These were on sale a ways back and although the new price is not as good as the old price, for ten bucks these are a very good deal. I tested these out on chain link and barbed wire fencing and the work beautifully. I keep a pair in my truck box in case I need to make an exit off the interstate where these is none. Link.
Now, objectively, you are better off with a set of bolt cutters since they will cut padlocks as well whereas these surplus cutters will not. However, for the money, these are a fine tool to keep in your BOV, truck, or wherever for when getting through some fencing may be all that stands between you and something unpleasant.
I bought three sets last time. I keep one in the vehicle at all times because you never know when you might need to suddenly create your own exit off the roadway.
I have a pair of those (I think) purchased at Sportsmans Guide way back in the day.
They do store nicely and I should include them in my vehicle BO kit for that reason.
I already have a pair of small (maybe 16″?) long bolt cutters in my truck, purchased at Harbor Freight (in case some vehicle mechanic can’t find the urge to steal them when vehicle is being serviced).
Everybody knows the trick of breaking lock shackles with open end wrenches right ? Insert a pair of these open end profiles into shackle, and then pry them apart to break the shackle. With certain locks, they are broken open rather easily.
A crowbar works well, also. Just stick it through the shackle and twist…it doesnt break the lock but it usually tears the hasp of whatever its locked to…same result: access granted.
Bolt cutters for sure.
9” lineman’s pliers work well on most soft metal fence. Klein or Milwaukee. Legit tools. Bolt cutters are handy too. Every truck should have basic maintenance tools on board.
as an option, Klein lineman pliers, high leverage model, cut a bit heavier steel.
https://www.hallssafety.com/store/High-Leverage-213-9NE-D213-9NE-HD213-9NE-Side-Cutting-Pliers-p237117388
Went to buy the wire cutters, and they were under ten bucks. Good price, but shipping was more than that, and a brief look couldn’t find anything else I needed to spead the cost. I’ll keep an eye out.
A decent pair of 9″ Channel Locks lineman’s pliers aren’t that much and they took care of most of that mattress that was wrapped around the wife’s back wheel.
Or fencing pliers- cuts thick wire, has a hammer head and a pointed end for prying.
Good gear tip CZ, thanks.
Such tools are the odds and ends often overlooked to make one more effective and self sufficient.
For example, in my neighborhood I must be the only one with a bicycle pump (I have 2, a high end one in reserve, mid level one for lending).
On wire cutter topic, I have a pair of Felco “commando” model wire cutter I like. Not a bolt cutter but ergonomic and fast on wire. And by the way, Felco rocks for pruners if you food garden. Not cheap, but rebuildable, last forever and importantly work extremely well. The Swiss company sells every component of all their tools so you can fix them. Also, if you do any metal cable snaring, you’ll end up rebuilding snares and aircraft cable is tough to cut and cut neatly, they make a cutter that is the one to carry.
How men get to 30 plus and don’t accumulate tools is a mystery to me.
Park bicycle tools makes a cutter for spokes and steel brake cables that also works really
well.
I looked at Coleman’s pliers. They looked useful, but the shipping seemed to be a bit pricey when compared to the alternative products available elsewhere. Perhaps if I were buying three pliers, the shipping expense would be acceptable.
Tools are good.
And bolt cutters can be sourced that go from fence-cutting size, all the way up to those of cutting through shackles and proof-chain size.
A truck box with a range of same is always a great plan.
Those cutters will only cut mild steel wire,bolt cutters will cut much more. Best tool for locks is a cutoff tool,decent quality hardened shackle lock can defeat bolt cutters, most useful would be a hacksaw with extra blades. I order from Colemans but wait for sales/free shipping