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When working on a big construction project, it is not a good idea to use a hand tool to tie rebar wire. Rebar tying hand tools such as ironworker pliers or end cut nippers are amazing but can cause serious hand fatigue and injuries. In my own experience, I suffered a nasty wrist injury from twisting rebar wire with ironworker pliers when laying a concrete slab for my garage.
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Ironworkers pliers and other similar manual rebar tying tools are ideal for small construction projects. You can also use them in large projects but for short periods of time. But if you tie rebar wire for a living, automatic or semi-automatic rebar tying tools would be the best tools to use. They are quick and require less effort.
In this article, I will share some of the best automatic tie wire twister tools that you can add to your toolbox if your tie rebars for a living.
What Is Automatic Rebar Tie Wire Twister?
An automatic rebar tying tool is a power tool that uses a wire coil to automatically tie rebar together. It works by shooting a thin wire around the intersection of two or more pieces of rebar, wrapping it around a few times, and then twisting it off to tighten it.
Automatic rebar tiers come in three types: corded, cordless, and pneumatic. Cordless or battery powered rebar tying tools are the most common because of their versatility and convenience.
So, if you are planning a large commercial construction project that will use reinforcement bars, you should consider using automatic rebar tying tools. These tools can save you time, effort, and money, and prevent occupational injuries that come from twisting rebar manually or bending for a long time.
Best Automatic Rebar Tying Tools
These are some of the best automatic rebar tying tools on the market. They can help you save time and money on your next construction project.
MAX RB441T Rebar Tying Gun
If you’re in the construction industry, you know that tying rebar is a tedious and time-consuming task. The MAX RB441T rebar tying tool kit is a game-changer. This solid tool fits into tight spaces, making it perfect for tying #3 x #3 or #7 x #7 or any other rebar combination that does not exceed 45mm nominal diameter.
The kit comes with the tool, charger, 40Ah battery, and carry case, so you’re ready to work right out of the box. The battery is JPL91440A and can be used with RB398 and RB398S, so you can use it with other MAX tools. The battery can last at least 2000+ ties per charge, increasing the reliability of the tool at the job site.
The RB441T is easy to load wire and you can use it in just about any situation. It uses 19 GA annealed steel tie wire and offers multiple tension settings. With its torque adjustment dial, you can choose the tightness of the tie, making it a versatile tool for any project. And although the dial is a bit finicky, you won’t have any issues if you keep it clean and straighten the wire out when loading a new roll.
The MAX RB441T is made in Japan and works with precision and speed, helping you complete a day’s job in an hour. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s well worth the cost.
Unfortunately, the tool has limited warranty coverage that only covers manufacturing defects. So make sure to take care of the tool because the manufacturer will not repair damages that result from wear and tear.
Also, the RB441T rebar gun uses proprietary MAX tie wire reels. Specifically, it uses
MAX TW1061T twin tie wire. Do not try to install any other type of spool because the tool won’t work.
MAX Tools offers multiple models to choose from that have different capabilities including the MAX RB611T. This is the only cordless rebar tie gun on the market that offers the largest rebar combination of #9 x #10 diameter.
Pros
- Solid build and reliable performance
- Large tying capacity for #3 x #3 to #7 x #7 rebar combinations.
- Easy to load wire and use in just about any situation
- Multiple tension settings for adjustable tie strength.
- Works with precision and speed.
- Comes with a charger, 40Ah battery, and carry case for convenience and portability
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited warranty that only covers manufacturing defects
- The tension button can get finicky but can be fixed easily by keeping buttons clean and straightening wire when loading a new roll.
- Uses proprietary wire spool.
Verdict
Overall, the MAX RB441T battery-powered rebar tying tool is an excellent investment for any construction professional. With its ease of use, precision, and speed, it will save you time and money in the long run. This is the ultimate tool to take to a large commercial construction project. You will be surprised how fast it pays for itself!
Makita XRT01TK Cordless Rebar Tying Tool
The Makita XRT01TK cordless Rebar tying gun is a top-of-the-line tool that features a powerful brushless motor. It’s incredibly easy to set up and can save you thousands of dollars in man hours tying rebar, making it a must-have for any construction or renovation project.
One of the standout features of this tool is its ability to get the job done faster while ensuring the ties are proper and tight. The digital control for setting the tightness of ties is also very convenient, allowing you to adjust the tying strength from loose to moderately tight depending on the tension strength requirements of your project.
The tool uses 21 Ga wire and you can only use the Makita spool, but it’s still available at a good price that is almost 1k less than the MAX RB441T without sacrificing performance. Additionally, the tool comes with two 5.0Ah Lithium Ion batteries, a fast charger, and a carry case. You also get a belt clip for easy carrying and a hex wrench for repairs.
