Rebar Cutter Bender: Tool Overview

This was filmed during our spec house project, watch from the beginning here: • EC's Big Announcement
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Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.

[@unitedstatesofbuild4915]

I LOVE SHEARING REBAR! And by that I mean I love watching Nate shear rebar. It reminds me of being 16 and getting stuck with the shit jobs while the seasoned guys cruised by smirking from their tractor seats.

[@rgr3427]

Thank you once again for not only walking us thru the build but actually showing/demonstrating “how” the tools for the build are actually utilized. Thank you sir.

[@priceb713]

This channel is a wealth of knowledge and tips! Thank you so much!

[@drewd7824]

You just taught me how to use this as I sit here with 20 rods and 39 cuts and 39 bends for a front yard wall I’m building. So thank you 🙏.

[@marvinboggs]

Sir: You are what KZbin is all about! Carry-on.

[@scruffy6151]

Congatulation Scott and Nate on 500,000 subscribers. Very good tool does not needs gas or power to work just man power.

[@HBSuccess]

Since cordless grinders/w a cutoff wheel were invented I will never again cut rebar with one of those backbreakers. Still good to have for bending tho’ Back in the day there was no fab shop where I was building. We ordered 20’ bar and did everything onsite.

[@bahnrokt]

Tioga Fretworks line up a bunch of cuts up off the ground on dunnage, throw a couple loops of tie wire around both sides of the cut and go after it with a demo saw.

[@kiyoponnn]

Just lengthen the handle even more and it becomes so much easier. Torque ftw

[@Eric-rz2xb]

Keep your knee out of the way of the handle! It hurts so much that you will only do it once.

[@HillbillyRednecking]

Alway point your handle down hill so you’re not pushing up hill

[@MichaelEMaus]

As one who worked an American variety of skilled jobs, I get emotional with gratitude that you got yourself into a position where you could pass on the joy and arcane knowledge of your essential crafts. People like you taught me the skills I needed to do my work.

[@murraystewartj]

Scott, I'm a lot lighter than you and I can confirm that these cutters can be difficult. But here's something. Years ago I worked at a rental place where we did free cutting/bending for customers who bought rebar from us (ancient gas powered machine). Contractors loved that service, but we still rented out the old hand powered rig you showed on occasion. Then we got an electric cutter/bender (think it was Hitachi) and that thing was a dream. All you needed was somewhere to plug it in and it would do the job - cut faster than you could with muscle and body weight on that old lever rig and the bends were spot on. Is it worth it to buy a tool like that for a job? Maybe, maybe not. But one of the things I've noticed about your posts is that, like a lot of guys, you want to own your tools. Renting a tool for a specific job can save wear and tear on you and your crew with the benefit that you get to take it back, have the rental company do any maintenance, and not have an expensive, rarely used tool on your balance sheet and taling up space. Heads up to contractors out there about how renting may save you money (check your tax laws). When I worked at the rental place we had customer who ran a large irrigation company. During the busy season he'd have his equipment reserved and it was always the same thing. First thing in the morning he picked up a sod cutter to remove the lawn in strips where the lines would go. Couple of hours later he'd return the sod cutter and pick up the trencher to cut the trenches for the irrigation lines. I once asked him, "Why don't you just buy these machines, you use them enough?" He said that if he bought them the depreciation on the equipment would be far more than he could earn from them and, that if he rented, he could claim the rental costs as a business expense. Plus, the rental place maintained the equipment and, as we owned the stuff, he didn't have to worry about storing it. Guy had a good accountant.

[@essentialcraftsman]

This is wisdom in many cases and yes... I am sucker for buying tools, almost any excuse seems like a good reason!!

[@murraystewartj]

@@essentialcraftsman I know, and that's why we have to have understanding wives when the most important project is to build an addition to the workshop because - too many tools. They sigh, do the eye roll thing, and let us be hoarders. What are we to do? It's all good stuff that we might need someday.

[@randalldavis7025]

I use one of these for all my rebar cuts and bends. I have found that screwing it down to an 8 or 10ft 2x10 if best, i just use grabers and have dilled smaller holes in the mounting plates. And then instead of doing small jerks, i stand behind it ,so i can pull the lever toward me and push the handle as far forward as possible. And give one lond fast pull back really throwing all 185# of me into it. This produces a quick and efficient snap on #4 (1/2") bar. Sure you might fall down a few times while you figure out how my momentum is needed but once you figure it out #4 bar is no problem any more.

