I bought a USED 36 " bolt cutter made by HKP . Is it missing a part ?

Question

This USED tool has an adjusting bolt on one solid CAST handle that simply screws into itself , ( I see no related moving part that would adjust the cutter blade gap) .  Is a moving part missing ? 
 It makes NO sense (as is) because it will either strip out the threads , shear off or break the solid casting if I tighten this "adjusting bolt" . It has no influence whatsoever on moving anything but itself .It's a 36" HKP #5 bolt cutter . Can someone explain who is familar with this tool ? Thanks.

Anonymous · Answer

It's an adjustable stop.  The blade teeth are never supposed to contact each other.  So you're not mechanical.  Oh well.

@Stu:  You're funny!
Your question was about the strange single bolt.  It's not an adjustable cutter.  It's open.  It's closed. Turn the bolt so the cutting surfaces are just open when the handles are closed.  Use a piece of paper so the cutting surfaces can't grasp the paper.  Good job!

mermeliz · Answer

Make sure you've got it lubed up a bit then check this video out on how to dress the cutting edges and then adjust the gap:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8TUCm0Okb0
Another good video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJIzUgt-0k

Anonymous · Answer

Take it with you and go to a tool store and ask those guys if they can show you how it works.  They will find a bolt and cut it. Now you know.

STEVEN F · Answer

Dze is MOSTLY correct. The cutting blades SHOULD touch just as the mechanical stops meet.

Dze · Answer

i think all that is, is a 'stop' to keep the cutting edges from actually touching when fully closed .. when you break a bolt etc, it will 'pop' and if the jaw/blades contact abruptly like that the hardened material of the blades can chip or break .. the blades should not touch when fully closed .. there should be a mm or 2 gap ..

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I bought a USED 36 " bolt cutter made by HKP . Is it missing a part ?

5 Answers