.
If you attempt to cut through a thick shackle with weak bolt cutters, you may even break the bolt cutters. When you want a smooth cut through the lock, you should invest in a pair of high-quality bolt cutters.
For those without the strength to cut the lock, we have other tools featured in our article, The Best 5 Tools For Cutting Locks. This article will provide tools that don’t require physical strength to cut the padlock.
What Locks Can’t Be Cut with Bolt Cutters?
Before you purchase a new pair of bolt cutters, you should confirm that they can cut through the lock’s shackle. Two lock types can never be cut with a pair of bolt cutters, so choosing another tool to open them is important.
Disc/Round Locks
One of the biggest defenses against bolt cutters is a disc-style padlock. These locks have a protected shackle you can’t cut with bolt cutters. When the lock opens, the shackle moves within the body and keeps the opening small.
If you need to cut a round lock off something, we have detailed several ways in a previous article. These methods will remove the round lock and allow you to access your precious belongings again.
Bike U-Locks
Unique lock options like a bike U-Lock can’t be cut with a pair of bolt cutters. The structure of a U-lock makes bolt cutters unable to cut through the thick metal. However, a standard cable bike lock will make for an easier target.
If you need to cut through a bike U-lock, we recommend using a power tool like a reciprocating saw or an angle grinder. These tools will give you a better chance of cutting through the lock and accessing your bike if you lose the key.
What Other Tools Can Open a Padlock?
Angle Grinder
If you don’t want to cut a lock with methods like a bolt cutter, you can use a power tool option to make a fast cut. An angle grinder is widely used for cutting locks off storage units and other applications.
You can quickly cut through the lock’s shackle using a 60-grit disc on the angle grinder. People using this method claimed the average time was around 20-30 seconds to cut through a standard padlock.
Lockpicking Set
One of the cleanest ways to open a padlock without a key is by picking the lock. When you pick a lock, you move the pins within the lock to release the shackle. This may be a challenging process for untrained people, depending on the lock.
We recommend hiring a professional if you do not have previous lockpicking experience. A professional locksmith will help you access the lock and can create a new key if you want to reuse it.
Dremel
Typically, someone uses a Dremel to make cuts into wood or smooth surfaces. However, these tools can cut through a lock’s shackle as well. You can cut through stainless steel and other hardened metals with the right Dremel blades.
Dremels may be the better option if you have difficulty using an angle grinder to cut the lock. A Dremel is lightweight and can fit into tight spaces when cutting. Additionally, you can pick up a quality Dremel for around $40 and don’t need to rent it.
Frequently Asked Questions
12-14-inch bolt cutters are typically the smallest option at retail stores. While cutting a lock with bolt cutters this size is possible, it won’t be easy. With minimal leverage, you must put intense pressure on the handles to cut a lock. If the shackle is hardened steel, it may not be possible even if you are physically strong.
A disc padlock cannot be cut with any size bolt cutters. The design of the lock protects the shackle and makes you unable to position the bolt cutters. If you want to cut a disc lock, a Dremel or angle grinder are better options. These power tools can make precise cuts at an angle to reach the disc lock’s shackle.
Conclusion
Cutting a lock can be done with a pair of bolt cutters, but it’s not possible for easy lock type. If you need to cut a disc lock or bike U-Lock, you will have better luck with other tools. A pair of bolt cutters is better suited for traditional padlocks.
Have you cut a padlock with a pair of bolt cutters? Let us know your experiences in the comments below!