What tool would you use for cutting bolts and steel rods?

The tool ideal for cutting bolts and steel rods is bolt cutters. Bolt cutters are specifically designed to handle the high tensile strength of materials like steel and can cut through thick steel rods and bolts with ease. They feature long handles that provide the leverage needed to exert substantial force, making them effective for cutting through hard metals.

While metal shears are great for slicing through thin sheets of metal and fabricating metal components, they are not equipped to handle the thickness and rigidity of bolts or steel rods. A hacksaw can cut through metal as well, but it typically requires more manual effort and may not provide the clean, quick cuts that bolt cutters can achieve for thicker steel. An angle grinder, although versatile, is primarily used for grinding and cutting applications with a rotary action, which may not be the most efficient or precise tool for cutting bolts and rods as it could be more hazardous and create excessive sparks or heat. Thus, bolt cutters are the most suitable and effective choice for this task.