The Makita XRT01TK cordless Rebar tying gun delivers a cordless tying solution for rebar and steel rods, making it incredibly versatile. Its maximum rebar tying capacity is #5 x #5, making it a perfect choice for small rebars of less than #5 diameter.
The tool incorporates important safety features like a lock-off switch and an auto shutoff feature to save battery. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty and uses 3 tie wraps.
Pros
- Well-built and sturdy
- Easy to set up and use
- Easy to control with the 6-stage adjustable wire
- Comes with two 5.0Ah Lithium Ion batteries, a fast charger, and a carry case for convenience and portability.
- Good price compared to leading brands
- Comes with a 3-year limited warranty for added peace of mind
Cons
- Max rebar tying capacity is #5 x #5, limiting its use for larger rebar applications.
- Can only use Makita spool, which may limit flexibility in terms of wire selection.
Verdict
Overall, the Makita XRT01TK cordless Rebar tying gun is an excellent investment for professionals in the construction and renovation industries. It’s powerful, efficient, and easy to use, making it a top contender for those who value quality and convenience.
How To Use Makita XRT01TK Rebar Tier (Video)
CCTi Surspider Automatic Rebar Tier (RT-40S)
The CCTi Surspider Rebar Tier (RT-40S) is a compact and lightweight rebar tying tool that weighs only 4lbs, making it easy to handle and use. This battery-powered tool is powered by a 2.0Ah lithium ion battery that provides enough power for up to 1000 ties before the next recharge.
The tool comes as a kit with two batteries, a charger, a wire roll, and a molded plastic carry case, making it easy to store and transport. It features a brushless motor that delivers consistent performance and durability. Additionally, the rubberized handle provides a comfortable grip for extended use.
The Surspider Rebar Tier uses 20 ga tie wire and has two modes of operation. Mode 1 produces 2 while mode 2 ties rebar with 3 wire wraps. The jaw opening is 40mm wide, making the tool suitable for tying #5 x #5 rebar combination or less.
This unit is a cheaper alternative to the Makita XRT01TK and costs less than $1000. It also ties and cuts rebar wire in one second, making it a time-saving tool.
One of the few drawbacks of the CCTi cordless rebar tie gun is that it uses a proprietary Surspider wire spool. Installing any other wire spool might damage the tool or cause it to malfunction. Also, the wire spool compartment has no cover like in other leading brands.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight, easy to use for extended periods
- Comes with two batteries and a charger for longer use
- The two modes of operation increase flexibility in tying
- Cheapest of the top 3 automatic rebar tying tools
- Easy to use and operate
Cons
- Limited to tying #5 x #5 rebar combination or less
- Uses proprietary wire spool only.
- Shorter warranty period compared to some other automatic rebar tying tools
- The spool is not covered, which may increase the risk of damage or malfunction
Verdict
Overall, the CCTi Surspider Rebar Tier (RT-40S) is an affordable and effective rebar tying tool that provides reliable and consistent performance. It’s a great option for those who need to tie smaller rebar and are looking for an affordable alternative to leading brands. Might be a worthwhile investment for DIYers to replace rebar tying pliers.
How To Use CCTi Surspider Automatic Rebar Tier (Video)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Makita XRT01TK, MAX RB441T, and CCTi Surspider Rebar Tier (RT-40S) are all excellent battery-powered rebar tying tools that offer different benefits and features.
The Makita XRT01TK stands out for its advanced digital control, extended battery life, and good value for money. The MAX RB441T is a high-end rebar tying tool that provides superior performance and durability but at a higher price point. The CCTi Surspider Rebar Tier (RT-40S), on the other hand, is a budget-friendly alternative that still delivers impressive results, with its compact size, lightweight design, and ease of use. Ultimately, the right tool for you will depend on your budget, specific needs, and preferences.
All three tools, however, offer efficient and reliable solutions for professionals and DIYs in the construction industry looking to save time, and money on rebar tying projects.
Unfortunately, no automatic rebar tie gun can ever beat tying rebar with rebar tying pliers or a semi automatic tool. In my experience, rebar tying guns just don’t fasten the wire tight enough to keep the bars from shifting. So, if you are making a rebar structure that will be moved, you might need to go through the tied joints with pliers and make sure they are snug. This will keep the bars from shifting.
However, you dont need to tighten the wire with a hand tool if you are building a mat or slab that won’t need to be moved.
Another downside of rebar tie guns is that they use a bit too much wire. But isn’t that the price for the speed you get from these tools? Most of them tie rebar wire in under a second, helping you complete what could be a day’s job in an hour without hurting your back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another name for automatic rebar tying tool?
Some of the names used to refer to automatic rebar tools include rebar tier gun, rebar tying gun, and rebar tying machine.
What is the advantage of a cordless rebar tying tool?
The main advantages of using a cordless rebar tying tool are speed, versatility, and safety. These tools tie rebar in a split second, you can take them anywhere on the construction site, and save you from back pain and wrist injuries.
