How to Cut Rebar: 4 Possible Methods You Can Try

When it comes to structural reinforcements, rebars (or reinforcing bars) are the tools of the trade. Specifically, it is a component that is necessary for art, landscaping, and other applications where the metal needs to be malleable. Rebars are versatile materials. However, there is still a need for you to learn how to cut rebar.

Most of the rebars that you can see on the market today have 1/8-inch increments. Therefore, you can say that a "4" rebar has a 1/2 inch diameter. We talked about #4 rebar here because it is the most common option for many professionals. It is quite flexible and can work on various projects as well.

Of course, those rebars that have bigger diameters are not so typical when it comes to home applications. You can still bend and cut these materials. However, you will need heavy duty tools like benders and hydraulic shears. Get all your industrial equipment from Ejawda

In this article, we will show you the process of cutting a 1/2 inch rebar. Take note of the process so that you can accomplish this task smoothly and successfully. Let's get started!

How to Cut Rebar

Things You Need:

You should know that rebars are both and sharp. Cutting them also produces sparks, which could injure the sensitive parts of your body. Therefore, it is necessary for you to wear your protective gears, such as your goggles, long pants, boots, and work gloves. They will protect you while you are grinding!

Of course, there is also a need for you to find a large workplace. After all, rebars are notably long. Specifically, they have a usual length of 8 to 20 feet. Some could even go as long as 20 feet! This is the reason why rust and mill scale proliferates in the surface of the rebars. It is best to work with a rebar on an open space that is clear of any obstructions (which includes your children).

Take note that rebars tend to create hot sparks when you are working with them. Because of this, your area should be free from any flammable elements.

Step 1

Before cutting, you need to measure your rebar first. It is a necessary step to maximize the full use of the material. When working with any construction tools, it is essential that you take into the account their overall dimensions.

There are some instances in where the proposed cut is quite shorter or longer than you expected them to be. This could be a result of not accounting the rebar's length through curves.

It is a tricky step, but with constant practice, you can just get the hang of it. Fortunately, marking rebars is easy. You can use wax crayons or chalks to do this.

Step 2

Cutting with Hacksaw

Once you made the mark, you can already start cutting. In this portion, you will need a hacksaw blade if you want to do the job manually. When cutting with a hacksaw, the rebar will tend to roll. Therefore, you should step or hold the rebar into place. You could also clamp the rebar on an elevated platform with a clamp system.

Cutting with Circular Saw

If you are not great with manual labor, you could also use a circular saw. This is the most common cutting tool used by professional contractors. The design of this machine allows it to cut through metals smoothly. They can convert the arduous job of cutting metals into a short and convenient work.

If you are going to use a circular saw, make sure that it has a diamond blade. The latter can guarantee consistent and high-quality cuts.

Cutting through Torching

Torches like oxyacetylene and plasma can also cut rebars. However, we do not recommend them for large-scale applications. They cannot cater such rigid needs. But for small projects, they can work pretty fine. However, the cuts they create are typically uneven, as they are not slicing the rebar. Instead, they melt it. Furthermore, the process could take time.

Cutting with Bolt Cutter

We all know that bolt cutters are typically used for removing chains and padlocks. But with proper utilization, you could also use this tool to cut a rebar. Specifically, the power of a bolt cutter is strong enough to snap metals like they are nothing. It is a tool that you can quickly access when there is a sudden need for trimming a rebar.

Bending Rebars

If you just want to bend the rebar, there is a way to do that. Bending any rebars is just a matter of leverage. Just put the rebar on a flat surface. Next, insert it inside a metal pipe (make sure that the latter has a spacious hole). The distance of the pipe to the point that you want to bend should be around 6 inches.

After this, put your one of your feet a few centimeters away from the intended bending area. Press the rebar strongly with your foot and slowly drag the pipe towards you. Exert as much force as you can until the rebar starts to bend. Stop when you already got the desired angle.

Conclusion

Learning how to cut rebar is a helpful skill for any homeowners and weekend warriors. This particular expertise will allow you to work with small scale projects in the convenience of your home. In future repairs and renovation, this technical knowledge would become a big help. It can also save your money by hiring a professional contractor.

Of course, we will have to remind you again that you have to work with extra precaution and care. From the rebar down to the machine, everything on this task can quite harm you.

Therefore, we always compel our readers that they should wear their protective gears should they work on something that involves saws and power tools. Moreover, keep your children out of the vicinity to prevent any horrific accidents.

Did you learn from this article? If there are things that you want us to clarify, just feel free to ask us in the comment section below. We will be waiting!