[@nostranger2u]

Exactly right! Anybody who uses this tool on the job knows the trick. 👍

[@mikemarthaller8789]

I'm LONG past the age of being a contractor but I always value hearing the pro and cons on various tools and techniques. Largely because I enjoy watching both your thought processes and how you present the knowledge earned at "That old School" run by professor Hard Knocks.

[@bpccmath251calculusiihitch4]

Scott, with all due respect, you forgot to mention the pro tip for all us older guys: be sure to get the younger-man cutting accessory to make the job a LOT easier. Ha-ha!

[@BrettDalton]

Or use an angle grinder ;-)

[@kevinpilkington6527]

portaband. ..lol...

[@anonimails]

@@BrettDalton I wast just thinking about that, but I dont know maybe he is an amazing buildercraftsman and his company makes neighoburs happy not hearing the angle grinder every 30 seconds. I dont know

[@andyh8239]

@@BrettDalton angle grinder doesn't bend rebar.

[@Ezer2000]

@@andyh8239 use your hands! Be real man!

[@slingflur]

Thanks Scott and Nate. I love that you guys put these out for us.

[@caspermiller11a]

Thank you for sharing all your wisdom! It’s a selfless act that will carry on for many generations to come!

[@aserta]

Congrats on reaching 500k. I sincerely hope you get to one million soon. One of the best channels on the platform, certainly top 10 in terms of constructions.

[@Brad1237202]

Thanks Scott for the rebar education!!

[@tomjaden936]

I used that exact same tool for years proud to say I mastered it

[@janderson8401]

Back in the 80s, the contractor I worked for did the occasional job that required rebar. Biggest was the footings for a small warehouse for his son’s moving business. We used a sawzall for cuts, and bent the #4 rebar using the eye in the tailgate of the F350 dump truck and a 4 or 5 foot piece of black iron pipe.

[@richardross7219]

Nice video. I cut and bent 3 tons of #4 and #5 rebar for my foundation. I was given a different designed manual cutter bender to use. Cutting was way too hard with it so I used a chop saw to do the cutting. I set it up for production so that the bars were cut and then slid a little ways to the bender where I had concrete blocks set up as stops to automatically position the bends. It worked pretty good. Glad that I don't have to do that again. Good Luck, Rick

[@philliplopez2231]

These are great tools. No blades, batteries, or eye/hearing protection needed...just some body weight and elbow grease. Newer methods may win out for a few quick cuts, but over the course of the job I've found that nothing beats the old cutter. I might also mention that they are not cheap...and the old guys that I work with have all told me that we dont have to lock our cutter up in the shed...they say it's too heavy and too much work...and because of that no one has ever tried to steal one. I can just about believe it. Good luck with your next rebar project.

[@thebmac]

At work we have them mounted to 6"x2" aluminium channel instead of a board. But we also have electric re-bar cutter benders. You should be able to rent both from rental places.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video Essential craftsman

[@Carraroebouncingcastles]

GREAT VIDEO VERY EDUCATIONAL

[@gpec0074]

Thanks for the video I found myself working with the rebar bender/cutter all week.

[@georgesanchez9971]

Nice video. Love the last video frames. Good tip.

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Enjoyed.

[@cjmueller5455]

This Chanel always has the shortcuts, the subtle techniques and secret passwords.

[@edooutdoors316]

Angle gringer with a cutoff wheel works wonders, easy on the back, thanks for the videos.

[@brandonsyatessr.3667]

I love knowing the bundles I put out are perfect every time... And we're 2 Weeks ahead of schedule preying for runn in jobs.

[@Ibaneddie76]

Oh man I know this tool all to well ha. We adapted a heavy steal bar as an extension for more leverage and it worked out ok most of the time, not all the time for some reason. I helped tie off many a pool, retaining wall, and custom water feature.

[@johnhoward4977]

My dad has had his for 20 years or so. I bought one for my tool trailer a couple years ago and it’s the same exact unit.

[@seajayn]

Scott, with all due respect, the cutter on the front is for #3 rebar, the cutter on the top is for #4 and #5. BP Products will verify this. That is why you were having such a hard time cutting #5 on the front cutter. Thanks so much for your series. I learn something new EVERY video.

[@alfredklek]

I definitely used one of these sadistic suckers a lot when I was younger. I was also built like a sack of brass doorknobs and a little bit angry at the world on a good day. I'm still a big guy but I don't think I have the pent up rage required to properly operate a bender breaker quite the way i did when I was 25.

