As a structural component, rebar is a very strong and tough material, and not easy to cut or bend. However, there is a need to manipulate rebar to fit your project’s needs, and you will need special bending tools for it. These rebar benders will modify your material without weakening or snapping it in half.
To give you an idea, I’ve picked some of the best rebar benders in the market below. Check out their specs, pros, and cons to help you decide which is best for you.
3 Best Electric Rebar Benders
Want to go electric and cut to the chase? Here are some worthy picks that will reduce time and effort spent on your project:
Metabo HPT Electric Rebar Bender and Cutter
The Metabo HPT Electric Rebar Bender and Cutter is a 2-in-1 tool that will bend up to #5 grade 60 rebar (3/8, 1/2, and 5/8-inch) so it is applicable for most common projects. It has a bending speed of 5.1 seconds (and a cutting speed of 3.1 seconds).
Thanks to the preset dial, you can position the tool at any angle that you want to avoid feeling uncomfortable while working on your material. With the tool measuring 18.4 inches in length, it is a low-profile rebar bender that is easy to hold and store. The pre-drilled base also helps with keeping the rebar bender stable when using it.
It has a maximum bending angle of 180 degrees and is powered by an 8-amp motor with 530 watts. Because it has a variable-speed trigger, you have control over the quality of each bend. It also has a safety lock to prevent mistakes along the way and two receiver points so when you are handling rebar with specifically long lengths, it will stay stable.
Things I Like About This Product: It is a multifunctional tool that is both a rebar bender and a cutter that will save space in your toolbox. What’s more, its variable speed allows you to fine-tune the bending to your liking or needs.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: You might hear some weird sounds when using the cutting mechanism, although that only tends to happen during heavy-duty work.
CCTI RB-165A Portable Rebar Bender
If you are searching for a lightweight tool then the CCTI RB-165A Portable Rebar Bender is a great option at 33 pounds. The light weight makes it easy to take with you to the job site or when working around your home. With its 900-watt motor, it can bend up to #5 rebar or 5/8-inch (grade 60) or even low carbon round bars with up to 130 degrees of bending.
As for the speed, it can bend as fast as five seconds, which is typical for most rebar benders. The tool is also compatible with larger radius bending shoes to help keep the rebar from accidental breakage during operation.
Because of the portable design, the rebar cutter is easy to store and grab when it’s needed. Take note that it is a combination of electric and hydraulic power so it’s a unique pick that brings both speed and power.
Things I Like About This Product: This rebar bender is lightweight and portable so taking it to the job is easy and hassle-free.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It doesn’t have variable speed and has a lower bending angle compared to other similar models.
Huanyu 5/8-Inch Electric Rebar Bender
Yet another tool made for #5 rebar, the Huanyu 5/8-Inch Electric Rebar Bender is portable and lightweight. It even has hands-free features such as pedal control, so you no longer have to suffer back aches from cutting rebar. The bending angle is up to 130 degrees and it can also bend steel bars and rods.
Additionally, the manufacturer produces both 110V and 220V versions of the tool that you can choose from, depending on what voltage system you are working on (or living with). Since this is also a combination of hydraulic and electric power, it combines speed without sacrificing bending force.
With 800 watts of power, this tool only weighs 33 pounds so it’s not heavy to lift around the job site. Its tensile strength is 650N/mm² while the tool length is 22.8 inches. Due to the high-intensity hook, it keeps the material stable while you are bending. What’s more, the handle on top makes transport easy while the base keeps it flat on a surface.
Things I Like About This Product: This rebar bender is rather lightweight, so transporting it around the job site is a breeze. The manufacturer also has 110V and 220V versions of the tool for voltage compatibility across different countries.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: As with the previous pick, it doesn’t have a high bending angle or variable speed.
5 Manual Rebar Benders
If you prefer simple manual rebar bending, the following tools are worth looking into, due to their top quality:
BN Products MBC-16B 1 Manual Bender/Cutter
I chose the BN Products MBC-16B 1 Manual Bender/Cutter because of its long, 12-inch handle, which is important when you’re bending material on the floor and trying to save your back from aches and pains. The bending roller has an adjustable 2-1/2-inch diameter that can be adapted to your rebar.
To keep the jaws from chipping, they are replaceable when needed (but they do sport sharp blades to begin with). I like that this 2-in-1 tool is a time-saver that both bends and cuts the rebar. To help with handling, it has a non-slip grip at the end for sweaty hands and a lifting chain for portability.
Since it has been mounted on a 2 x 8 x 60-inch wooden board, you don’t need to worry about stability. It will cut and bend up to grade 60 at #5 or 5/8-inch. It is backed by a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defects.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a flat wooden board base to help with stability while it has long handles to avoid frequent back aches when bending materials on the floor.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Even as a manual tool, it is on the heavier side at 55 pounds, as compared to the 33-pound picks we mentioned above.
