Use and Care Manual

Proper Use of Bolt Cutters
Failure to properly use bolt cutter can
result in serious injury or death.
• Wear safety glasses at all times. Cut metal can fly and cause injury. Use other appropriate safety
equipment (hard hat, safety shoes and gloves) as required by the situation.
• Because metal can fly when cut, be aware of others in the area and your surroundings and protect from
flying material. This can be done by restraining the ends of the material being cut, such as with rag
wrapped around the jaws or working with bolt cutter in a container. Warn others in that area that you
will be cutting metal and that material could fly. Harder materials are more likely to fly when cut than
soft materials.
• Keep bolt cutter jaws at right angle to the material being cut. Do not cut diagonally. Don't twist or pry
with jaws while cutting. Can result in breaking or chipping of jaw.
• Do not exceed tool capacity, both in size and hardness (see label on tool). Choose the proper size bolt
cutter for the material being cut.
• Do not use “cheaters” to extend the length of the bolt cutter handles. A “cheater” is usually a piece of
pipe slipped over the handle to increase leverage. This may result in breakage of the bolt cutter han-
dles and/or jaws.
• Do not cut electrical wire or cable. Cutting energized electrical wire can result in serious injury or death.
• When cutting, place the material to be cut as far into the cutter jaws as possible. This will help to min-
imize the required force. Apply slow, steady pressure to the handles when cutting.
• Do not expose the bolt cutter jaws to flame or other excessive heat. This could soften the jaws and lead
to jaw chipping or deformation.
• Do not use the bolt cutters to bend the material being cut. This is an improper use and could damage the
tool.
• Do not hammer on the bolt cutter handles. This is improper use and could damage the tool.
• Keep the handles of the tool clean and free from oil and grease.
• Keep your bolt cutters clean, properly lubricated and adjusted. Do not use a bolt cutter that has dam-
aged jaws. Use only identical RIDGID replacement parts.
If you have any questions regarding the care and use of bolt cutters, call or email Ridge Tool's Technical
Service Department at [phone] or [e-mail]
WARNING
12/2004