Hydraulic Cutting Tools for Use Under Water

Reciprocating Saw

• The CS Unitec SHARK 2 HP Hydraulic reciprocating saw is designed for marine, subsea, mining, utility and construction applications. This saw operates on 2000 psi/6 GPM and up to 13 GPM hydraulic oil. It can cut wood up to 6 inches in diameter and metal up to ¾ inches in diameter. The SHARK reciprocating saw costs around $3,000 as of 2010.

Pipe Cutters

• Underwater pipe cutters are designed to cut pipes on location at a sub-sea underwater level. The most commonly purchased model can cut from 6 inch to 36 inch in diameter metal pipes. Larger pipe cutters are also available.

Cable Cutters

• The CC15/16 cable cutter by Aqua-Air cuts cable and steel reinforced cable up to 4 inches in diameter. An adjustable cable guide allows for clean cuts and keeps cable distortion to a minimum.

Other Saws

• Underwater hydraulic chain saws by Aqua-Air Industries can be used for many underwater tasks with three models to choose from. The C025 underwater cutoff saw is designed for accurate dimensional cutting of concrete, steel I-beams and pipe.

  The CS11 Chainsaw by Stanley is designed to cut wood, bridge pilings, railroad ties and utility poles underwater. This saw's safety features include reduced kickback, interlocking triggers, bucking spurs and hand guards. The CS11 has a cutting capacity up to 43 inches.

Jaws of Life

• A tool called Jaws of Life is one of several hydraulic cutting tools used in rescue operations. This tool is designed to cut steel to free people that have been trapped inside a vehicle following a crash. Whether on land or under water, this and other hydraulic rescue tools have been used in natural disasters, building collapses and to release chained protesters. Hydraulic rescue tools are portable and require no fuel, electricity or cords. Portable rescue tools operate with an electro-hydraulic pump along with a NI-Metal Hydride battery.