Tying rebar is a requirement in all construction sites, to ensure they are secure when placing concrete. However, how are you going to cover a large construction area within a short amount of time? That’s where rebar tiers come in handy. While there are both power and manual versions of the tool, if you have the budget and need to tie rebar frequently, I highly recommend the former.
More specifically, after reviewing the major options in the market, I highly recommend the Max RB398. That said, there are other solid options too, so if you have some time, continue reading.
7 Best Power Rebar Tiers
The choices below are for you if speed (e.g. for meeting deadlines) and power are important in your job site:
Max RB398 Rebar Tier
Applicable up to #5 x #6 rebar sizes, the Max RB398 Rebar Tier is a cordless tool that is powered by lithium-ion. This battery type has no memory effect so even if you store it in the garage or toolbox, the battery will not drain as quickly or even at all in some cases. It accepts 21 gauge wire size and has a 3.0Ah battery capacity.
As for the tying capability, it will handle three wraps per tie and 2,000 ties per battery charge, with about 120 ties per coil/reel. What’s more, it has a quick-tying mechanism to speed up work and a one-handed operation for you to easily multitask on the job site.
Since it is only 11-3/8 inches in its length, storing it in a toolbox is a breeze. Adding to that compact feature is the weight of only 5.2 pounds. This will help in lessening the fatigue while you are handling the rebar tier for long hours. The tool already comes with a carrying case and a charger, plus the battery (as some tools require you to buy the battery separately).
Things I Like About This Product: The rebar tier is lightweight and is cordless so you can take it into tight and awkward spaces. The low-profile design also allows for easy storage.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The coil is only compatible with the MAX TW898 tie wire so you can’t use external coils.
Makita XRT01TK 18V LXT Cordless Rebar Tying Tool Kit
If you are searching for a fast-tying tool then I’d recommend the Makita XRT01TK 18V LXT Cordless Rebar Tying Tool Kit, which is up to 5,300 ties per charge. It accepts #3 x #3 to #5 x #5 rebar sizes and can run up to 120 ties per reel. This one uses 21 gauge wire and has three tie wraps.
As for the speed, it takes just 0.8 seconds when tying two #5 bars or four #4 bars. Although it is slightly heavier than my previous pick, weighing in at 5.7 pounds, it has a brushless motor that lessens the vibration of the tool and reduces workload. This means that the motor stays cool throughout the operation.
You can also choose the tying strength level from six settings. I also like the automatic shutoff feature, which conserves battery life. Oh, and did I mention it uses an 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery? This makes it interchangeable with other Makita LXT series tools.
There’s also a wire reel cover so that dust and debris from your job site won’t enter the feeding mechanism. It is backed by a 3-year limited tool and battery warranty as well.
You can learn more about the tool in my detailed review.
Things I Like About This Product: The brushless motor extends lifespan and the speed is very fast compared to others.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It is slightly heavier than other rebar tiers and doesn’t seem to have a constant tightness.
Max RB441T TwinTier Rebar Tying Tool
For those who need to tie a variety of rebar, from 3×3 to 7×7 sizes, the Max RB441T TwinTier Rebar Tying Tool is for you. It has a capacity of 4000 ties per charge and uses 19-gauge twin-spooled wire, which makes it different from the rest. It has a capacity of 240 ties per coil on 4×4 rebar to speed up productivity.
This one has a dual wire feeding mechanism so even if it uses only thinner wire, it will increase productivity without compromising the stability of your rebars. With a weight of only 5.2 pounds, it is easy to carry around the job site and back home to the garage. The compact length of 11-3/8 inches also allows for easy storage.
What’s more, it has a wire pull back mechanism that reduces consumption by keeping the wire dispensing as accurate as possible. This tool already comes with a charger, a battery, and a carrying case so it is ready to use. This model is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: This rebar tier is lightweight and has precision features to ensure that each wire is as tight as possible without consuming a lot of resources.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It is only limited to the Max Twin Tie Wire TW1061T so you can’t use other wires.
