HK Porter, well known for their bolt cutters and related tools, have come out with new PowerLink double compound action bolt cutters (model 0190MCD for 24″). They’re describing it as revolutionary.
The new HK Porter PowerLink cutters deliver immense cutting power (their words), which is supposed to reduce cutting effort by 30%, compared to single compound action cutters. Anyone who has ever had to cut hard, thick, tough, or stubborn materials with bolt cutters is probably raising an eyebrow by now.
Features include induction hardened cutting blades, tubular handles, and comfort hand grips. Cutting capacity is up to 7/16″ for soft materials, and up to 5/16″ for hard materials such as steel rod with HRC 48 hardness.
The increase in leverage due to the PowerLink’s double compound action pivot is not without a tradeoff. As you can tell from the image I grabbed from the promo video, you’ve got to spread the handles really wide in order to open the blades for a cut.
For some applications, the tradeoff is going to be very much worth it. For others, such as if you’re working in tight spaces, these simply won’t do.
HK Porter is making these PowerLink cutters in 18″ and 24″ sizes.
Price: $50 for 24″ cutters (which is about what their regular general purpose 24″ cutters sell for.
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Compare(HK Porter single action cutters via Amazon)
Before you check out the following promo video and our initial thoughts about the new cutters, take a look back at our compact folding bolt cutters post from a couple of months back. You know, since we’re already on the topic of innovative bolt cutters.
First Thoughts
I don’t think that these will replace all other 24″ bolt cutters on the market, although that 30% reduction in cutting effort does look nice and will likely appeal to a lot of demanding users.
There’s a tradeoff, mainly what looks to be wider handle spread, but for many users it’s going to be forgivable. Before you knock the PowerLink bolt cutters for this tradeoff, remember that it’s all about choosing the right tool for your needs. Some users will benefit more from these cutters than others, and for some it might pose a disadvantage.
Speaking as someone who has had to brace one handle of long bolt cutters against the floor while leaning on the other handle with body weight – and this is NOT an endorsement for such non-recommended usage! – I can definite see the benefits of these cutters.
What do you think? And have you ever seen double compound action 18″ or 24″ bolt cutters before? I haven’t.