A bolt cutter is a tool used for cutting chains, bolts and wire mesh. They typically have very long handles and short blades, with compound hinges to maximize leverage and cutting force. A typical bolt cutter yields 20 kN or 4000 lb of cutting force for a 250 N or 50 lb force on the handles.

There are different types of cutting blades for bolt cutters, including angle cut, center cut, shear cut, and clipper cut blades. Bolt cutters are available usually in 12", 14", 18", 24", 30", 36" and 42" length. The length is measured from the tip of the jaw to the end of the handle.

• Angle cut has the cutter head angled for easier insertion. Typical angling is 25 to 35 degrees.
• Center cut has the blades equidistant from the two faces of the blade.
• Shear cut has the blades inverted to each other (such as normal paper scissor blades).
• Clipper cut has the blades flush against one face (for cutting against flat surfaces).

Many companies now manufacture bolt cutters with fiber glass handles which can be used for cutting live electrical wires and are extremely useful during rescue operations. The fiber glass handles have another advantage of being lighter in weight than the conventional drop forged or solid pipe handles.