CCTI Suspider Intelligent Rebar Tier
Yet another lightweight tool worth mentioning is the CCTI Suspider Intelligent Rebar Tier, which is only 4 pounds (including the battery and the wire reel). This one has a 0.8-second tying speed and is compatible up to 40mm thanks to the wide jaw, so you can combine different rebar sizes at the same time.
It comes with its own 14.4V 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery and also has a brushless motor. This will help to keep the motor cool during long hours of use, while also reducing user fatigue. To check the battery, it has an LED gauge so you can plan your operation and charging.
There is also a lock-off feature on the trigger switch to avoid accidents, and the ergonomic rubberized soft handle will help with sweaty and often-fatigued hands. Aside from two batteries, the tool comes with a plastic case, a user’s manual, and a tool kit, plus a wire roll that’s ready to be used.
The speed is 1,100 ties per charge so it is only applicable for light to medium-duty work. Nonetheless, it has a two-mode operation, which allows you to choose between two or three wraps. It is backed by a 6-month limited warranty on the tool, charger, and battery.
Things I Like About This Product: The tool is lightweight at only 4 pounds and has a brushless motor to reduce vibration and cool it down.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The tie-per-charge speed is lower than most rebar tiers.
Max RB655 Rebar Tying Tool Kit
The Max RB655 Rebar Tying Tool Kit is a good choice if you are looking for something compatible for up to #8 x #9 rebar sizes. It only uses 16 gauge wire and comes with two NiMH batteries on the package. It has a tying speed of 0.8 to 1.1 seconds and a capacity of 420 ties per charge, roughly 120 to 230 ties per coil.
Like the other Max tools above, this one also has one-hand operation to reduce fatigue when you need to multitask. Although it is on the long and heavy side (13-3/8 inches and 7.2 pounds), it is a sufficient rebar tier for light work or casual use.
Things I Like About This Product: The rebar tier is applicable for larger sizes while maintaining a 0.8-second speed similar to other tools mentioned above.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It uses NiMH batteries so it isn’t as long-lasting compared to lithium-ion batteries. The tool is also on the heavy side.
NEWTRY Automatic Rebar Tier
A fast-charging tool is the NEWTRY Automatic Rebar Tier, which only takes 1.5 hours to charge and can be used for four hours, which results in up to 3,000 ties per charge. It uses a 0.8mm wire diameter and it also has a 0.8-second tying speed. The pure copper motor increases the durability of the tool.
You can also adjust the wire length according to the binding diameter. With ten different settings for tightness, it adapts to nearly any project you have. With its simple wire switch, loading the wire is quick and easy. The rubberized handle is also textured to avoid slippage during use.
It has a steel strapping scope of 7 to 34 mm and a knot wire length capacity of 300 to 500 mm. Since it is only three pounds, this lightweight tool is best for beginners or casual use. To maintain its tying efficiency, it has a sharp knife edge. Also, the lithium battery will make one charge last long, even when you aren’t using the tool.
Things I Like About This Product: It charges quickly to help with productivity and meeting deadlines. There are different settings for adjusting the tightness of each tie.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The tightness might not be as good as with other expensive brands.
YJINGRUI Handheld Semi-Automatic Rebar Tying Machine
If you prefer a smaller and more compact tool, the YJINGRUI Handheld Semi-Automatic Rebar Tying Machine is a great portable choice. It can work from four to five hours on a single charge using its 12.8V 6000 mAh battery and has a tying capacity of 1,000 per minute. You can choose between the short and long hook (both stainless steel) depending on which type of rebar environment you are working on.
It uses a lithium-ion battery so you will worry less about draining when not in use. The tool can be rotated to the left and right depending on your needs and the control button is placed just right. It has a torque adjustment and a textured non-slip handle.
Things I Like About This Product: The unit uses lithium-ion for its battery, which has no memory effect to avoid wasting charge when you are not using it. The tool is also very lightweight to take to the job site.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It has a low tying capacity compared to other bigger rebar tiers.
