Metal chains come in many different lengths, and metal chains can be shortened by cutting them. Not all tools work to cut a metal chain. So, in this article I cover what can be used to cut a metal chain and how to do it.
A hacksaw, bolt cutters, and angle grinder with a metal cutting blade, and a sawzall (reciprocating saw) with a metal blade can be used to cut a metal chain. With bolt cutters you don’t need to secure the chain. But, with the other tools, secure at least one side in a vice or using a clamp.
Otherwise, the chain will move around a lot which makes it difficult to cut. Below, I will cover a range of different tools that can be used to cut a metal chain, how well they work, and the specific requirements for using them.
What Can You Use To Cut Metal Chain? (How To)
To cut a metal chain you only need to cut one of the links. However, you do need to cut both sides of the link. Metal is not difficult to cut if you use the right tools, so this is what can be used to cut a metal chain.
As a general rule, you can use bolt cutters, an angle grinder with a metal blade, a hacksaw, and a reciprocating saw (sawzall) with a metal blade. When using bolt cutters you can simply cut the chain. But, with the other tools, secure one or both sides with a clamp or in a vice.
Otherwise the chain will move around and it will be very difficult to cut. Choose whichever tool you have available or you find easiest to use. In general, bolt cutters are the fastest thing to use to cut a chain.
Can You Use Chainsaw To Cut Metal Chain?
Chainsaws are very effective at cutting wood, however, they are typically not used to cut metal. Chainsaws are very powerful, but this is whether a chainsaw can and should be used to cut a metal chain.
As a general rule, you can not use a chainsaw to cut a metal chain. Chainsaw blades are not designed to cut metal, and doing so will ruin the chain, and it can kickback. A special chain made for cutting metal can be purchased and used. But, other tools are easier to use.
A chainsaw can also be taken apart and modified so that it has an angle grinder type attachment that can be used to cut metal such as a chain. But, overall, it’s easier and simpler to use a different tool. Such as a hacksaw, bolt cutters, or an angle grinder with a metal attachment.
Can You Use Bolt Cutters To Cut Metal Chain?
Bolt cutters are designed for cutting metal and generate a lot of force. Chains have solid metal that are similar in size and thickness to bolts. So, here’s a summary of whether bolt cutters can be used to cut a metal chain, and how well they work.
Bolt cutters can be used to cut a metal chain. Larger bolt cutters are easier to use than smaller bolt cutters. For small thin chains any size bolt cutters will work. But, for very thick chains, larger bolt cutters are required.
Otherwise, the bolt cutters can break or require too much force to cut the chain. Bolt cutters are one of the easiest ways to cut a metal chain. Provided the bolt cutters are large enough.
All you need to do is put the bolt cutters on one of the links, and squeeze them to cut the link open. You need to cut both sides of one of the links in a chain to remove it.
Can You Use Angle Grinder To Cut Metal Chain?
An angle grinder is commonly used for a bunch of different things. There are also multiple different blades that are made for them. Here’s a rundown of whether an angle grinder can be used to cut a metal chain.
In general, an angle grinder can cut a metal chain. But, only if a metal attachment is used. Angle grinders easily cut a metal chain. However, it creates a lot of sparks and will cause the chain to become very hot. At least one end of the chain needs to be secured using clamps or vice.
Most chains are made of steel. Steel like other metals produces a lot of sparks if it’s cut using an angle grinder.
Therefore, it’s important to position the metal chain where the sparks won’t fly anywhere you don’t want them to
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on September 28, 2022.
Can You Use Metal Lathe To Cut Metal Chain?
A metal lathe is a metalworking tool that is quite versatile. A metal lathe is generally used to shape metal very precisely. So, this is whether you can use a metal lathe to cut a metal chain.
As a general rule, a metal lathe can be used to cut a metal chain. A metal cutting blade can be attached to a lathe. A chain can then be attached to a vice and fed into the metal cutting blade to cut it. However, there are tools that are easier to use for cutting a metal chain.
If you clamp a metal chain into the spinning part of a metal lathe, the free end will whip around. Therefore, the only way to do it is by attaching a metal cutting blade to the lathe.
Can You Use Sawzall To Cut Metal Chain?
A sawzall also called a reciprocating saw is a handy tool that is in essence a power saw. They work very well for cutting a range of different materials. So here’s how well a sawzall works at cutting a metal chain and if it works at all.
Overall, you can use a sawzall to cut a metal chain. But, only if you use a metal cutting blade. There are different types of cutting blades for sawzalls. However, only a metal cutting blade will be effective at cutting a metal chain. Using a different type of blade will damage the blade.
A sawzall with a metal saw blade works in the same way as a hacksaw. The difference is instead of manually needing to saw the chain, the sawzall does all the work.
How To Cut Metal Chain
The metal of a chain is typically very dense and thick, and a chain is flexible and will move around a lot. Therefore, care needs to be taken when cutting a metal chain, and using a tried and true method is the best idea. So, below is how to cut a metal chain.
In general, secure at least one end, and then cut it using a hacksaw, angle grinder with a metal blade, a sawzall with a metal blade, or bolt cutters. With bolt cutters you don’t need to secure the chain. A vice is the best for securing a metal chain. But, clamps are also effective.
A metal chain can be attached to something or free on both ends. For example, it can be attached to the entrance to a car park and you’ve lost the key or combination for the lock. The tool you use to cut a chain depends on if the chain is secured to something or loose.
If it’s attached then bolt cutters, a hacksaw, an angle grinder, or sawzall are the best things to use. Whereas, a metal lathe can not be used. When the chain you’re cutting is free on both ends, then the same tools can be used.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on September 28, 2022.
Except that a metal lathe can now be used. The best way to cut a metal chain is to secure the link you are cutting. Ideally, a vice is best because they are extremely strong. However, clamps can also be used.
For example, if you are using a sawzall the chain will move back and forward with the motion of the blade as you try to cut it. Which means it will take much longer to cut.
Overall, bolt cutters, an angle grinder with a metal cutting blade, a hacksaw, a metal lathe with a metal cutting blade, and a sawzall with a metal cutting blade can be used to cut a chain. If using a power tool, secure at least one end of the chain to keep the chain in place while you cut it.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on September 28, 2022.