Tool to cut my mast free

[KindOfBlue]

Looking for the right tool to have on board in case I lose my mast or need to cut my stays and shrouds for some other reason. I was going to just go down to the home center (or harbor freight) and get a bolt cutter, but wanted to get some opinions on the best tool. Is a hacksaw better than a bolt cutter? I have seen some hydraulic cutters too.

I have 3/8's inch cable.

[SVDistantStar]

Bolt cutter is the way to go. Ive tried cutting SS wire with a hacksaw, its a pain. Ive got 2 of them that stay on my boat all the time.

[capngregg]

You might want to investigate the battery powered "Dremel" type tools. They can be fitted with an abasive cutoff disc and are very handy for lots of chores aboard the boat. If you have AC power you can go direct to a 110 outlet.

If a cordless drill/screw gun is part of your on-board tool box you can just get a mandrel and some cutoff discs to use with it.

Cutoff wheels will make short work of just about any size cable. You may want a hacksaw on-board too though.

[Freesail99]

I agree about the bolt cutters. A hacksaw is under $8.00, be a sport and pick one up also, you'll never know.

[funsailthekeys]

I've got bolt cutters ( $49.00) and rigging cutters ($349.00), the rigging cutters only cut slightly cleaner. If I'm installing rigging ends such as a Sta-loc then I use a hack saw for the cleanest cut.

[beej67]

bolt cutter >>> hacksaw for cutting stainless wiring, as well as for cutting master locks you've lost the key for.

Particularly for the kind of application you're talking about. (losing a mast in an emergency and needing something to get the job done quick, in rough seas)

[Idiens]

The test results I have read about recommend either an explosive cutter or a hydraulic cutter, with ratchet cutters coming third and standard bolt cutters coming last.

The explosive cutter can be operated with one hand, important in sea-state circumstances - when a mast might need to be freed in a short period - and you need to hang on. It is also the fastest. Its downside is its fierceness of attack, bits can fly off fast. It's not cheap. Practice is recommended, as are safety clothing/goggles.

The hydraulic cutter is a lot smaller, very powerful, slower than explosive, but at least as expensive if not more so. They can be handled almost with one hand.

Ratchet cutters can hack it, if big enough. Cheaper than the above two but more expensive than bolt cutters. Some can be used single handed, but not all.

Bolt cutters generally need whole body weight on one arm while the other is held down on the deck, they are cheap, but rust, loose sharpness and cutting power rapidly.

Then there's the axe and anvil approach ....

[funsailthekeys]

if you have a wooden mast do not for get the chainsaw

[c40eb]

For the money, bolt cutters are the way to go. With enough leverage (read that as longer handles), they are quick and powerful.

The short handled ones you normally see at the local hardware store are more difficult to use.

Of course, you could do like they do in the movies and shoot the chain/wire/cuffs/rope. Might work for rigging.

Anyone volunteer to try?

[Faster]

In my experience bolt cutters won't always cut through the last strands of wire rope, especially if it's not under load.

I do carry bolt cutters but plan to add a carbide blade hacksaw too as a backup (they're cheap, as mentioned above.)