A powered threaded rod cutter includes first and second cutting dies, an electric motor, a planetary transmission positioned downstream of the motor, a drivetrain for converting a rotational output of the transmission to a pivoting movement of the first cutting die, and a clutch mechanism for redirecting torque from the motor away from a drivetrain and the first cutting die in response to the first cutting die seizing during a rod-cutting operation. The clutch mechanism includes a ring gear in the planetary transmission, and a spring that rotationally affixes the ring gear below a predetermined threshold of reaction torque through the drivetrain and permits rotation of the ring gear above the threshold.