[@tammoilliet8683]

You're a real supper hero Scott. We love you!

[@bigunone]

Supper Hero? Does that mean his paying for the meal?

[@jeffreyry]

I just found your channel. This is amazing! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@stewartsanson68]

Make sure to place the rebar so you're not cutting over a rib, always in a crevice, that will allow it to shear easier. Also your first pull should be done towards you to initiate the shear, then you put your weight on top. They make ones that cut up to 6 that have a sliding extension handle.

[@danno8852]

I have the same cutter bender, except I have a 3-4’ cheater pipe that slips right over my handle. Gives more leverage so makes cutting # 5 a little more bearable.

[@kiwdwks]

Always value your experience and expertise! Thanks!

[@WobblycogsUk]

It looks like the first couple of cuts and bends would be fun and all the rest not so much, interesting bit of equipment though. Your channel seems to be unique in offering practical no nonsense building advice, thanks.

[@dylanmounsey7515]

Let’s see that block work!!!

[@brandonb9452]

Awesome. Cheers from Canada

[@bethisway]

Good to know. Ty Scott!

[@monkfoobar]

That whiplash is real! Thanks for the PSA

[@ChristCenteredIronworks]

Another great tool!

[@georgelelandturner]

Perhaps an helpful ergonomic approach is to "fall" into the cutting motion, that way when the rebar shears your body is looser and prepared for what is essentially a fall. If you are only pushing then your body is more tense and the "fall" can be a shock. Hopefully this makes sense. Once I took this approach I found the cutting a good deal more comfortable.

[@wjthehomebuilder]

Congrats on hitting 500K !

[@CutTimeBrony]

That looks useful in a blacksmiths shop. Should go through round stock pretty easy right?

[@DriveCarToBar]

We had a bender on the foreman's van when I did residential concrete in Florida. Never bothered with a cutter like that. We used a Stihl 2-stroke saw with a big abrasive blade. One guy can cut every piece of steel needed for a house in less than 30 minutes once its all measured out, because that saw will chew through 6 or 8 pieces of #4 all at once without a complaint. Works in a pinch though.

[@sogwatchman]

Great video. I noticed that several shots in your video were rather blown out. Not sure if this need more adjustment at the time or a filter on the lens, but I'll leave that up to a camera enthusiast.

[@msquared6324]

For the "occasional concrete guy" I use a portaband (or even a sawzall) for cutting and a couple pieces of 1/2" sch 80 (40 will work for a while) black iron pipe for bending. Can you show us some of your tricks for when you don't have a cutter bender Scott?

[@matthewhoffman9242]

Didn't think of whiplash, I was thinking more on the lines of someone putting their full body weight on the bar and face planting when it shears through.

[@breakingrefractory5967]

Matthew Hoffman ive done that before, the timber base wasnt bolted properly and yeh i ate the dirt 😂

[@Rickugg]

There are not too many people I could watch half the day. This guy could come very close. He knows what is going on.

[@davidwright640]

Worked one summer in college at a pre-stressed concrete panel plant. My crappy job was to cut and bend rebar. Cuts quick and easy with oxy acetylene torch.

[@danelobe2524]

I had a longer handle made for mine, it just slides up and down so you can adjust the length of pull, works easy now.

[@fprintf]

I didn't quite see what you meant about whiplash until 4 minutes when Nate (?) in the green shirt was doing his cutting. A young man's job this is!

[@DIYSolarandWind]

I never seen one of these before. I just looked at a house in the country where the pole barn has a dirt floor. Maybe I will want one of these.

[@curtcmiller]

Which brand is better, or do they all work the same? Bon,BN,Klutch?

[@mikepettengill2706]

Seen 'em, never knew what they were! Thanks!

[@Asta-wl8jz]

We used to have a similar device when I built swimming pools in the 80's. It was so heavy that we couldn't pick it up and had one cutter, similar to a pair of scissors, with an 8' solid steel handle, which was very heavy. We called the entire contraption....the paper weight....lol. Thanks for the memories.....

[@watchthe1369]

Oh! Beautiful, the "That is a new trick" smile. last 30 seconds.

[@j.w.m.rhynejr9766]

Thanks for the education !

[@robrvdm]

Great channel like to watch, keep on going from the Netherlands

[@charlesmiller5078]

Thanks, Brought back alot of really bad memories. When you are the Low Man, on a Pool building crew, guess what you get to do all day.

[@Clark-Mills]

In dem olden days... we used mild steel. Today we used higher strength steel (micro-alloy or quench tempered). I expect these older tools were designed for the classic soft steel. Also we now have to perform our bends to a minimum radius, one which the old benders don't do except for the thinnest of rebar.

[@kylepaluzzi4176]

Are the electrical hitachi bender cutter good do you know? They demonstrated up to a number five bar

[@eformance]

You just need to make sure you've got Billy Bob Beer Gut working the Rebar cutter, that's all!

[@Joe-kb1sm]

You got that right. My skinny ass wouldn't last past lunch time.

[@ceriacho5469]

I love cutting rebars, just plug in the metal cutter and a cut off wheel and you're set. It's easier than using one of those Fred Flintstone era cutters. Especially if the foundation crew needs 50 qty. 4 footers in an hour, I don't have to worry about the guys waiting for me to finish cutting them. I've always wanted to try this cutter, but I think I'd rather keep my neck where it's at. No whip lash for me, thank you.

[@dashaB-sl4pu]

The tool is great, rebar is a whole other question, seems near enough to high tensile steel, timely video, cheers

[@arkansas1336]

LOL...I have almost the same model I used/bought for a 120 unit condo project. I had a robust 26 year old, 225lb.+ man as operator....and he loved it (he had muscles to waste....my 190lbs. couldn't do it very well....lol). EVERYONE, heed EC's sage advice!!!!!

[@agoogleuser1594]

Scott, have you ever used an electric cutter/bender (like the Hitachi VB-16Y)? I bet yours will last til the end of time, but I got tired just watching you lol.

[@knowsenough2bdangerous]

I've used one (a few years old so they may have changed). (Now it's "Metabo" not "Hitachi": www.amazon.com/Metabo-HPT-VB16Y-Productivity-Efficiency/dp/B07M9ZD6S6/ref=dp_ob_title_hi). It was very nice and seemed to be built like Fort Knox. It was really easy to use and WAY easier than old school and once you set the angle, it gets the bend consistently right every time. It does need on site power/generator which one may be getting by without at forming stage but I think it requires less than 10 AMPs so that's hardly a barrier since a small generator can handle that. Of course, they cost $2,000+ and renting them may be challenging in some areas. They are modestly heavy (and of course tethered to a cord) so if for some reason you need to move the cutter/bender to rebar that has already been spread around, it's easier to move the mechanical cutter/bender around. But, why scatter the rebar around before cutting/bending? It's was an absolute joy to use when cutting repetitive pieces. Don't bother to mark, just place something heavy on the ground (a couple CMUs worked well) at the right distance away as a "stop", and slide the bar (somewhat gently if your stop is light) to the stop, cut, repeat... Never even get up from a squatting position -- maybe 10 seconds per cut until you have to move the pile of cut pieces out of the way (and they do pile up surprisingly fast).

[@brokeasdope]

The Hitachi is a thing of beauty and with a motivated guy on the rebar pile a real production multiplier!

[@94mxer]

We have one where I work and it has a piece of plate welded to the bottom handle at the point of it to give you more stability.

[@aserta]

I extended the handles on mine with a piece of pipe that's drilled to accept two plates either side that sandwich the original handle in multiple points across it. Sure, it's bigger now, but i don't use anywhere near the force you normally use. The next trick on the line is to have a piece of rope with a horse ladder on the end of it and simply "step" and use the weight of your body with it. Works with a regular one too, but you need to train yourself to use it.

[@derekbryant6137]

I've always used a zip disk to cut bar my great-grandfather had one of those monsters I don't know where it got to but I think I'll go looking for it

[@doinjusfine1]

Well done..

[@MarioRodriguez-qn3qe]

i spend a whole summer bending rebar with this! I made all my cuts with a chop saw though...

[@KC-rk1hx]

Those are awesome for bending. We generally use a demo saw for cutting. Either way it kinda sucks. Always mixing up epoxy paint to go back and touch up all the cuts. Tieing decks sucks no matter how you do it lol Kyle c.

[@SkidMarkSteve69]

We always cut rebar with the concrete saw, bent it with your foot where the bend needs to be and pull up on it.

[@kengamble8595]

What little time that I have put in on one of those was not pleasant, but necessary ! 😒 Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍

[@btrswt35]

If rebar is a medium to high carbon, does that mean it could be heat treated to keep it's shape? Or hold an edge if it is used for making tools out of?

