Bolt On Large Pruner Wont Cut

[tomst]

Hello I know this is probably not the correct forum, but i was wondering if anyone can tell me why the bolt that connects the two handles to my large tree pruner wont cut off or unscrew off? it very old and needs sharpening but cannot be sharpened unless i can separate the two handles, there is only one bolt holding them together. i could only unscrew the bolt off part way then it wont move. i tried cutting it off with a hack saw and it does not seem to even make a dent in it. any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[CincyFlyer]

On many old hand implements the pivot bolt may be staked where it comes through the nut (peened like a rivet head) and thus be larger than the hole in the nut. (Some implements don't have a nut, one side of the implement has threads; same idea). The bolt will have a shoulder, and may be somewhat difficult to find, but you can cut its head off if there is a separate nut, or drill through the other side to relieve tension if there isn't (you'll want your hole very close to the ID of the threads). Then it should unscrew.
Unless ... it's pinned, in which case you've already sheared the pin (because you've turned it a bit) and things may get dicey.

 

[tomst]

On many old hand implements the pivot bolt may be staked where it comes through the nut (peened like a rivet head) and thus be larger than the hole in the nut. (Some implements don't have a nut, one side of the implement has threads; same idea). The bolt will have a shoulder, and may be somewhat difficult to find, but you can cut its head off if there is a separate nut, or drill through the other side to relieve tension if there isn't (you'll want your hole very close to the ID of the threads). Then it should unscrew.
Unless ... it's pinned, in which case you've already sheared the pin (because you've turned it a bit) and things may get dicey.

I see what you mean, for i cannot unscrew it for it is extremely locked on and when i tried to cut it with a hack saw it did not put a dent in it. so what choice do i have other than throwing it out, is there any? Thanks

 

[CincyFlyer]

I see what you mean, for i cannot unscrew it for it is extremely locked on and when i tried to cut it with a hack saw it did not put a dent in it. so what choice do i have other than throwing it out, is there any? Thanks

Being a small implement, I'm sure you can apply even more torque to the bolt head; you should first screw it all the way in then grind it flush on the other end, then try to remove it. If that doesn't work, grind off the head. You can always drill out the remaining part.
It appears to be fairly tough metal, you may need a special blade to cut it (and a cobalt bit to drill it.)

 

[bcp]

Find a different way to sharpen it while it is together.

Bruce

 

[mddorange]

:welcome:
To the TBN forum Tom. As you can see, you can get any question answered here.

 

[tomst]

Thanks i'm glad i can ask questions here! I will see if i can retighten the bolt and if possible see if i can sharpen it with a stone, if not i guess i will have to grind off the head of the screw or the nut.
my big problem too is i cannot find my large vice to hold it in place. will get back to you guys, Thanks

 

[Doofy]

Thanks i'm glad i can ask questions here! I will see if i can retighten the bolt and if possible see if i can sharpen it with a stone, if not i guess i will have to grind off the head of the screw or the nut.
my big problem too is i cannot find my large vice to hold it in place. will get back to you guys, Thanks

I have misplaced a lot of things but I have never lost a vise. Good luck.

 

[/pine]

I have misplaced a lot of things but I have never lost a vise. Good luck.

I had the same thought... also, a vice should be secured to something formidable...

Good luck to the OP...likely a hardened bolt and tool steel...I'd use a cut off wheel and replace the bolt with either a nylon insert locknut or use a second jam nut to get the right clearance for the shear...

 

[mddorange]

I have misplaced a lot of things but I have never lost a vise. Good luck.

Me either on the vise. I always know exactly where it is. In fact sometimes I find it when I am not looking for it. :duh:

 

[tomst]

I lost all my "vice's" when i turned to the lord!!!!LOL!!!!

 

[mddorange]

I lost all my "vice's" when i turned to the lord!!!!LOL!!!!

We weren't talking about "vices."

 

[newbury]

Thanks i'm glad i can ask questions here! I will see if i can retighten the bolt and if possible see if i can sharpen it with a stone, if not i guess i will have to grind off the head of the screw or the nut.
my big problem too is i cannot find my large vice to hold it in place. will get back to you guys, Thanks

I sharpen with a 4.5" grinding wheel on a Harbor Freight angle grinder. Which with a cutting wheel could be used to take the head off the bolt.

 

[Coyote machine]

Open the jaws, sharpen the cutting edge with a diamond flat file. No need to break apart the jaws.

 

[CincyFlyer]

Open the jaws, sharpen the cutting edge with a diamond flat file. No need to break apart the jaws.

Depending on how it's built, that won't always work. Mine has a flat side; once it's worn, it will need to be ground flat again, including the pivot area. It is hard chromed, however, and hasn't needed that yet. The other blade can be sharpened while assembled.

 

[mcfarmall]

We weren't talking about "vices."

Correct. We are talking "vises."

 

[Coyote machine]

Depending on how it's built, that won't always work. Mine has a flat side; once it's worn, it will need to be ground flat again, including the pivot area. It is hard chromed, however, and hasn't needed that yet. The other blade can be sharpened while assembled.

Depends on whether bypass or lopper/anvil type blade. Shouldnt need to breakdown to achieve a sharp edge...

 

[ning]

Is it possibly reverse-threaded?

 

[Pete O]

It's a boon that the pivot bolt is hardened, you won't find that in much modern equipment. It would be a shame to cut it and then replace it with something inferior. As mentioned above, the thread end of the bolt has probably been peened to prevent the nut being lost. Tighten the nut all the way in to expose the peened end of the thread, then grind the mushroomed end of the thread back until you can unscrew the nut.

 

[MilersoPisa]

Well, first of all, you should unscrew the bolt in half so that it is easier for you to cut it off. You can cut it off, but if u don't unscrew it first, you won't succeed, and most of it will remain inside. It should be cut off so that there is still a piece left and you can safely pull it out. If you don't have the right tool for this operation, you won't do anything. To do this, I advise you to take special precision professional scissors. As far as I know, the scissors have an inclined cutting blade, and for such work, this type will suit u. I'm like a gardener, and I use this type to work with internal branches and tools I use one of the service companies hausandgarten.com which is suitable for my activity.