Posted: 5/17/2012 7:33:15 PM EDT
|
I have been wondering what would be a good lightweight, compact tool for cutting through a fence, should the need arise, in an emergency situation. I think that the most common fence types that would present a challenge would be chain link or razor wire.
I am not a fence expert so I did a little bit of research on the internet to try to understand more about these types of fences. If there are any fence experts out there I would appreciate hearing your opinions. It looks like the heaviest chain link fences are 6 gauge steel. 6 gauge steel is 0.192 inch diameter or about 4.9 mm. I assume that it is fairly mild steel but I am not sure of that. Razor wire is typically barbed steel (galvanized or stainless) tape (typically 0.55 - 0.58 mm) wrapped around a 2.65 to 3.0 mm high carbon spring steel wire core. So, my conclusion is that I should look for a tool that is as compact and lightweight as possible while having the capability to cut 5 mm mild steel and 3 mm high carbon spring steel wire. After looking around, again on the internet, I have selected KNIPEX CoBolt model 71 12 200 link. They cut 6 mm soft wire, 5.2 mm nails, 4 mm hard wire, and 3.6 mm piano wire. They are 200 mm (7.9 in) long and weigh 345 gram (7.1 oz). 
Obviously, large bolt cutters will cut better but would be more difficult to transport. Does anyone have any useful information about fence characteristics or tools? |
|
A fence to me says, "I own this place and I want others to stay out." Cutting/Entering/Crossing would lead to the exact type of confrontation I would be doing my best to avoid. If someone was cutting through your fence during a SHTF scenario how would you respond?
...with that said, I would think linesman's pliers should do it for the most common fences. |
| Wife and I took a drive a few years back. Came across a deer with it's leg caught in the top fence wire. We drove up to the house. Knocked, told the guy he had deer caught, he grabbed a set of bullnosed pliers. We went down to the fence the deer didn't even try to get away. He cut it's leg out, deer took off, he repaired the fence, took about 5 minuttes total from the time we drove up. Next day I bought a pair of bullnosed pliers for the tool box. Looked like the perfect tool for installing and repairing fences. |
|
I can cut standard 2 strand barb wire (the kind of fencing in/out livestock) one handed with my SOG Power-Lock.
Doesn't get much lighter or more compact than that. Haven't been around the Moore Maker fencing pliers, seem a touch over priced to me though. Don't get me wrong, Moore Maker produces good products. When I can buy 3 pair of universal fence pliers like you see on every ranch and farm for the price of a set of Moore Maker's though, that's what I'll get. Quantity isn't always better than quality, but I've built miles and miles of barb wire fence and never worn out a pair of decent made fence pliers. Just my $.02 |
|
Quoted:
If you start cutting my fence, I start shooting. :-) I grew up on a farm. I understand how people feel about their fences. My only experience with fences is repairing barbed wire and other farm type fences (many years ago). I am just wondering what tools would work with modern, higher security type fences, if the need should arise under very unusual circumstances. |
|
No, don't Might be ok as an improvised tool, but I never had much use for that Although most of the time our bayo's stayed unissued anyways |
|
I cannot speak regarding razor wire, etc. However, there is an abundance of regular two strand barbed wire on my place. I often end up cutting it to help funnel deer (I don't raise cattle, and my place has been transformed from beef production to whitetail hunting). Regular no-nonsense 8" linesman's pliers work without a fuss. I cannot speak for others but I have pretty good hand strength (shocked the hell out of the surgeon who worked on my carpal) so regular linesmans cut everything from barbed wire to 4" nails. maybe redneck but it works for me
|