bending rebar on the cheap

[MarkAndDebbie]

We cut the rebar high coming out of the footing so I could bend it over and tie it to the horizontal rebar in the U blocks (bond beam). I am now realizing that it is easy to bend a 10 ft piece of rebar in half on the ground, but not the top 4 inches sticking out of a block wall.

Any suggestions as to how to bend the rebar without buying a $35 tool (or pair of them)?

I tried a 2ft piece of pipe over the rebar in HD. Not enough leverage. I would have to get a ladder to get up higher (4ft wall) to get the end of a long pipe. And then I am not sure since I don't have something solid to bend it over (I'm pretty sure I'd crush the block if I used it as the fulcrum with enough force to bend).

My solution in the morning (if I don't find one soon) is to cut the rebar off and not tie them or try to T them with rebar tie. I don't have an angle grinder, but I have a circular saw with a grind off blade.

[John_C]

a longer pipe and/or a bit of heat from a torch.   Basically the bigger hammer school of thought.

[glenn kangiser]

We use a 1Inch pipe about  3 feet long  with a triangle welded to the end and 3 bolts spaced in about a 3 inch spaced triangle sticking out sideways to bend the rebar --5/8 is easy.  It is a home-made copy of the commercial tool.

Keep in mind that you need 20 dia. laps - min.  5/8 is about 13 inches - if you need to continue the bar in the wall.

[MarkAndDebbie]

got a bigger pipe - 36". Placed a scrap of rebar across the block (8" direction) and was able to bend it.

Find me a place to put the fulcrum and I will move the world.

[glenn-k]

If doing a lot sometimes you can find these cutter - bender combo's used.  I paid about $40 for one IIRC.



http://www.constructioncomplete.com/RebarBenderCutterCombosManual/TolmanToolTMHubCutter.html

[peg_688]

Lil hard to use that bender AFTER the bars in the mud   The cart goes behind the horse . If anyone gots the  link to the donkey in the air with the over loaded cart , now would be the time  

[glenn-k]

Yep -- that one requires planning ahead but I put it here for general information just incase someone does.

I already put the afterthought drawing that I use-  it works pretty well especially for minor adjustments to keep things in the forms..

[peg_688]

Ya I saw that neat tool  8-) That photo sorta proves it's not one world , like Paul harvey sez

[builderboy]

Clearly needing a horse with longer legs.