Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Cut a chain with bolt cutters
• Method 2 of 3: Using a saw to cut chains
• Method 3 of 3: Cut a small jewelry chain
• Necessities
• Cut a chain with bolt cutters
• Using a saw to cut chains
• Cut a small jewelry chain

There are several reasons why you should cut a chain. Chains often need to be cut when the key to a lock is lost or when a chain needs to be a certain length. You may also have to cut a chain to shorten a chain that is too long. Whatever the reason and whatever type of chain you have, with the right tools and the right technique you can cut a chain quickly.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Cut a chain with bolt cutters

1. Get a pair of bolt cutters large enough to cut the chain. Concrete cutters come in different sizes. Find one that is large enough so that the chain you want to cut will fit between the blades when the scissors are open.
   • A large 60 cm bolt cutter should be large enough to cut most standard chains.
2. Determine the link to be cut. To cut a chain to a certain length, measure the chain and mark the link you want to cut. Remember that the link you cut will eventually be destroyed, so you need to mark the link that comes after the desired length.
   • It can be useful to mark the link with a marker so that you do not lose sight of which link to cut.
3. Put the bolt cutters on the link. You should try to place the link as far back between the blades as possible. With a large chain, however, it is better to place only one side of the link between the blades.
   • Position the bolt cutters so that you cut through the long side of the link. This makes it easier to get the bolt cutter in the right place.
   • If you put the link against the back of the blades, you have more power when cutting.
4. Cut both sides of the link. To make the chain fall apart, you have to cut the link on both sides. If you cut only one side, the link would be weakened but not fall apart.
   • With a large chain, you may need to cut one side of the link first and then the other side.
   • If you have a small chain, you can cut both sides of the link at once.

Method 2 of 3: Using a saw to cut chains

1. Choose a saw to use. If you don't have bolt cutters or you have a carbide chain that bolt cutters can't cut through, you can use a saw instead. There are a wide variety of saws that can effectively cut through a chain. Saws commonly used to cut chains can be manual or powered, including:
   • Handsaw
   • Metal grinder, such as an angle grinder.
   • Reciprocating saw
   • Scroll saw
2. Decide which link you are going to cut through. If you want to cut the chain to a certain length, measure it and mark the link you want to cut. The link that you cut is destroyed, and must therefore be the link that comes after the desired length.
   • Draw with a marker on the link you want to cut, so that you can find it during the preparation.
3. Secure the chain in a clamp or vise. It is important to make sure that the chain you are cutting does not move while you are doing this. To do this, put the chain in a vise or attach it to a solid surface with clamps. However you secure it, always make sure that the link you need to cut is in a position that you can easily reach.
   • If the chain is attached to something, such as a lock, find a link to saw that you can hold with your hands or against the chain. However, it is difficult to cut a chain by simply holding it with your hands while cutting.
4. Cut through one link. Place the blade on the link and start cutting, either by turning on your power tool or moving your handsaw over the metal. Keep cutting until both sides of the link are cut in half.
   • If you are using a handsaw, take your time and change positions if necessary. It can take a lot of energy to cut a large chain in this way.
   • Once the link is cut, it is unusable. It should be easy to pull out of the remaining solid parts of the chain.

Method 3 of 3: Cut a small jewelry chain

1. Take a small pair of nippers. To cut small chains such as necklaces, you need small pliers that can cut through metal. You can find these types of pliers at hardware stores and hobby stores.
   • If you only cut the chain once, use whatever small pliers you have. If you plan to cut a lot of necklaces, it may be helpful to purchase small jewelry pliers, which are made for cutting necklaces.
2. Place the link you want to cut in the pliers. Place the link in the tip of the pliers. Make sure to position the link so that the pliers only cut one link.
   • It doesn't take a lot of pressure to cut a very small chain, so you don't have to put it all the way in the back between the blades like you would with a large chain.
3. Cut the chain and remove the cut links. Squeeze the pliers until the link is cut in half. With a small chain, this does not require much pressure. In many cases, the cut links will fall out of the rest of the chain immediately after being cut.
   • In some cases, you will need to use fine-tipped pliers to pull out the pieces of chain that you cut from the ends of the chain.

Necessities

Cut a chain with bolt cutters

• Chain
• Concrete shears

Using a saw to cut chains

• Chain
• Saw
• Clamp or vise

Cut a small jewelry chain

• Chain
• Small nippers
• Fine needle nose pliers, if necessary