Best tool for breaking all seals ?

ChanceMaster · Dec 10, 2011

Have had a few loads lately where we have had moderate difficulty breaking the security seals. We currently have a rusted pair of long handeled bolt cutters, and a pair of new metal "snips".

Our last seal was a thicker metal cable seal that took up the whole padlock hasp area ( no room for the padlock ) and we had to use the long handeled bolt cutters. It took several minutes of "biting through" and various twisting motions to finally fray and cut through. We looked a bit amateurish, im sure.

Does anyone use a tool or method that works well for these cable seals, or the "bolt" type seals ?

Thanks !

scottm4211 · Dec 10, 2011

A 24" bolt cutter from Home Depot. Around 18 bucks.

greg334 · Dec 10, 2011

36 inch is better, especially for those government seals.

zorry · Dec 10, 2011

We had a heavy cable seal that we took to Sears. After trying everything they had we bought a grinder with a large cutting wheel. At the del we put on googles, took a pair of pliers to pull the seai tight, and burned thru the seal in seconds. I'll probably put a 110 outlet near the tailgate controls of my new truck. This would not be good near hazmat, but the customer that is there to offload via liftgate was highly impressed. WW Granger sells a cable cutter but its about $70. I bought a cable seal cutter from U-Line, but left it at home and have never used it.

jjoerger · Dec 10, 2011

I don't have one but I have seen a battery powered drill with a cut off wheel slice right through those cable seals.

zorry · Dec 10, 2011

A few of the military bases we've been to lately have had a Makita battery powered cutter. The cutting blades looked like tin snips.It's made easy work of anything I've seen it cut. That's what I'd be looking for.

LDB · Dec 10, 2011

Usually one and always two shots from the .45 cut through anything.

gotta go · Dec 10, 2011

With the bolt seals I back up to the door and let them cut it off.

bubblehead · Dec 10, 2011

I went to WEST MARINE and bought a pair of cutters used for making rigging. The brand name is CLAUSS ($29.00)it is about 10" long and cuts the heavy cable seals we get from FEDEX. One handed and 1/2 second and it is done. The titanium edge and compound levering make it easy. For the bolt seals we use the standard bolt cutters.

Tennesseahawk · Dec 10, 2011

I carry a pair of 36" bolt cutters and a backup pair of 18", in case the 36" breaks. Yes, I had a pair break on me before (Harbor Freight garbage).

teamjdw · Dec 10, 2011

rechargeable dremel with cutting blade,small compact,cut's wire seal's,like a hot knife thru butter! $50.00 at walmart

zorry · Dec 11, 2011

Jeff, that day at Sears the salesman kept going back to the dremel. Have you cut a cable seal thats alittle thicker than a cigarette? Do you use the litte dime size wheel?

ChanceMaster · Dec 11, 2011

Great ideas everyone ! Think I will try my rechargeable drill with a cutting wheel, never thought of that. Thanks for your time replying !

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redytrk · Dec 11, 2011

This one looks pretty good.Park Tool Co. » CN-10 : Professional Cable and Housing Cutter : Brake Tools

Yesteryear · Dec 11, 2011

We have a pair of cutters for small metal cables and a small cordless grinder for the large cables.

nightcreacher · Dec 11, 2011

guess im lucky,all my customers cut the seals,i dont have to fool with them

ChanceMaster · Dec 11, 2011

nightcreacher said:
guess im lucky,all my customers cut the seals,i dont have to fool with them

Our last customer had no way of cutting the seal. He politely informed us that he expected us to do it, and I think he was right.

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teamjdw · Dec 11, 2011

zorry said:
Jeff, that day at Sears the salesman kept going back to the dremel. Have you cut a cable seal thats alittle thicker than a cigarette? Do you use the litte dime size wheel?

I use it on fedex canadian seals,works awsome.I've tried wire cutter's etc.... nothing works as well,or quickly as the dremel with the dime size wheel.I have not had to cut a seal the size of a cigarette,but if they are just strands of wire wraped together,it would still work.may just take a little longer?