Originally Posted by
RunForTheHills
I read this a lot and don't really believe it is true, but maybe I am not understanding it correctly.... If a u-lock is small enough gauge to be defeated by bolt cutters, the same bolt cutters will also make short work of the cable.
Not quite. A bolt cutter doesn't have to be particularly sharp. It doesn't even have to have the two jaws come together fully. It doesn't make a clean cut. Last part of the item being cut is simply forced apart, leaving a granular surface.
A bolt cutter like that will struggle with a cable. A cable will flatten and widen between the jaws. Some strands will break. Many will remain. "Chewing" through won't work particularly well.
The thief will need another pair of pliers to finish the job.