H.K. Porter (HK Porter or HKP) is one of the main hand tool brands from Apex Tool Group. HK Porter is known for making professional level cutting tools that work hard and are long lasting. Recently, they announced their newest HK Porter double compound bolt cutters they are dubbing their Powerlink technology. We got a pair in-house to check out for ourselves.
The HK Porter double compound bolt cutters were developed using modern technology—basically they’re CAD-designed. These bolt cutters feature a double compound action system that takes the idea of a standard pair of pliers or snips and ramps up the pressure by reducing the effort at the handles by around 30 percent. Compared to traditional bolt cutters, the HK Porter double compound bolt cutters seem to be limited only by the composition and durability of the steel jaws. The handles are made from high strength steel, and we had the 24″ model which delivered a ton of leverage for getting a powerful bite on bolts or heavy chain. Specially engineered induction-hardened center cut blades deliver exceptional blade durability.
“H.K. Porter raises the bar with these new Powerlink Bolt Cutters. End users can rely on this tool to make powerful cuts with less effort than before, allowing them to complete tough jobs quickly and efficiently.”
Jason Wirth, product manager for H.K. Porter
The blades on the HK Porter Powerlink bolt cutters are precision-ground and induction-hardened, making these bolt cutters easy to use on bolts, chain, strapping steel, wrought iron, and other larger diameter hard materials. The tubular steel handles are comfortable to use, and the ends are wrapped in a rubberized grip. You can fit up to 5/16 in. diameter material in the jaws, and the hardness rating of the cutters is 48HRC—about the hardness of the steel fasteners used to hold down railroad tracks. When you pick them up you can really feel and understand the advantages of the double compound mechanism. The tool action almost folds into itself, giving you a lot more leverage—but at the expense of having to open up the handles a bit wider than usual.
The dual power links (hence the name) are forged and incredibly strong. If you need an easy-to-use pair of bolt cutters, the new HK Porter Powerlink bolt cutters (models 0090MCD and 0190MCD) are great tools to consider. You can get the new bolt cutters in the following handle lengths:
- 0090MCD
18-inch (cuts up to 9/32” HRC 48 materials) - 0190MCD
24-inch (cuts up to 5/16” HRC 48 materials)
Using the HK Porter Double Compound Bolt Cutters
I was able to use the HK Porter double compound bolt cutters on a couple of tasks. I didn’t have any actual jobs that required these at the moment, so I fell back to simply testing them on some applications I found in my workshop. While many of these tasks were pretty vanilla, I decided to try out my luck snapping through a link on a Crown Bolt 5/16 in. Grade 30 galvanized proof coil chain (I use it to secure my ladders). Now, I’m not going to say that the HKP cut through it like butter—mostly because I use a lot of butter, and this was a lot harder than that. I will tell you, however, that when I braced one handle against my body and pull the other handle towards me in a controlled squeeze, I snapped clean through it in one continuous pull. Some true “muscle men” may be able to grab both handles and pull off a horizontal snap, but at this capacity that wasn’t in the cards for this reviewer! Examining the cutting heads, there were discoloration markings, but not a single dent or nick in the steel. These are some very nice, and very powerful, bolt cutters. If they can cut through these bolts, they can handle about anything you’d expect to throw at them.
HK Porter Double Compound Bolt Cutters Specs
- Dimensions: 3 x 12 x 27 in.
- Handle Length: 21 in.
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Manufacturer Warranty: Limited lifetime
HK Porter Powerlink Bolt Cutters Features
- Double compound cutting action
- Induction hardened, center cut blades
- Tubular steel handles for ultimate strength and cutting support
- Rubber grips for comfort
- Maximum capacity: 5/16 in. dia.
- Hardness: 48HRC
Almost everyone can use a set of bolt cutters, and these new cutters from HKP present an alternative to the tedious, arm-breaking leverage required for larger-diameter cuts. I found these to be simpler to use, and much less fatiguing over multiple cuts. Priced around $50 for the 24-inch model 0190MCD, it’s going to be hard not to recommend these for anyone in the market for a durable pair of cutters.
