I have been talking to Armor Tool recently, after they saw my post on Craftsman’s Peg Table. Armor Tool is the OEM for that clamping and assembly table, and wanted to answer some of the questions I still had about the product.
After the first email exchange, I took a quick look at Armor Tool’s website to see what else they made. Of course they make a lot of clamping products related to their portable work table, but also T-track clamps and automatic hand clamps. They also make 2 sizes of compound action bolt cutters, and after taking a closer look I found them to have interesting designs.
The 14″ bolt cutter is shown here, but Armor Tool also makes a 24″ model.
Most bolt cutters have a similar compound action design that makes it easier for the tools to cut through hard materials. Think smaller bolts, metal chains, things like that. All of the bolt cutters that I previously wrote about are a different take on a rather ordinarily tool design.
What’s special about these Armor Tool bolt cutters is that they have a double compound action design that gives you additional cutting leverage. That second compound action pivot is a force multiplier.
Armor Tool says that their Compound Pro technology reduces cutting effort by 40%, compared to standard bolt cutters, which should greatly reduce user fatigue.
In short, you get added power while exerting less force.
These Armor Tool bolt cutters remind me of the HK Porter PowerLink bolt cutters, which also feature a double compound pivot design.
Price: $27 for 14″, $48 for 24″
More Info(via Armor Tool)
I can’t find these in stock at any of the online retailers I am familiar with, but you might be able to order them directly from Armor tool. If you find these at a distributor you know and recommend, please let me know!
I always like to see tools that get a job done quicker or easier. I haven’t used any Armor Tool products before, but their tools seem to be thoughtfully designed and engineered. If I were in the market for new bolt cutters, I’d probably give these a try. They’re certainly inexpensive enough to give a shot.
Keep in mind that there is a tradeoff with tools like this. Additional leverage or a second compound action pivot usually means that the handles must be spread further apart to achieve a similar jaw opening as on other single-pivot tools. That would make these bolt cutters better suited for cutting harder materials, and not necessarily larger or thicker ones.