An electric rebar cutter, also known as a reinforcing steel cutter, is a power tool used for cutting rebar, reinforcing strips of steel found in most concrete. The best electric rebar cutter will be a high powered unit, will be able to cut through an inch of solid steel, and will include everything you need to get started in the box.

Rebar, or reinforcing steel bars, are extremely strong steel components that are used in the construction of just about all concrete buildings, bridges, and other structures. They provide essential structural integrity, and our modern world couldn’t be made without them. Cutting the thick, strong rebar can be very difficult and time-consuming (Source).

Electric rebar cutters make this process a lot easier and faster than cutting the rebar by hand, and far safer than using a cutting torch. All you have to do is place a piece of rebar into the jaws of the device and close it, to easily snip the thick metal bar where it’s needed (Source).

The quality, price, and capabilities of rebar cutters can vary widely, making a purchasing decision rather difficult. Before you purchase an electric rebar cutter, consider the technical specifications, the maximum diameter of rebar it can cut through, and the power of the device rating.

In this breakdown, we will take a detailed look at all the top-rated rebar cutters. All of the electric rebar cutters in this article will be able to split even the thickest of steel reinforcements, whether you are working on a job site or building an addition onto your home.

How Much Do Electric Rebar Cutters Cost?

Usually, rebar cutters cost between $200 and $1000. The price that you should expect to pay for an electric rebar cutter usually depends on factors such as the manufacturer, the exact features that are offered, and your expectations as a whole.

Comparing the Top 5 Models

Best Electric Rebar Cutter: Our Top 5 Picks

1. Happybuy 1700W Electric Rebar Cutter – Best Overall

This electric rebar cutter is a great model to start your search with. What makes it stand out is that it has a nice set of specifications to balance out with a reasonable price.

For example, this model has a power capacity of 1700W and makes cuts without generating any sparks or dust. All of the parts you need to run the machine are included right in the box.

This model also cuts rebar widths that are much larger than average. Rebar up to 1-inch wide can be cut within a few seconds. However, keep in mind that this model may encounter problems when you cut rebar that is less than one foot long.

2. CCTI Portable Rebar Cutter (RC-165C) – Most Affordable Electric Rebar Cutter

If you are on a tight budget, you don’t necessarily need to cut back on all of the nicest features. Models like this one show that even some of the best electric rebar cutter models are both affordable and reasonably high-quality.

This model is slightly more affordable since it doesn’t quite cut rebar lengths as wide as some of the more expensive models, and has lower power specifications.

However, if you only need to cut rebar up to 5/8-inches long and are suitable with 900W of total power, then this is a great option to consider. In reality, this model is still strong enough for most professional-grade cutting jobs though.

3. CCTI Portable Rebar Cutter (RC-196C) – Nice Balance of Price & Quality

A model like this one is a great option for those who don’t want to settle for one of the lowest-tier and most affordable electric rebar cutters, but also not one of the most expensive ones either.

This model can easily cut rebar that is up to 3/4” thick. The cuts are started and finished within a period fo a few seconds. It also has a strong steel carrying case which is great for both protection and easy transport.

Although there are cheaper models that come with slightly more power, the 1250W power specifications of this product are still enough for most professional jobs. Like the other CCTI model we reviewed, this product will be ready to be used right out of the box.

4. Steel Dragon Tools RBC08 – Best For Professional Rebar Cuts

Anybody looking for a professional-grade electric rebar cutter will also typically be willing to spend a little more money so that they can get one of the highest-quality rebar cutters possible.

If this describes you and your situation, the Steel Dragon Tools RBC08 is a great option to consider. With some of the best specifications on the market, this model may not be the cheapest option you will find but it definitely has the quality you need as a professional contractor.

This model comes with everything that you will need to use right out fo the box. This includes a tool kit, reversible cutter jaws, and an impressive 2000W power capacity. For the highest quality and durability possible, this is a great option to consider first.

5. BN Products BNCE-20 Cutting Edge Saw – Most Lightweight & Portable Electric Rebar Cutter

This model from BN Products stands out for those who need a lightweight and portable rebar cutter that can be easily taken on the go without too much effort. This product only weighs 9 pounds and is smaller than a typical electric rebar cutter of this caliber.

Despite the portability of this model, it is still has a nice power capacity of 11000 W and can cut rebars up to 3/4” wide within a few seconds. Best of all, it is also a lot more affordable than many other electric rebar cutters on the market.

This model is also designed to be a little safer than average. Since it has a flush-cutting blade guard, the likeliness of an accident occurring is a lot lower than what we find

Electric Rebar Cutter Brands

Just like many other types of products, the brand can often imply certain things about the quality of the product as a whole. In the industry of electric rebar cutters, there are some brands that stand out the most.

Although different brands don’t necessarily mean that the quality of certain electric rebar cutters is better, it is still worth understanding what makes each brand stand out. To help you speed up your research, let’s go ahead and break down a little bit about the top electric rebar cutter brands.

HappyBuy

HappyBuy is a relatively new company in the manufacturing industry that bases its sales out of Amazon. In other words, this is not the kind of manufacturer that you will find sitting around in your local hardware store.

