Stanley 84-205 & 84-205A Bolt Cutters
Text: Jerry Blanchard • Photos: Mike Blanchard
Gear | Shortening threaded screws and bolts often involves a hacksaw and file, or grinder, but the Stanley 84-205 and 84-205A bolt cutters can quickly cut brass and soft steel bolts and screws without damaging the threads. I prefer the A model, since it can cut screw sizes 10-32, 10-24, 12-24, 1/4-20, 1/4-28, and 5/16-18. The 84-205 model starts with 4-40 and skips some of the middle sizes. I use my Blue-Point wire stripper for cutting 4-40, 6-32, and 8-32, so I have it covered.
The tool measures a hair over 16 inches long and fits nicely in a tool chest or bag.
As with so many great tools, Stanley no longer makes these, but they show up on eBay and usually sell in the $100 and up range, depending on condition. I got lucky and found my little gem for $30 at a used tool store.