Crescent H.K. 0590RBJN Porter Rebar Cutter and Bender
Yet another dual-functional tool, the Crescent H.K. 0590RBJN Porter Rebar Cutter and Bender has a long handle for easy bending on the floor, while it has up to 180 degrees of bending capacity (also configurable to 90 degrees). It has a max capacity of 5/8-inch or up to #5 rebar while it has shear blades for cutting. Since it is mountable to any surface, it will keep your material steady.
The steel construction of the entire rebar bender adds to its durability while the just-right weight of 44 pounds keeps it in a stable position. The handle is 42.5 inches so it has a long reach to avoid back aches when bending rebar.
Things I Like About This Product: The long handle makes it easy to operate so you won’t strain your back when bending or cutting rebar. It also has a high bending capacity of up 180 degrees.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The weight is a little on the heavy side as compared to 33-pound units. However, it is not so much of an issue if you don’t intend to move it from place to place around the job site.
Crescent H.K. Porter 5/8-Inch (#5) Indexing Rebar Bender
From the same manufacturer mentioned above, the Crescent H.K. Porter 5/8-Inch (#5) Indexing Rebar Bender has sturdy steel handles and indexing head grips for greater stability and accuracy. The knurled handles also add a better grip to the rebar.
If you need to work on different rebar sizes, the same product is available for sizes #3, #4, and #6. The head can be positioned fourteen different ways, while you can use the center push-button mechanism for added leverage. This mechanism can change the length of the tool so you can shorten it when it is not in use – great for fitting inside toolboxes.
Things I Like About This Product: The product is available for different rebar sizes other than #5 while it has stability features to keep your rebar steady when you bend it.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: I think that the handle should have a better ergonomic grip, such as textured or rubberized ones.
HIT Tools 22-RC16W-3 Rebar Cutter and Bender on Wooden Board
Applicable for up to 180-degree bends, the HIT Tools 22-RC16W-3 Rebar Cutter and Bender on Wooden Board can take up to 5/8-inch rebar or #5 (up to grade 60). As for the construction, it is made with heat-treated high-grade alloy steel that has been drop-forged to meet industrial needs. Since it is already mounted on hardwood, you don’t need to install it onto a base for added stability.
With a length of 52 inches, this tool weighs 47 pounds and can also be bolted to the floor for added security. If you need to carry it somewhere, there is a secure chain to help with transport. The handle also has inch/foot graduation for convenience.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a long length for an easy reach while you are bending on the floor. It is also already mounted to a wooden board for secure stability.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The tool is on the heavy side but still workable in a job site in terms of portability due to the included chain.
Bon 12-690 Open End Rebar Cutter Bender
Another tool meant for 5/8-inch or #5 sizes, the Bon 12-690 Open End Rebar Cutter Bender is made with high carbon alloy tool steel for power and durability. As for the rebar placement, it has an open jaw, which makes it more convenient to position your material.
Weighing 41.2 pounds, this tool is 52 inches in its length to make it easy to handle from the floor. Although the weight is a little on the heavy side compared to 33-pound benders, I think it’s just right for stability. The design allows you to bolt it to the floor or board-mount it. Bon Tool Co. backs up this tool with a 1-year limited warranty on defects in materials or workmanship.
Things I Like About This Product: The open jaw design makes positioning the rebar a breeze. I also like the ease of bolting to the ground or mounting on any board of your choice.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Bending into perfect 90 degrees might not be as accurate as others since it is a metric system.
The Methodology: What I Considered When Picking the Rebar Benders Featured Above
If you want to know how I picked the rebar benders above, here are some points to look for, which will help you, too:
Rebar Bending Angle
The lowest in the market is around 130 degrees while the maximum is up to 180 degrees. There are also 90-degree bending modes if you need it.
Rebar Size
It is important to know if the rebar you’re working on is a size #3, #4, #5, #6, or other before you buy a bender that’s fit for the job (to avoid wrecking the tool in usage).
Tool Length
A longer tool means fewer backaches when you’re bending rebar on the floor. A length of about 40 to 50 inches is a good value.
Ease of Use
An ergonomic grip is a helpful feature to avoid user fatigue. After all, bending rebar is not easy and takes a lot of strength.
Summary
There’s no doubt that using a rebar bender is one of the quickest and most accurate ways to bend rebar.
If you’re looking for the best electric rebar benders, I’d suggest the Metabo HPT Electric Rebar Bender and Cutter if you want 2-in-1 action with variable-speed controls. Portable and lightweight options for you include the CCTI RB-165A Portable Rebar Bender and the Huanyu 5/8-Inch Electric Rebar Bender.
For manual benders, the BN Products MBC-16B 1 Manual Bender/Cutter and the HIT Tools 22-RC16W-3 Rebar Cutter and Bender on Wooden Board are both already pre-mounted for convenience. Or, if you prefer a tool that you want to manually mount/bolt, the Bon 12-690 Open End Rebar Cutter Bender is for you.
Meanwhile, the Crescent H.K. 0590RBJN Porter Rebar Cutter/Bender has a long handle for a more relaxed reach. If you need to work on different rebar sizes, the Crescent H.K. Porter 5/8-Inch (#5) Indexing Rebar Bender is for you (it has #3, #4, and #6 counterparts).