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: