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Reinforcing bars are also known as rebar, and they are staples in construction and masonry. Rebar has many benefits, including being durable and useful for supporting concrete by providing a solid structure.
Contents
Purpose of Rebar
Rebar may be used alone or with steel mesh wire as reinforcement in concrete products. It is often made locally and from old cars and appliances. Most rebar is made from 97% recycled materials. Steel rebars are usually cut into very long lengths, up to 60 feet, so when you’re working with them, you’ll need to adjust it for your project.
- Makes sure that the tension and compression in the concrete remain equal
- Is environmentally friendly
Rebar Qualities
Any residential work, like landscaping or concrete work, typically use #3 rebar, which measures 3/8 of an inch in diameter. Larger diameters of rebar usually are only used in industrial or commercial applications because it requires specialized equipment to cut it, just like you would cutting galvanized pipe.
The most common type of rebar is used by hobbyists is rebar #4, which is a ½ inch in diameter. Rebar of this size can be cut with a hacksaw. Larger rebar such as the kind used and industrial concrete work would need a different tool.
Bending it is easy to do if it is less than .5 inches in diameter. The most important thing while you’re bending rebar is to have sufficient leverage.
Qualities of rebar are that..
- It is made from a soft iron resistant to cracks or breaks
- Sizes are in incremental 1/8 inch steps
Rebar Cutting Preparation
There are a couple of setup and safety procedures to observe before you start cutting.
Measure Rebar
The first step to cutting rebar is to measure it. It is usually sold in lengths of about 20 feet. It’s likely that you’ll be working with long pieces of rebar, so before you cut it is important to take accurate measurements.
If you need to bend it and it any direction you should also add that to your measurements. Use a tape measure to measure each of your cuts and mark it with a piece of chalk. This way, you will know where to begin your cut
Safety Precautions
Take the proper safety precautions when cutting steel. Rebar can be very heavy, and the ends are sharp. While you’re working with it and using a metal blade to cut a metal surface, it will make sparks, and there will be metal shavings flying in the air.
Use caution and wear proper safety equipment. Consider wearing a mask, some goggles and gloves as well as a long sleeve shirt, pants, and work boots.
Prepare Workspace
Be sure that your workspace is large enough to accommodate rebar. The length of them can vary from 8 to 60 feet. When working with it being an open space is it ideal and clear of any obstructions.
Also, because rebars produce sparks when you’re working with them, be sure that your area is clear of any flammable elements such as any cooking supply or your fire pit essentials.
How to Cut Rebar With an Angle Grinder
Using a highly rated angle grinder tool with a cutting wheel will do an excellent job with getting your rebar cutting job done. When you’re using an angle grinder tool, the first step is to find one which is the correct size for doing the job.
Selecting Your Angled Grinder
A standard 4″ to 4.5″ will handle most cutting jobs. The quality of the angle grinder will affect the process. An angle grinder tool is used to give quick rough cuts to avoid using a tool such as hacksaws.
Cutting the Rebar
- The first step is to make sure that you are using the wheel, which is designed to cut metal. It should be durable enough and strong enough to cut the steel.
- After, make sure that you secure the rebar. A good way to do that is to place it in a vice or a clamp.
- Then approach it directly and make a cut straight down. The cut might not be very clean, but this method is faster than many others.
Some professionals will use a bench grinder or an angle grinder for cutting rebar to save the wear and tear on their diamond blades.
Save Energy
Angle grinders are versatile tools that are used to cut through a variety of materials, such as tile, stucco, pavers, and metal. Try to choose one with a more powerful motor, that draws 5 to 9 amps. They are all designed for different tasks.
Instead of using an abrasive metal cutting disk try to use a diamond blade that is rated to cut ferrous metal. These last longer cut cleaner and faster and wear down slower than the abrasive disks.
How to Cut Rebar With a Power Saw
A miter saw, chop saw, or circular saw outfitted with a diamond blade will be the fastest way to cut the rebar. Load the under the saw and position it so the mark you made to cut it is directly under the blade on the saw.
Now, turn on the saw and cut the bar. Let it do the work and do not apply any excessive pressure while cutting it. Allow the blade to stop fully before you remove the cut rebar from the worktable.
Learn about the latest power tool trends that make these options the best one for your project.
Chop saw
A chop saw is another tool that will be useful when cutting rebar. It works a lot like a miter saw, however, it uses a large carbide blade. Be sure the speed is adjusted appropriately, and you can slice the rebar straight.
- A chop saw is ideal if you are cutting a lot of steel rebar.
- Makes clean cuts
Circular Saw
Many people use their circular saw. They are popular because the saw blades can easily slice through a piece of rebar. Remember to use a saw blade that is made to cut through metal. Secure the rebar in a vice or clamp, and make consistent straight cuts.
There are two types of blades you can use. The more inexpensive steel tooth blades, which you might need to replace more, can work. Carbide tooth blades will also work, but they can cost more.
- The recommended blade is a Diamond blade
Miter Saw
You can also use a miter saw to cut rebar at home if you use the right blade. Miter saws cut at 90 degree angels as well as bevels, angles and compound cuts. However, it is more suited for wood, and there are better tools made to cut metal you can use.
Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw can also cut rebar. If you have a choice set the saw to straight rather than oscillating. You can extend the life of the blade by keeping the saw’s speed slow. Select one with 20 to 24 for TPI (or teeth per inch) for thin metal, 10 to 18 TPI for medium thickness, and around eight TPI for thicker metal.
You can lengthen the life of a blade by purchasing a carbide tooth blade or bimetal blades. Use a metal cutting blade with a hacktooth pattern for the best results.
How to Cut Rebar By Hand
When you’re looking to cut rebar by hand, there are several options that don’t require power tools and just a bit of manual force.
Bolt Cutters
A bolt cutter has scissor-like blades that are sharp, and they can have up to 4500 pounds of metal cutting force. It is a powerful tool that can chop through steel.
Cutting Wheel
A metal cutting wheel works well when cutting rebar. Steady the rebar with a vice or clamps. Then, slowly make short steady cuts. Try not to use a thick wheel because the additional friction will cause each cut to take much longer.
Any professionals recommend this when asked how they do it, and it’s similar to a table saw, with the exception of the table.
- Solid method
- Thick wheel works better
Rotary Hammer
A rotary hammer has a few advantages and cutting rebar. These benefits are:
- Precise
- Faster
- Less manual labor
To cut rebar with a rotary hammer, use it in rotation mode, not hammer mode.
Torching
Avoid using plasma and oxyacetylene torches for bigger jobs because of the way they work. During the melting process, the edges of the rebar are often left uneven. Metal cutting with a torch will also take longer and be more expensive.
For smaller jobs, stick the rebar in the vice and heat it with a torch to make it malleable. After you heat it, use a pipe to bend and break it.
Manual Saw
A manual saw should be at the bottom of your list, but it is still a viable way to do it. Bandsaws and hacksaws have metal blades you can work with during small jobs. However, the blades wear out too quickly to cut large amounts of rebar
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rebar Easy to Cut?
Cutting rebar can be challenging and requires specialized equipment such as a rebar cutter or angle grinder with a metal cutoff wheel. It can also produce sparks and hot metal fragments, making safety gear necessary. With that being said, rebar is not a particularly hard metal, and so with the right tools, it isn’t difficult to cut.
What Is the Best Tool to Cut Rebar With?
The best tool for cutting rebar is a reciprocating saw. A reci saw is a powerful and versatile tool that can cut through a variety of materials, including metal. With the right blade, it can quickly and easily cut through rebar, even in hard-to-reach areas. It is also more precise and efficient than using a manual rebar cutter or angle grinder.
Conclusion
When you’re choosing the way you would like to cut rebar, you have plenty of choices. Making your decision depends on a few factors.
Think about what tool you have to use. Also, take into consideration how much rebar you need to cut. Another thing to think about is how large is the rebar that you’re cutting. Finally, take a look at the space that you have to work it and try to accommodate that with the tool you choose.
