What Is a Reinforcing Bar (Rebar) Bender?
A rebar bender is a tool for cutting rebar, and there are manually-operated, power operated, and rechargeable rebar benders that use the principle of leverage. While metal saws can also cut rebar, rebar benders are specifically designed for this purpose. Even manual rebar benders can easily cut rebar with less force compared to metal saws.
In addition to manual and electric, there are block types and chip saw types in the cutting method. Each type has its own characteristics in terms of finish and ease of work. Therefore, it is necessary to select the right type based on the intended use.
Uses of Rebar Benders
Rebar benders are tools designed for cutting rebar and can work more efficiently than using a metal saw. Therefore, rebar benders are useful at construction sites where many rebars need to be cut in succession. The larger the scale of the construction, the more rebars need to be cut, making a rebar bender that can work efficiently essential.
In addition, rebar benders are indispensable tools for construction sites because they can cut rebar after steel frames have been assembled.
How to Select Rebar Benders
Here are some points to consider when selecting rebar benders:
Power source
There are three types of power sources for rebar benders: manual, electric, and rechargeable.
- The manually operated rebar benders use this principle. Unlike electric and rechargeable rebar benders, they can be used in any location and under any circumstances.
- Electric rebar benders are more powerful and compact than their manual counterparts. It has advantages such as not taking up space for storage and being able to work efficiently. However, there are also disadvantages such as not being able to use it unless it is in a place where a power source can be obtained and the cord getting in the way depending on the situation.
- Rechargeable rebar benders are rebar benders that combine the power of an electric rebar bender with the ease of use of manual rebar benders. They can be used for long periods of time on a short charge, but they are often expensive.
Cutting Methods
There are two types of rebar bender cutting methods: block and tip-saw.
- The block type is the most common cutting method, primarily used with electric and rechargeable machines, cutting rebar by crushing it. While it efficiently cuts reinforcing steel bars, the cut surface is characterized by roughness.
- Unlike the block type, the chip saw type has the advantage of a clean-cut surface. However, it has the disadvantage that dust tends to fly and the blade wears out after long hours of work.