Rebar is something that many people use for home improvement or other projects. Figuring out what kind of rebar to use can be difficult in itself but figuring out how to cut it can pose even more difficulty. However, for finishing your project successfully, cutting it correctly is key.
While there are multiple ways to cut rebar, this article will go over a great and easy one using a common tool that you might already have in your toolbox – a reciprocating saw.
Can You Cut Rebar with a Reciprocating Saw?
Cutting rebar seems daunting to a lot of people but it is actually very doable. Cutting rebar with a reciprocating saw is surprisingly easier than many other methods that are out there. The saw is strong enough to stay sturdy and cut through the rebar with ease. As such, oftentimes, there is no need to get a dedicated rebar cutter.
If you are nervous about cutting rebar with your reciprocating saw then it is best to keep reading and learn how to do it properly. There are also many videos out there that show how to properly cut rebar with a reciprocating saw if you learn better through visuals.
How to Cut Rebar with a Reciprocating Saw
Anyways, without further ado, let’s jump into the actual process.
Step 1: Do the Necessary Prep Work
Making sure that you have your rebar clamped tightly is step number one. This will help greatly with making sure things are safe for you or anyone else around you. This will keep any metal from flying and keep the saw from messing up as well.
While you are in this step make sure that you are taking all necessary safety precautions. When working with metal, more specifically cutting metal, you should always wear safety goggles because that will keep any tiny pieces of metal from hurting your eyes. You should also always wear ear protection so that these tiny pieces cannot get into your ears and damage them.
Step 2: Choose the Right Blade
Choosing the right blade to go on the reciprocating saw is essential for it to work when cutting the rebar. Since rebar is made out of metal it is not easy to cut to begin with. And, if you use the wrong blade then it will be even more difficult to cut through.
The suggested blade for cutting metal depends on the thickness of the metal. Thinner metals can be cut with a blade that has 22 teeth per inch whereas thicker metals should be cut with a blade that has 8 teeth per inch. This will help to efficiently cut into the metal and through the metal.
Step 3: Install the Blade
Now you are ready to insert the blade into the saw. Make sure that the teeth are pointing down so that you are able to use them to cut into the metal. If the teeth happen to be facing upwards then that will just damage or break the blade.
You can learn in more detail about how to change a reciprocating saw blade here.
Step 4: Make the Cut
Make sure to set the speed of the reciprocating saw to a slower speed than it would normally be at. This will help to keep your blade newer for longer. It will also give you more control over the cut.
Now put the blade onto the rebar where you want the cut to be. Once you have that, you will want to guide it in a pivoting motion until it is successfully in the metal. This will help to keep things as safe as possible and keep your cut exactly where you want it.
As you do this push the button in so that the saw turns on and begins to cut the rebar. As you do this keep a firm hold on the saw and make sure that the rebar is secured as well. Otherwise, things could go wrong while cutting it.
Continue this until you cut all the way through the rebar.
Step 6: Clean Up
Once you are done cutting the rebar, let go of the trigger on the reciprocating saw and remove the blade from the rebar. If you are done then it is simply time to put the saw away. If you need to cut another piece, repeat the process.
What Are the Alternatives?
Although using a reciprocating saw to cut rebar is a great way to do it there are other alternatives too.
If you do not have a reciprocating saw to use or just do not want to use one, you can also get a dedicated rebar cutter. However, if you only need to cut rebar occasionally, then this will be an overkill.
Instead, you might want to consider using bolt cutters or a hand saw. This could work if you have a good way to clamp down both ends of the rebar as you would need it very sturdy to be able to cut it this way.
Lastly, you may also be able to cut the rebar with a torch. This is normally something that takes far longer than using any kind of saw though so it is not suggested.
Summary
Cutting rebar with a reciprocating saw is possible and not very difficult to do. Making sure you have all of your safety measures in place will help you get through this process much faster and easier. Also, be sure that your rebar is always secure in place before starting to cut.
By picking the right blade for the thickness of the rebar and lowering the speed you will be able to smoothly cut through it.