[@essentialcraftsman]

Yes!

[@sekiride]

Great vid and tips thank you sir.

[@dominiquegibeau2856]

I wonder if those cutters exist with some kind of ratchet mechanism, lets say it would take 2 or 3 full strokes to cut completely. This way the operator would be a bit more de-coupled from the action, it would be easier to operate. A bit like the (I just found) Klein Heavy Duty Ratcheting Bolt Cutter but with the bend feature. I guess the bending should be done with the ratchet disabled as it seems easier for the operator.

[@Ramdodge582]

i use a cordless angle grinder with a zip off wheel for cuts and order bends with the take-off.

[@mrvv8337]

Note to self, This may be the not norm channel. Oh wait, useful information it's EC.

[@thr3adh3ad]

I can feel the palm blisters just watching this

[@harolddouglas4057]

Was that 40 ksi or 60 ksi rebar you were cutting? I assume 40 ksi would be easier to cut/bend than 60 ksi?

[@marcelcharette265]

Thanks. I'll stick with the quick cut.

[@nw7130]

We use that machine almost every day, and like any machine/job if you use it long enough you’ll figure out little tricks to make it easier.. For me I am about 210lbs so it is a little easier but, generally I will stand over the cutter, balance with one foot on the end of the handle and straight arming while half jumping half leaning forward, u can also work away at it in this manner till it snaps. This way you use ur entire body weight not just the force that ur shoulders and arms can muster up.. works well with the 5/8s bar. Hopefully this helps makes someone’s day less painful and worn out... sorry mr. craftsman but cutting from the side of the cutter You’ll wear yourself right out... keep up the awesome videos and good work.. I work with concrete everyday so that’s my two cents .

[@essentialcraftsman]

I'll try it!!!

[@buddha65281]

I just bought a new BN MBC-16B for 150... have an upcoming block wall to build... thx

[@scottH18370]

Much better than an angle grinder!

[@frednowicki7355]

While a re-bar cutter bender is needed on job sites,the bending feature is useful,however,not for cutting. A 14" gasoline cut off saw with a carborundum blade wins hands down for cutting. Reasons being,bring the saw to the bars,not vice versa,can gang cut many bars simultaneously. Just a tip,with the saw there is no need to cut all the way through the bars. A cut slightly more than 1/2 way through and you can snap it very easily by placing your foot on the cut and lifting the bar. Of course,if wanted,use the saw for the entire cut.

[@M7824-o1w]

We use a portable cutting torch/welding Oxy/acetylene Torch Kit for cutting & bending.

[@phildcrow]

Heating rebar is a no-no.

[@psidvicious]

@ Philip Crow - You don’t use the torch for bending, just cutting.

[@brentmiller3951]

The company I work for has a hydraulic cutter that is fairly fast but we build from the dirt work all the way to occupancy

[@joshuaburdog]

tip - cut the handle off at the base. Flip it over, and weld it back on. When the bend is pointed up you don’t have to push down as far and it works much easier. It really reduces the jarring effect. I can send a picture if you’re interested.

[@Jonesocinco]

Seems like it would work great for #3 but isn't it hard to get #4 started with the handle even more vertical?

[@morg52]

Guys are always sticking rebar into my ICC bumper for a quick bend. LOL

[@towtruckmafia]

So, by the numbers you are giving, 3/8ths being number 3, rebar is given its numbers in 1/8th inch increments? I didnt catch onto that until you called half inch 4 bar, which would be 4/8ths. I think I learned something new, and I work in concrete.

[@psidvicious]

Yep, you got it. You can get up to #11’s (11/8ths or 1 3/8”) pretty easily at most rebar suppliers. Larger than that is usually special order stuff.

[@towtruckmafia]

@@psidvicious I worked at another place where our tonneau cover parts were expressed in 8ths.

[@isyt1]

Could you not make it much easier by putting say a 6ft metal pipe over the handle to make it longer and increase the leverage?

[@mikeysgarage3697]

If I had a lot to cut/bend I think I'd give one of the portable/hand-held electric-hydraulic units a work-out, would need a heck of a lot to do though at the price the combination bender-cutters are going for! But at least the single-function ones are only around $500-$800 a piece. Only problem is you need electricity on-site.

[@alecmcjarison999]

Had to use one on a 9000 square foot, double matte, 12 inch on center rebar slab, it eventually got easy