5 Best Manual Rebar Tiers
If your work is more relaxed, then a manual rebar tier will work just fine for you, such as the following:
Mudder Rebar Tie Wire Twister Tool
The Mudder Rebar Tie Wire Twister Tool is a two-piece set including a curved and a straight hook for different purposes. Since they both have a semi-automatic function, in which they recoil and reload on their own, it will not be time-consuming even if it is a manual tool. Carbon steel is used to make the hooks and the metal parts to ensure they are durable yet easy to handle.
The handle of both rebar tiers is made with a plastic albeit non-slip surface that you can easily grip. Both of them have a large hook to assist with storage afterward. The straight hook measures 10.5 inches in length while the curved hook is 8.7 inches. Both of them have a 1.8-inch hook head length.
Things I Like About This Product: The slim design allows you to fit these manual rebar tiers into smaller spaces where bulky tools won’t fit. The wire twister is also semi-automatic in terms of reloading and recoiling.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The handle could have been at least rubberized instead of plastic for a better grip.
Goldblatt G09312 Wire Twister
A small and portable manual tool to consider is the Goldblatt G09312 Wire Twister. It is made with a steel hook and bushing for extra durability (S-2 steel is used) while the pistol grip handle is ergonomically shaped to make it easy to hold. It’s two-piece design contributes to the tool’s stability.
To make attachment fuss-free for any rebar tying scheme, it has a chamfered drive. What’s more, the hook has been electroplated to avoid corrosion over time. If you only need to tie rebar on small home projects, this is a sufficient tool to have due to its small capacity. Weighing 1.58 ounces, this tool is backed by a 1-year warranty.
Things I Like About This Product: It is very lightweight and easy to use for beginners or causal projects. The handle is made of hardwood which is much more durable than plastic and is also more eco-friendly.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It will only be effective for small projects due to the simple hook and handle design, especially with the clip system.
Klein Tools D213-9ST Ironworker Pliers
For those who prefer a plier-style tool, the Klein Tools D213-9ST Ironworker Pliers is for you. It has high leverage due to the hook-bend handle and a cross-hatched knurl, which makes it suitable for handling rebar ties because of its strong grip.
It is both a wire twister and a cutter so you don’t need to buy another manual tool. The long and comfortable grip makes it easy to work with for multiple hours of use. As for the cutting mechanism, it uses induction hardened knives for prime sharpness.
The 8-inch tool is coated with a tempered handle to absorb the snapping impact when you cut the rebar wire tie. It has a hot-riveted joint type and a jaw capacity of 1-3/8 inches (34.9 mm). The tool is backed by a 1-year warranty for material and workmanship defects.
Things I Like About This Product: The long length of the handles adds comfort and stability when working on tying any rebar.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It is hard to remove the spring in the pliers. If you prefer operations without the need for the spring then this might be a con for you.
Tonyko Wire-tying Twister Tool For Rebar Grid
Designed to look like a simple garden tool but with a unique handle, the Tonyko Wire-tying Twister Tool For Rebar Grid is slim enough to fit into almost all angles and areas. When tying rebars, it’s handle can be rotated up to 360 degrees, allowing for the greatest user comfort. It is applicable for different diameters of wires, whether copper or steel wire.
Since the rebar tier only weighs 1.16 pounds, taking it anywhere is a breeze. Alloy steel is used for the material to ensure durability without breaking the bank (and without being too heavy). The location of the spring in this rebar tier twister tool is well-thought to add to its force and power.
Things I Like About This Product: The product is lightweight and is rotatable up to 360 degrees – ideal for different angles and areas in your project.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The product doesn’t come with user instructions so you have to use your best judgment for it to work. Nonetheless, manual tools are usually easier to figure out on your own.
Milwaukee 48-22-6102 Ironworker’s Pliers
We all know that Milwaukee offers quality electric-powered tools, but the Milwaukee 48-22-6102 Ironworker’s Pliers show the brand’s ability to offer a high-quality manual tool as well. This simple tool features curved handles to reduce user fatigue, keeping you comfortable for hours. It has hardened jaws as well, plus a specialized blade angle that’s built for rebar tie wires, so it is more than just your average garden pliers.
The forged design and corrosion-resistant finish means that these pliers last long with proper care. What’s more, the iron carbide edge of the pliers enhances each cut and twist of the rebar tying wire. Measuring 4.2 x 8.9 inches, these ironworker’s pliers are surprisingly lightweight at only 0.734 pounds, making them a handy emergency tool in case your motor-powered rebar tier runs out of juice.
Things I Like About This Product: The tool is lightweight at less than one pound so taking it to the job site is easy. I like the ergonomic handle plus the forged design for durability.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: As it is a simple and lightweight tool, the force is not enough for medium to heavy-duty rebar tying and only applicable for home and garden projects.
The Methodology: What I Considered When Picking the Rebar Tiers Featured Above
Do you want to know how I came to rank my list of rebar tiers mentioned above? Here is the different criteria that I depended on:
Powered vs. Manual
A powered rebar tier speeds up work because of its motor, so it is more applicable for industrial uses, such as large buildings and the like. If you must work with hundreds of rebars to tie up, it’s best to go with a powered tier, which are usually cordless so it is easier to handle on the job site.
On the other hand, a manual rebar tier is more ideal for simple home usages, such as for gardening, home repairs, and similar tasks. They are lightweight and usually easy to carry in your toolbox, making them a great emergency tool as well, in case your powered rebar tier loses battery charge.
Rebar Tying Speed
Consider the tying speed of the electric tools. Most of them can tie as fast as 0.8 seconds to get your job done in no time.
Materials Used
This is more important to consider for a manual rebar tier than the powered one (although both need to be made from quality materials) since manual tools often need a lot of force, unlike a motor-powered one. A sturdy handle and quality-forged steel is a good choice for a manual rebar tier.
Tying Capacity Per Charge
Powered rebar tiers typically have a 2,000 to 5,000-ties-per-charge capacity. Choose the capacity depending on your needs. For those who work on construction sites, consider that a bigger tying capacity can save a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Rebar Sizes
Know which rebar sizes your tool can accommodate. For example, most of them can take 3×3 up to 5×5, while others can handle up to 7×7 rebar sizes.
Comfort
An ergonomic handle is a plus point for any tool – rebar tiers included. Consider investing in a rubberized handle or at least one that is curved to make it easier to hold for long hours of operation. Having a brushless motor also lessens the vibration if it is an electric tool.
Adjustability
A rebar tier with a great adjustability feature (such as for tightness) is a good investment. This way, you can handle different rebar diameters and various working angles.
Summary
For power rebar tiers, I’d suggest the Max RB398 Rebar Tier if you want a lightweight and effective tool. Another lightweight option is the CCTI Suspider Intelligent Rebar Tier, which also features a brushless motor.
If you want to focus on speed, the Makita XRT01TK 18V LXT Cordless Rebar Tying Tool Kit ties up rebars faster than anything else on my list. The Max RB441T TwinTier Rebar Tying Tool, our premium option, also has high speed but is more lightweight than the Makita tool.
The Max RB655 Rebar Tying Tool Kit, on the other hand, is applicable even for larger rebar sizes. Meanwhile, the NEWTRY Automatic Rebar Tier has a fast charge time to increase productivity, while the YJINGRUI Handheld Semi-Automatic Rebar Tying Machine is yet another lithium-ion tool to consider.
If you’d like to go manual, a couple of tools worth trying and buying are Mudder Rebar Tie Wire Twister Tool, Goldblatt G09312 Wire Twister, Klein Tools D213-9ST Ironworker Pliers, Tonyko Wire-tying Twister Tool For Rebar Grid, and the Milwaukee 48-22-6102 Ironworker’s Pliers, all of which are lightweight and easy to take with you anywhere.
