How To Bend Rebar Manually

Rebar (short for "reinforcing bar") is used to reinforce concrete in construction work. Because it's made of steel, rebar expands at roughly the same rate as concrete during temperature changes. Often rebar must be bent to fit specific architectural forms. This can be done with machinery, both industrial and handheld, but it can also be accomplished manually. All you need to bend rebar is a vise, steel pipe and a blowtorch. This approach requires more physical labor, but it's an effective method for those on a tight construction budget.

Step 1

Clamp the rebar tightly in a vise. The vise's jaws should be positioned just below the point where you want to bend the rebar.

Step 2

Put on a pair of leather work gloves to protect your hands.

Step 3

Heat the rebar at the bending point with a blow torch for 30-60 seconds. Heating the metal slightly will make it bend more easily.

Step 4

Slip a steel pipe onto the rebar. The pipe's diameter should be slightly larger than that of the rebar, and it should be several inches longer than the portion of the rebar extending from the vise.

Step 5

Pull the rebar toward you with steady pressure to begin bending it.

Step 6

After you've bent the rebar a few inches, stop and check the angle with a protractor.

Step 7

Heat the rebar again and continue bending it until it reaches the desired angle.

Step 8

If you require multiple bends, open the jaws of the vise and adjust the position of the rebar. Repeat this process until all required bends are complete.