In "Roger Long" writes:

I'm locked out of my boat and have to cut the small pad lock off the
companionway.

If I invest in a bolt cutter, will it be useful as emergency gear in
case of a dismasting or do I need a different tool to cut S.S. rigging
wire quickly?

If the cutter is good enough for the padlock it will cut the ss-wire
aswell. I would expect the padlock to be hardened so that it is tougher
and if you buy the cheapest bolt cutter you might get a dent in the
blades of the cutters while cutting the padlock.

- Lauri Tarkkonen