Products like the Happybuy 1700W Electric Rebar Cutter illustrate how extremely high-quality this manufacturer is, despite their slight lack of visibility. In fact, this option is also a great place to start your search if you want one of the best electric rebar cutters.

California Concrete Tool

California Concrete Tool (or CCTI) is another great brand to check out if you want to find one of the best electric rebar cutters possible. CCTI has options that are both high-quality and ones that are a little more affordable.

In fact, those who want the best balance between price and quality of the model should consider checking out the CCTI Portable Rebar Cutter (RC-196C).

Steel Dragon Tools

Steel Dragon Tools has been in the industry for over a generation now. They boast themselves on having a wide variety of different tools and components of professional-grade quality.

The Steel Dragon Tools RBC08 is a great example of this. This model has some of the most impressive and high-quality specifications which exist on the market. This is also why we highly recommend this model for professional contractors who need some of the most durability and quality

BN Products

BN Products has been in the industry for quite some time now. After opening for business in 1925, the company soon found its way out of humble beginnings as a sheet metal fabricator in order to become a world-renowned manufacturer.

The BN Products BNCE-20 Cutting Edge Saw stands out, in particular, for those who need a lightweight and portable electric rebar cutter that is both affordable and still able to perform at a high standard of quality.

Factors to Consider Before Buying an Electric Rebar Cutter

Before you decide which electric rebar cutter is best for your needs, it’s important that you understand which factors and features to look out for. This way, you can make an educated decision that best reflects your needs, expectations, and budget.

To help you out, let’s go ahead and explore the top factors to consider before getting an electric rebar cutter.

Dimensions & Weight

The size of your model is something you need to consider right away. Especially if you are a mobile contractor who expects to take their rebar cutter out on the road to different job sites.

Certain models are so large and heavy that they are best off being left in a more permanent position. Then, there are others that are lightweight and portable enough to be transported around easily, just about the weight of some screw guns.

Power Specifications

The power specifications of a model will help you understand how capable and efficient it will be at cutting rebar. As a general rule of thumb, high-quality electric rebar cutters will have at least 1000W of total power capacity. If a model is lower than this, it can often imply that the product isn’t quite as efficient as other models.

Maximum Rebar Width

More than likely, you already have a standard size of rebar that you will work with. However, keep in mind that rebars can come in many different sizes and widths.

The length of the rebar isn’t usually much of a concern while shopping for the right rebar cutter. The width is a completely different story though.

As a general rule of thumb, the maximum supported width should be at least 3/4”. Keep your needs in mind, though, so you find a model that cuts the rebar you work with.

Construction Quality

You simply shouldn’t spend more than a hundred dollars on rebar steelcutter of any sort without the expectation that it will last several years. Check to make sure the model you purchase is made with strong metal or steel parts.

The less cheap parts and plastic pieces on the mode, the better. Ideally, the model should also include a warranty of some sort.

How to Use an Electric Rebar Saw

Learning how to use an electric rebar saw is a very simple process. Just like other power tools, most of the hard work is already done for you, and you simply need to visually align and confirm where the work will take place.

In this case, you simply put your rebar in the position in which you want it to be cut and then make the cut.

For your reference, here are the basic steps explained in a little more detail.

1. Plan out Your Cuts

For starters, make sure that your workspace is clean and ready to go. Before rushing into the cutting process, start by checking to see that the rebar width will work with your steel cutter tool. Then, plan out where you will make each cut. This should be a standard procedure in any cutting jobs, whether you’re using a rebar cutter, the best shingle cutter, or any other type of cutter.

2. Position the Rebar in the Right Position

Once you have your cuts planned out, place your first rebar into the machine right in the spot where you want to cut. Remember that cutting short lengths of rebar can be dangerous, and launched out as a projectile. For best results, only cut rebar pieces 12 inches or longer.

3. Finish the Cut

Now that you have your cuts planned out and a gameplan ready, it’s now time to take action. Using the button, lever, or whatever sort of mechanism you have on your model, finish by cutting each rebar piece to the desired length. Afterward, your rebars are ready for use. To easily tie rebars together, try using any top rebar tying tools on our review here.

Ready to Get an Electric Rebar Cutter?

In order to get the best electric rebar cutter, it’s important that you start by first doing a little bit of soul-searching. Determine what features you need the most, and then find a model that best matches your budget and expectations.

If you want to get the best electric rebar steel cutter complete with some of the best features and an affordable price, start by checking out the Happybuy 1700W Electric Rebar Cutter.

Anybody who has a tighter budget may need to keep their expectations a little more in check. However, this doesn’t mean that the quality of the product needs to take a toll. As we can see with the BN Products BNCE-20 Cutting Edge Saw, it is possible to have a nice balance between affordability and quality.

In any case, getting a high-quality electric rebar cutter is possible despite any constraints you may have in your way. Since they are so affordable, durable, and efficient, an electric cutter is always a better option than using a metal hacksaw.

For other cutting jobs, see our guides for the best soil pipe cutters and top laminate floor cutters.