Best tool to cut through a suspension bolt (which isn't a grinder..)?

[aaronjb]

Before I go out and buy something that ultimately won't work and will just frustrate me more

I need to get the lower wishbone off the Jag and the pivot bolt will not give up it's rusty hold on the chassis. On the drivers side we were able to split the wishbone to take the forward half off and then pound the bolt back just enough to get the grinder in and take the rearward bolt head off et viola, the wishbone was off.

Passenger side is having none of that and to make matters worse the two halves of the wishbone have rusted themselves together - ultimately meaning I can't get the grinder in there (maybe a 9" but I don't have one of those.. not to mention I'd risk easily slicing the wishbone!)


I think I can get something with a reciprocating blade in there, though.. so the question is - if you had to cut through a 1/2" hardened pivot bolt would you use:

1) Something like this: http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=110&storeId=10151&partNumber=432920 (not necessarily the cheapest nastiest one, but this kind of thing)
or
2) http://www.sealey.co.uk/PLPageBuilder.asp?gotonode=ViewProduct&method=mViewProduct&productid=11725&productdescription=&productcode=&category=12&catgroup=307&catmicrogroup=&analysiscode=&requiredresults=16


I worry about access with option 1 and with option 2 most of the manuals say 'max cutting capacity = 2mm' so I wonder if I'd be on a hiding to nothing!


P.S. Custard pie in the face to the first person who says "Use a hacksaw you big girl!"

[henryd]

If you have a compressor why not pick up a cheap air saw,with a decent hacksaw blade fitted it should do what you want,its not quick but should be ok

[aaronjb]

That's what I thought - option 2 is just a more expensive version with longer stroke.. but on reading the manuals for the cheaper air saws they say 'Max cutting thickness 2mm' - a bolt is considerably thicker..

But logically I did think "Well it's just an air powered hacksaw" and I've used a hacksaw to cut through bolts plenty of times

[henryd]

That's what I thought - option 2 is just a more expensive version with longer stroke.. but on reading the manuals for the cheaper air saws they say 'Max cutting thickness 2mm' - a bolt is considerably thicker..

But logically I did think "Well it's just an air powered hacksaw" and I've used a hacksaw to cut through bolts plenty of times

It'll cut any thickness bolt you want,just takes longer.

[aaronjb]

Air saw it is, then!

I do love buying new tools 

[Kevin Wood]

What about one of the small air powered disk cutters? I think you'll be there all day with either option, but it might bet into the area easier?

I have both one of those and an el-cheapo reciprocating saw if you'd rather not splurge on a tool for a single use?

Argh! What am I saying? Any excuse to buy toys.

[feeutfo]

Can't get a jig saw on it, just to see if the blade will make any inroads on a hardened bolt...?

I wonder do the air saws take much to stall the blade? Guessing not.

[aaronjb]

Unfortunately not - there's too much chassis around the bolt to get anything with a short blade on it in there; which is also the problem with the grinder - you can get part way through the bolt, though, so I could always start with that and finish the slow way with the air saw...

The air saw that I just ordered, that is 

[Dishevelled Den]

Air saw it is, then!

I do love buying new tools 

Use a hacksaw ya big girl ya.

[aaronjb]

Use a hacksaw ya big girl ya.

We have a winner! How would you like your pie delivered, Den?

[Kevin Wood]

Use a hacksaw ya big girl ya.

We have a winner! How would you like your pie delivered, Den?

At speed, sloppy side first, in the general direction of his face?

[feeutfo]

Sideways on, mouth wide open.

[markrnorton]

I had a similar issue removing a bolt from the front suspension last week. I got a blowtorch on it for about 5 mins, heated it up.
It was enough to break the rust and get a splitter on the joint.

Try a bit of heat ?

[Dishevelled Den]

  Splendid.

[feeutfo]

Yes was thinking heat earlier. Didn't mention it