How to Cut a Bolt

Do you have bolts that are too long and need a way to cut them down in size to make them work? I know I did when I installed a new toilet and purchased a universal bolt kit. The bolt was so long that I couldn't put the toilet bowl cover on! With these simple steps you'll be on your way to cutting a bolt with ease the proper way and saving your bolt threads!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hacksaw
• Steel wire brush
• Non-detergent oil
• Metal file
• Vise

1. 
   Brace the bolt in the vise.

   Brace the bolt securely in your vise. Then put two nuts all the way down on the bolt. That way they are nice and snug and won't get in the way.

2. 
   Oil the bolt.

   Put some non-detergent oil, such as 3 in 1 oil on the part of the bolt that you are going to cut off. That way it will keep your work cool, prevent little particles of metal flying all over, and help your hacksaw glide through the threads a little easier.

3. 
   Cut the bolt with a hacksaw.

   Put your hacksaw into the groves that you want to cut. The threads are not flat straight across, so you'll be cutting across through the threads. Just saw back and forth until you get the top of the bolt off.

4. 
   Brush off the loose debris.

   Brush the part of the bolt that you cut off with a steel wire brush to get any loose debris out of the way.

5. 
   File down the end of the bolt.

   Use a metal file and tilt it in to file down the jagged piece of steel on the bolt where you cut to make it nice and smooth. That way it won't prevent the nut from going on and off of the bolt.

6. 
   Unscrew the bolt nut.

   Apply more oil on the bolt threads and unscrew the nut as far as it will go. Then use a wrench to gently rotate the nut back and forth making sure not to damage the threads. Remove the nut and then screw it back down all the way on the bolt to make sure that the threads are still good.

7. 
   You saved yourself a trip!

   Your bolt is now shortened and you saved yourself a trip to the hardware store!

Tips & Warnings

• Use gloves while you're cutting a bolt.

[sabrinacareer]

on 5/27/2009 Useful info on how to cut a bolt. thanks!

[angelanyc]

on 3/30/2009 Very informative artitcle with clear easy steps!