Cutting Rebar at a Project Site
Occasionally, field cutting is required when rebars are too long as a result of design changes or errors made in detailing, fabrication or placing. Field cutting is sometimes needed with overlength bars prior to placement in formwork or when partially bars are embedded in hardened concrete.
For uncoated reinforcing bars, use bolt cutters on smaller size bars (#10, #13, and #16). For bar sizes #19 and larger, use an oxy-acetylene torch to flame cut.
Smaller size epoxy-coated bars (#10, #13, and #16) can also be cut with bolt cutters. However, do not use a flame torch to cut larger epoxy-coated bars! Instead, use a saw with a diamond blade.
After cutting epoxy-coated reinforcing bars, the cut ends are to be coated with two part epoxy patching material.
