The 8 Best double Compound Bolt Cutters (2023 reviews)

The knipex double compound bolt cutter should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The Knipex 8" Mini-Bolt Cutters are a top quality tool in a compact package. These Knipex pliers are much more ergonomically friendly to your hands when you clamp down on hi-tensile wire or woven fence wire. The mechanical advantage takes nearly all the effort out of cutting, allowing you to cut longer without wrist cramps. These are amazing for cutting through wire of all sizes.

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. They are nicely made and should hold up for years of work. This tool works better that can be expected and you can tell just by the weight and balance that it’s a great tool. If you have a farm or work in fencing, this is an indispensable high quality tool.

Why We Like This:

Cuts small bolts, wire great love them
Nice grip, quality german steel, effortless squeeze
Great for small bolts, screws, nails, and wire

Best With lighter Steel: Ares double Compound 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 double compound 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.

Why We Like This:

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 The money: Wilfiks double Compound Bolt Cutter

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Not everyone likes to purchase cutter for their regular usage, but the wilfiks double compound bolt cutter would be an anomoly. If you are looking for a smaller cutter with easy storage its perfect for a chainlink fence. This tool makes cutting those thick hard wires easily, with good material. It comes with the shock absorbing bumpers so it protects your hands and wrists in the process. It can handle a diameter of 4 millimeters.

It is good for metal fences or the like. It comes with instructions how to adjust to open for larger cuts even though it looks like an adjustment screw on top. These won't cut a standard padlock. It is easy to use and doesn't require great strength.

Why We Like This:

Good gripping handles, sharp blades for cutting
Great for cutting chain link fencing
Jaws are soft, not hardened steel

Best For padlock: HK Porter double Compound Bolt Cutter

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Compared with other cutter in this category, the hk porter double compound bolt cutter has a convenient design. It is used to cut wire mesh for concrete and left outside.

Why We Like This:

Heat treated for wear resistance and long cutting life
Maximum hardness of material to be cut
Easily cuts 1/4" roundbar without a mar on the jaws
Powerpivot technology for superior cutting power

Best For bike Lock: WORKPRO double Compound Bolt Cutter

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Workpro makes beautiful and great cutter with classic and smartly choosen materials. This heavy duty bolt cutter is ideal for cutting rods, bolts, rivets, wires, cables and chains. It is made with an alloy of high quality metals. Tubular steel handles for maximum leverage and anti-slip soft tri-material rubber grips offer comfort and control during extended use. The jaws move back and forth smooth and freely but with some restraint. These are great and smartly cut through things very easily.

This is handy to have around the home. For fencing, heavy gauge electrical wire, and other smaller decorative chains these would be great if you need a pair of heavy-duty wire cutters. It looks well-made and the handles are comfortable.

Why We Like This:

More heavy gauge wire cutters than bolt cutters
Makes stainless steel cable feel like butter
Cuts various sizes of fence wire
Application more than pliers, less than real bolt cutters

Best For rebar: HK Porter Inch Klein Cutter

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We know from years of feedback from readers, customers and amazon sellers, what most people want in a convenient and appropriate cutter. The hk porter inch klein cutter is exactly that - it's a simple cutter that hits all the right notes. It takes less effort to cut materials than a standard bolt cutter. It can cut a padlock or steel cable easily. It is great for popping master-style pad locks. It is designed to handle everything from light wires and brushes to heavy steel rods and bars. It provides more power equating to a 30% reduction in cutting effort.

The Power Link really does increase the leverage and the jaws hold up. It is up to fairly heavy duty work. It is easy to work with it because it’s strong and it’s not heavy.

Why We Like This:

Very affordable for a piece of mind tool
Excellent big heavy duty and solidly built
Feels really solid, good grips, kinda heavy

Best For Small jobs: American Mutt Tools double Compound Bolt Cutter

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If you are searching for a satisfactory cutter for your daily usage, you cannot go wrong with the american mutt tools double compound bolt cutter. This heavy duty tool feels great in the hand. The handles are hard plastic with a minimal grippy layer. The larger ones are of course heavier and more cumbersome to carry around (probably more than twice the size of these) but work very well on items that you might need a small hacksaw to cut. The size is very handy for including in a light duty tool kit.

You won't be chopping off any padlocks with these, but they work well for small bolts / etc. This is definitely a “mini” bolt cutter.

Why We Like This:

Nice small single handed bolt cutter for lighter tasks
Sharp and quick to cut out of the box
Cuts well and quality is good
Functional cutters that cut pretty well

Best For frequent Use: Teng Tools double Compound Bolt Cutter

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Teng Tools has been making great cutter for years, thanks to a combination of clever design and appropriate materials. Soft ergonomic two component handles give more comfortable use with a safer grip. It is made of chrome molybdenum steel for stable cutting with a minimal risk of sliding. It is manufactured in high strength steel in accordance with DIN and ansi standards for professional automotive and industrial applications. It is designed for frequent use.

Why We Like This: