When setting up rebar, tying is a requirement, but tools such as the Makita XRT01TK 18V LXT Cordless Rebar Tying Tool make the job faster. When you need to work on hundreds of pieces rebar to tie up, going cordless electric is a good solution, especially when it comes to portability and working in awkward positions.
That’s why I’ve reviewed the said Makita rebar tier below and listed down its specs, pros, and cons for you to check out and decide for yourself.
Makita XRT01TK 18V LXT Cordless Rebar Tying Tool
As a cordless lithium-ion rebar tying tool kit, this one works best for increasing productivity due to the easy loading design and continuous modes so you can tie up rebar more quickly and efficiently.
Specifications
With an estimated capacity of 5,300 ties per charge (#3 x #3 to #5 x #5), this rebar tier has a speed of 1 second or less (0.8 seconds to be exact) in tying up to four #4 bars or two #5 bars. In a single reel, it can tie up to 120 units and it has three tie wraps, accepting up to 21 gauge wire.
Weighing 5.7 pounds, this tool is powered by an 18V LXT 5.0Ah battery which comes with it, alongside the charger. The rebar tier spans a length of twelve inches and is adjustable up to six tying strength levels.
Quality
Makita backs their tool up with a 3-year limited warranty on both the tool and the battery. Nonetheless, they also uphold their quality largely in part to the brushless motor. A brushless motor extends the lifespan of any tool, allowing it to run cooler. A BL motor also reduces vibrations during operation.
To protect the rebar tier from accidental battery drains, it has an automatic shutoff feature. Moreover, it has a wire reel cover to protect the feeding mechanism from jamming due to work dust and debris.
Usability
There are many convenient features of this rebar tier, such as the two-mode operation, in which you can switch from single to continuous wire tie actuation. The latter is helpful when you have a project that requires a lot of rebars to tie, particularly for industrial sites. I also like the wire reel’s easy-load design that saves time when loading new ties.
An automatic locking mechanism also further protects the wire reel so it doesn’t get in your way when using the rebar tier. Since it has digital controls, tying strength adjustment just got easier, less time-consuming, and more accurate.
There is also a lock-off feature on the trigger power switch to avoid accidental start-ups. The center load reel position is another feature designed to reduce fatigue during use. This can help a lot in terms of balance and handling. It also has an ergonomic rubberized soft handle for slippery hands and a belt clip for easy on-the-go attachment when on the job site.
Should You Buy the Makita XRT01TK?
Ease of use and convenience in the workplace is what makes the Makita XRT01TK stand out from the rest. It focuses more on getting more rebar tied up in a little amount of time as possible while not neglecting quality.
With its features such as lock-off protection and two-mode operation, the operator can feel at ease with the tool, especially if they want to meet their daily quota. Reel loading also becomes a breeze thanks to the hassle-free design.
If you are still unsure about the decision, go through the below list of the pros and cons of the tool.
Pros of Makita XRT01TK
Let’s start with the pros.
It has a brushless motor.
A brushless motor makes the rebar tier last longer because it keeps the entire system cool when running. This would be useful in a hot and humid construction site under the sun. It also decreases vibrations, which in turn, reduces user fatigue so you feel less jittery at the end of the day.
You are protected against accidental switch triggers.
With its mechanism requiring two actions to power the tool, the likelihood of accidental switch triggers reduces drastically. This lets you focus more on the tying and it is also a safety feature.
Loading the reel is easy.
Managing your wire reel is always the most time-consuming part of this job, and that’s why Makita’s rebar tier simplifies it with their easy-loading design.
It can tie up fast.
With approximately 5,300 ties per charge, this tool is built for looming deadlines and the high demands of the industry, unlike those that are only around 2,000 to 4,000 ties per charge.
Cons of Makita XRT01TK
On the other hand, while it has good points, the Makita XRT01TK has some minor drawbacks.
The tightness can sometimes vary.
This usually depends on the wire you are using, but because it is more of a high-speed rebar tier, you might still see some gaps that need to be manually closed down, unless you already stabilized them beforehand.
It is a little heavier than other similar rebar tiers.
At 5.7 pounds, it is a little more overwhelming to carry compared to those around 4 or 5.2 pounds. Nonetheless, this a little bit more weight should be expected, because it is a cordless tool which carries a battery.
What Are the Alternatives to Makita XRT01TK?
If you are looking for an alternative to this tool, the Max RB398 Rebar Tier is a solid choice, since it is also lithium-ion powered and can accept up to 21 gauge wire. The only small caveat is that it ties slower per charge, with only up to 2,000. Nonetheless, it still has a less than 1-second tying ability and it is lighter in weight at only 5.2 pounds.
You can also try the Max RB441T TwinTier, which is a lithium-ion tier that uses thinner 19 gauge wire but can tie 3×3 to 7×7 rebar at around 4,000 ties per charge. It is also lightweight at 5.2 pounds and has a shorter tool length of 11-3/8 inches. What’s more, it has a higher capacity of up to 240 ties per coil when used on 4 x 4 rebar.
Although with a slightly smaller battery amperage of 2.0Ah, the CCTI Suspider Intelligent Rebar Tier is a more lightweight rebar tier at only 4 pounds. Nonetheless, it is only for light-duty tasks since it only has a capacity of 1,100 ties per charge.
Summary
If speed is what you are looking for in a rebar tier, the Makita XRT01TK is a good tool to consider with up to 5,300 ties per charge – sufficient to meet industrial demands and deadlines. While it may not be as precise as others when used with different wire gauge, its cordless features and convenient reel changes make operation easy for anyone on the job.