Leisesturm

I have three pairs of fenders (Planet Bike) to mount. All need the struts shortened around 1/2". They look really bad with the struts left alone. I used a hacksaw with the struts clamped in my workstand to do a rear fender. It worked, but... is there a faster way? Would hardware store snips ($13) have enough grunt to bite through fender struts? Thanks.

Leebo

Dremel with a cut off tool?

dsbrantjr

I use a Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel for such work. I also have suitable bolt cutters. I would worry that tin snips would have the edges damaged trying to cut them.

Eggman84

Why not take a fender with tays attached to the store and see if a pair of cutters will work. Then use a file to smooth the cut.

79pmooney

Serious bolt cutters. Finish with a file. Like Eggman suggests. (I looked up as I was writing this and saw his post. Great(?) minds think alike.)

I find usually the stay lengths to look right aren't exactly equal side to side. The bolt cutter approach can be done in place and looks right. No chance of confusion (like when the phone rings after you just took both off to cut them with a hacksaw). The hacksaw cut files smooth faster but the overall is faster with the cutters. Especially if you have several files; a course one to quickly shape the cut and a finer one to clean up the scratches.

Ben

Andrew R Stewart 

I hack saw in a vice then round off the cut end on my grinder. Andy

PdalPowr

Now that is smart thinking.
Though I would bring all three fenders to the store.

fietsbob

Bolt cutters, then file, or bench grinder, the end smooth..

HillRider

Unless you are equipping a large fleet of bikes with fenders, how long can it take to cut maybe a dozen stays to length with a hacksaw? Decent bolt cutters are expensive and for a one time use, it will take you a lot longer to drive to the hardware store and buy a pair than to do the job with a hacksaw.

Leisesturm

Each rear fender has four stays. Each front has two. (x3!) I cut the stays in pairs. Takes ~5 minutes to get 1/2way through then bend back and forth till it breaks. File smooth. Yes, bolt cutters are overkill, but the hacksaw is overrated. Unless it is what I HAVE to do. This forum has saved me time and effort in the past. I thought I would see how someone else would approach it. Thanks.

IrishBrewer

An angle grinder with a cutoff wheel would make quick work of them. You can even use it to ease the edges of the cuts to minimize any filing/sanding needed.

FBOATSB

Definitely a high RPM abrasive cut off tool, but I have had these things laying around for decades. If working in shorts and flip flops, then I would forego all the sparks and flying debris and use a hacksaw, but not for more than one cut.

rumrunn6

if you use cutters, use safety glasses. the snapped ends fly at an alarming velocity. usually across the room, but you never know ...

noglider 

Most of the time, I use a pair of diagonal cutters. But this is one of the worst ways.

79pmooney

I said "serious" bolt cutters. I wouldn't go out and buy them to cut fender stays. They cost over $100 many years ago. As a former sailboat owner and racer and home owner, they have paid for themselves many times over. Having them to do fenders now is just a perk but a rather nice one!

Ben

jimmie65

18" bolt cutters and a file. Because the 30" cutters might be overkill.

JohnnyCyclist

You're obviously better off with better tools. Me, I did it "the hard way" with a hacksaw and hand file because those are the tools I had, and I figured I wouldn't need more advanced tools again in the future (and so far I haven't).

... but there was that electric chainsaw that I borrowed, used, and immediately bought one of my own ... a different story entirely .

HillRider

Apparently what you need is a better hacksaw and higher quality blades. I've cut fender stays in the past and, with a decent saw, they take maybe 30 seconds to cut and less than that to file smooth.

wesmamyke

I've used a junk pair of cable cutters, It's brutal on your hands and the pieces go flying. Bought a pair of Knipex mini bolt cutters with the extra notch. Super easy, things go through anything that will fit in them. Fender stays, QR skewers, bolts, just custom chopped a wald basket down the other day with no issues.

Dean51 

Been there. I used a thin (1/32" thick) abrasive wheel in an air powered die grinder. Wham-bam and the deed is done.

Dean

capnjonny 

Just did this using a diamond hack saw blade then smoothing and tapering the ends on my 6" x 48" belt sander. The diamond blade looks like it has sand glued to the cutting edge, diamond sand. Never wears out and will cut almost anything. I also have a 4" angle grinder with a Diamond cut off blade on it if you want to use a power tool. Used to use it to cut stucco with its embedded wire.

Gresp15C

I've done it with a pair of cutting pliers, followed by hand file.

Diamond hack saw blade sounds like a nice idea.

CliffordK

I don't use fenders a lot, but I think I've seen them bent into a loop, which would prevent them from snagging stuff... as much. And, less need to file the end.

Leisesturm

I like the way you think. I'm on this...

pdlamb

Dremel tool or lineman's pliers. Either way, the result is enough to punch holes in your calf, so take the time to file the ends round.