Good smaller tool recommendations for bolt cutting

[scotshaggis]

Hi all, I've been using an angle grinder and dremel for some cutting off of seized bolts etc. I'm about to start on rear subframe/suspension on a 30yr old Mercedes.

The angle grinder is a bit big for getting into tighter areas. I wondered if anyone had any suggestions for something smallish power tool wise, maybe in-between the small dremel cutting wheel and the angle grinder?

Many Thanks

[shtu]

A smaller grinder - https://www.toolstation.com/draper-air-cut-off-too...

Many similar Genreic Chinese ones available.

[scotshaggis]

shtu said:

A smaller grinder - https://www.toolstation.com/draper-air-cut-off-too...

Many similar Genreic Chinese ones available.

Thanks but I'm afraid I don't have an air compressor!

[Griffith4ever]

They need a LOT of air to work at all.

You can get 12v cordless cut off tools that I see used on YT vids a lot. Anything from £40 on ebay to £100 Milwaukee bare

[Griffith4ever]

Few on here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHRO0lJK-90

[normalbloke]

A powerfile ( air or plug in) is a useful tool for getting into some areas to literally grind the head or tail off a fastener, while leaving the surrounding area unmarked. Great for chassis rivets (old stuff) and spotwelds too.

[Griffith4ever]

Few on here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHRO0lJK-90

[scotshaggis]

Thanks re both power files and the cordless cutters. Both are ones I didn't consider.

Am I right most reciprocating saws are pretty big and clunky? My thought being a hacksaw type blade but on something not too big.

I've got a lot of new parts including all new suspension arms and a subframe so I'm thinking the ability to do a fair bit of cutting might be a good plan

[normalbloke]

scotshaggis said:

Thanks re both power files and the cordless cutters. Both are ones I didn't consider.

Am I right most reciprocating saws are pretty big and clunky? My thought being a hacksaw type blade but on something not too big.

I've got a lot of new parts including all new suspension arms and a subframe so I'm thinking the ability to do a fair bit of cutting might be a good plan

The small recip saws that use a hacksaw blade can get into some smaller spots too. Only ever seen air powered though, but you might find different/better.

[E-bmw]

Dremel using the reinforced discs is pretty good but you will go through lots of discs.

[scotshaggis]

E-bmw said:

Dremel using the reinforced discs is pretty good but you will go through lots of discs.

Yes the dremel has been extremely useful. I thought there was only one type of cutting disc

[donkmeister]

Have you considered a die grinder? It's the tool that the Dremel is a "toy" version of.

(That's not to be disparaging, I love my Dremel)

[scotshaggis]

I'll check them out too, thanks.

[V8covin]

What about an induction heater ?

[scotshaggis]

Induction heater for heating/freeing bolts etc? They tend to be very pricey are they not?

Edited by scotshaggis on Tuesday 16th January 20:38

[gazza285]

I have a Milwaukee Hackzall, a one handed recip a bit like this.



You can get various length blades. Great little tool.

[scotshaggis]

gazza285 said:

I have a Milwaukee Hackzall, a one handed recip a bit like this.



You can get various length blades. Great little tool.

That looks the biz

[tux850]

Someone on here recommended I got a set of tungsten carbide burrs when I had to grind an exhaust flange nut in very limited space. They were absolutely fantastic and seemed far superior to cutoff discs in nearly every way (ease of use, no sparks, longevity etc) although arguably less good for thin slicing of course! Depending on what you envisage being required I'd certainly be confident in passing this recommendation on, certainly at least as a 'handy to have' type thing which can be all important when faced with stubborn fixings!

Edited by tux850 on Wednesday 17th January 00:01

[scotshaggis]

What would you use burrs in, are they ideally used with a die grinder?

Edited by scotshaggis on Saturday 20th January 13:23

[E-bmw]

Yes.