Something that could cut a chain or a steel lock.

U

ukknifer

Joined
Jan 30, 2010
Messages
424
Hi ,

I am looking for a tool to add to my B.O.B to cut metal with.

Something that could cut a chain or a steel lock for example ( In a survival situation).

I have cut a lock once with the file on my swiss-tool spirit. It took some time but it did the job. I was wondering if there is something that could do the job faster?

Should I go for a saw? or a file?
I want something light and sturdy.

Please link me if you know a good product.
 
You can find some pretty robust mini hacksaws at pretty much any hardware store. Won't cut too fast, but are small and versatile
 
Last edited:
nah, get a Wyoming saw, awesome collapsable hacksaw with multiple blades for cutting bone, wood etc etc. They run about 40 bucks but they come in an awesome leather sheath and they are by far the most durable and comfortable collapsing/folding saw out there. My Fiskars Woodzig doesn't hold a candle when it comes to high volume sawing.
 
+1 for bolt cutters. Right tool for the job especially if you have to cut through a case hardened lock.
 
H-K Porter use to be the better bolt cutter brand. Expensive, if you're not going to use them often. You could get away with a cheaper pair, if you're not giving it much use.

Also look at the types and size of wire and locks you might have to cut......
 
Hacksaw could do it, given time. Definitely an "it depends" kind of question.
I've ripped combination locks off with my bare hands, and knocked them off with a blow from a hammer, but have also given up with a cordless Sawzall, and used a corded Super Sawzall with metal cutting blade on a "boltcutter-proof" lock before, and can tell you that you could make a career out of getting some locks off with a handsaw.
Usually a bolt-cutter would be the best bet, but even that is iffy with some chains, or hardened locks.
Sometimes it would be a lot easier to cut or otherwise destroy whatever the lock or chain is attached to than the lock or chain itself.
For a tool dedicated to either cutting "real" locks and chains, nothing remotely lightweight or compact comes to mind, unless you just want to be prepared for a best-case scenario.
'Course if your BOB is designed for handling a worst-case of every imaginable thing, you're going to need a tractor trailer to haul it around, so there's always going to be compromises.
 
Just a mandrel and some metal cut off discs/wheels from McMaster car are all you need. Mount the disc on the mandrel and stick that in a fully charged 18 or 24 volt cordless drill and zip off whatever you need to cut. I've done it many times to remove locks I no longer had a key for or never had a key if it was someone elses asking me to remove it, oh and for some chains I shortened as well. If you have electric you can use a standard angle grinder but in the field or away from power I've found my drill will do the job also.

STR
 
Good call on the cut off discs, its impressive what those things will tear through.
Bolt cutters are great, but as far as a BOB is concerned, cutters big enough to be useful would attract too much of the wrong kind of attention for my liking
 
a thin tapered wedge made from a cold chisel, inserted into the shackle and hammered on, forces apart the lock violently.

DISCLAIMER: In no way am I condoning the use of this for unlawful purposes. It is for emergency use only.
 
There is a mini-torch that uses two catridges the size of co2 tanks. I do not know if it generates enough heat to cut, but maybe worth researching. The whole unit fits in the palm of your hand.
 
Some chains and lock staples are too hard to cut with even the best hacksaw blades. A gas cutting torch or an electric cut-off disk are probably the best way to tackle these.

I have seen big cut-off disks fitted to a two-stroke hand-held motor (like a chainsaw). These are typically used for cutting masonry, but I'm sure they'd deal to hard steel. They would be a big, heavy, expensive part of your kit though. You'd have to try to ensure that the lock or chain was held fairly securely while cutting with a big motorized disk as the disk is likely to grab and shatter if the object being cut moves around. This sort of thing is best practiced before you really need it..... while wearing full protective gear, especially for the face and eyes. A steady hand and a good understanding of the process are necessary to have consistent success.

I used to work in a big fish processing factory. The staff had personal lockers and often individuals would lose or forget their keys. We had a set of boltcutters that would cut through most padlock staples with relative ease, but they got blunt quickly. I found that it was also, often, comparatively easy to break open a lock by inserting two levers (pinch bars or big screwdrivers) through the lock staple and simply levering both tools together. Gotta be careful that you don't get any flying metal in your face.

A decent crowbar and a good axe might help to open alternative 'entry ways' if you cant cut through a lock. I like to have ready access to these two bits of equipment. And a decent sledgehammer can help to make holes in things too.
 
small bolt cutters would be my choice. I have a set that is about 16 inches long.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top