cutting devices for barbed wire

[Icentropy78]

I do PSD work in North central WA. Lots of river diving some in areas of strong current and we have barbed wire in these rivers. What cutting devices do you guys prefer to carry for something like that and how do you carry them?

 

[BoltSnap]

we have barbed wire in these rivers.

What's the reason for having barbed wire in the rivers?

 

[rhwestfall]

What's the reason for having barbed wire in the rivers?

It happens with farm land...

Animals can swim...

Or it ends up in the water as debris...

 

[rjack321]

What's the reason for having barbed wire in the rivers?

Cattle fencing that ripped out by high water events

I do PSD work in North central WA. Lots of river diving some in areas of strong current and we have barbed wire in these rivers. What cutting devices do you guys prefer to carry for something like that and how do you carry them?

The only thing that will work reliably and fast is a bolt cutters. Regular wire cutters with only 1 hinge usually don't have enough leverage.

https://www.harborfreight.com/8-in-bolt-and-wire-cutter-57221.html

 

[rhwestfall]

When I was doing bridge inspections for the state in rural areas, it was amazing the stuff we encountered with the bridges used to control animals. Stuff like old bedding box springs hung from the bridges across the water... Fences were always there too.

Made for hell if the abutments needed to be dove if checking scour conditions..

 

[DrakeTheDiver]

I have used wire cutters like I use on FD for cutting battery cables in cars. They seem to be able to cut thicker wires on land. I've carried them diving but not ever used them on barbed wire, have not encountered that on any of my dives.

 

[Eric_K]

Go to any farm supply store (like Tractor Supply Store), even online and you can get wire pliers. You won't be able to get a custom holster for your dry(or wet)suit for that but find a pouch to carry it in, likely your best option.

 

[MyBuddy]

I’d go with a pair of fencing pliers, which are made for cutting that type of wire or a longer pair, say 10”, of end cut nippers which should also make short work of barbed wire.

 

[Icentropy78]

Thanks for the input. I was considering longer cutting pliers, just didn't know if anyone here has run into the same issue and found a good solution. Yeah these rivers end up with all sorts of debris especially hung up under bridges which is surprisingly where most of our searching ends up happening lol.

 

[BRT]

Thanks for the input. I was considering longer cutting pliers, just didn't know if anyone here has run into the same issue and found a good solution. Yeah these rivers end up with all sorts of debris especially hung up under bridges which is surprisingly where most of our searching ends up happening lol.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Klein-Tools-J2000-48-8-Heavy-Duty-Angled-Head-Diagonal-Cutting-Pliers?utm_source=bingad&utm_medium=shopping&msclkid=502e5ccede0514d2d2ba3bf3bd50729b

These will easily cut barb wire, but will rust of course.