Work Bench Tools

An owner has forgotten the combination to an old lock. In order to remove the lock, he will need to use a pair of bolt-cutters.

What is known:

• A force of 45 lb is applied on each handle.
• The dimensions of the bolt-cutters are:
  

Bolt-Cutter Dimensions

If 45 lb of pressure on each handle is required to cut the lock, what is the total force exerted at point Q?

• Use symmetry to simplify the problem.
• Disassemble the tool and label the known and unknown forces acting on each segment.
• Identify two-force members
• Identify joints common to multiple members.
• Solve using the equations of equilibrium.