The 7 Best Compact Bolt Cutters (2023 reviews)

We consider a compact bolt cutter to be a worthy investment in the long run. We are here to help you choose the right one for your purposes from all the best available products in market today.

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Our Top Picks:

Best Overall: Buy: Knipex Compact Bolt Cutter READ REVIEW

Best With lighter Steel: Buy: Ares Compact Bolt Cutter READ REVIEW

Best For Cutting strained Wire: Buy: Great neck Compact Bolt Cutter READ REVIEW

Best For padlock: Buy: Shall Compact Bolt Cutter READ REVIEW

Best For Small jobs: Buy: American Mutt Tools Compact Bolt Cutter READ REVIEW

Best For plastic: Buy: Utoolmart Compact Bolt Cutter READ REVIEW

Best For sturdiness: Buy: Tekton Compact Bolt Cutter READ REVIEW

Best Overall: Knipex Compact Bolt Cutter

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The look and feel of this cutters are consistent with the high quality we're used to from the rest of Knipex's lineup. For a compact pair of bolt-cutters, which double as general heavy-duty nippers, these are perfect. They cut easy, cutting edges haven't deformed at all. They are ideal for automotive or construction applications, cutting cotter pins and nails, repeated use in factory assembly lines, cutting wire fencing in agricultural settings, or even everyday tasks such as cutting floral wire or fish hooks.

The 8-inch Knipex will cut just under a quarter inch bolt (5.2mm) or hardened wire which makes it indispensable when cutting heavier gauge copper wire, nails and screws, or even chain link fence. It's handy size (8") and light weight make it easy to tote in a tool roll or bug out bag. This tool works better that can be expected and you can tell just by the weight and balance that it’s a great tool.

• Nice grip, quality german steel, effortless squeeze
• Delivers what they promise

Best With lighter Steel: Ares Compact Bolt Cutter

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Next on the list, we've got yet another cutter that manages to win our hearts. It's the ares compact bolt cutter and it's widely considered as cutter that has the most suitable features. This mini bolt cutter features a lever system that is designed to cut heavy duty wire, bolts, nails and rivets. It can cut up to 5mm metal wire (chain link fence) but requires some effort that will get you sore in no time. It is great with lighter steel, thinner steel, however. It is easy to use, cuts a pretty good-sized wire, and springs back open to go after the next one.

This will work fairly well for softer metals, however, when you look at the picture it makes it look a lot like a compound action tool (like most bolt cutters) when it actually isn't, so it's not as effective as it could be. The jaws are also not especially sharp. This is perfectly priced and qaulity tool that delivers like the big name brands.

• Useful compact 8 inch size bolt cutter
• Compact but enough power to snip metal
• Excellent cutter tool for smaller wire size below 3mm

Best For Cutting strained Wire: Great neck Compact Bolt Cutter

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The great neck compact bolt cutter's superior materials makes sure that it ages well with use. This handheld bolt cutter is ideal for cutting thin chain links, screws, fencing wire, and brads. This 8 inch bolt cutter pivots behind the jaws to create a double or compound pivot. It will not cut through strained wire. The portable bolt cutter only weighs 2.4 ounces, making it easy to carry around to different jobs.

This cutter features hardened and tempered high carbon steel blades and an adjusting fastener to keep cutting edges aligned. This will allow you to complete many tasks without them breaking or becoming dull. It will be able to snip off nails coming through a wall.

• Makes fast work of an otherwise awful situation
• Cutting through wire with thickness of 1/8 inch with ease
• Great tool for your tool box
• Fit nicely in pocket and easily used with one hand

Best For padlock: Shall Compact Bolt Cutter

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If you often find yourself scrambling for appropriate and satisfactory cutter, shall compact bolt cutter should be your first option for buying. Pulling them out they felt pretty light weight with most of the materials being made of a casted material. It is suitable for cutting small diameter chain (light duty type used for hanging lights and plants) and typical wire closet shelving. The setup comes equipped with three different sizes of cutters to choose from per your preferences and cutting needs.

It is of quality material and holds the tools in with a pouch on one end and a Velcro strap on the other. The handles are smooth and rubber and the small cutters are kept closed at the bottom with a locking mechanism. The storage case is pretty decent as well.

• Best suited as a heavier duty wire cutter
• Tested on 1/8" stainless steel wire rope
• Cutting with less effort, much quicker and improve work efficiency

Best For Small jobs: American Mutt Tools Compact Bolt Cutter

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Not everyone likes to purchase cutter for their daily purpose, but the american mutt tools compact bolt cutter would be an anomoly. This heavy duty tool feels great in the hand. It is nice for heavy-duty wire or smaller bolts, but not for larger or thicker items. It's very sharp, and the cut is very clean and even. It is spring loaded so it returns to full open position. The handles are plastic but have rubber inlays for improved grip.

This is definitely a “mini” bolt cutter. It is a great size to carry in the household tool bag. The size is very handy for including in a light duty tool kit.

• Cuts well and quality is good
• Built just like the big ones with compound cutting action
• Under-leveraged small cutters for occasional use
• Nice small single handed bolt cutter for lighter tasks

Best For plastic: Utoolmart Compact Bolt Cutter

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If you want nothing less than best desirable cutter, then utoolmart compact bolt cutter is the one you should definitely consider. Drop forged manganese steel jaws deliver superior cutting power and for sure, efficient cutting and long life. The Industrial quality tool is ideal for cutting bolts, chains, threaded rods, wires, rivets bolts, threaded rods and soft metal. Ergonomic plastic coated handles offer greater control and comfort in cutting.

• Strong, high-leverage tubular steel handles won't twist under load
• Exceptional cutting performance with minimum effort due to lever action design
• One of the new comers and featured product

Best For sturdiness: Tekton Compact Bolt Cutter

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If you often find yourself scrambling for appropriate and satisfactory cutter, tekton compact bolt cutter is your end point.

• Strong, high-leverage tubular steel handles won't twist or give under load
• Cuts bolts, chain, threaded rod, and heavy gauge wire up to 3/16 in
• Soft rubber grips offer non-slip comfort
• Compound cutting action and drop forged hardened alloy steel jaws deliver superior cutting power