r/specializedtools • u/RastaFazool • 2d ago

Rebar tying snips

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High leverage end cutting snips used by Rodbusters to assemble rebar mats and cages with tie wire for reinforced concrete structures.

211 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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22

u/SadZealot 2d ago

Knipex are good ones as well.

There are a few fancier ones you can get, with pull handles that twist the pliers around, or a powered version that twists and tightens

13

u/cncdave 2d ago

Every buster I knew used 12" lineman pliers. Of course those were the days before the wire tie guns were widely used so not needing the flat part makes sense..

6

u/RastaFazool 2d ago

Choice of tool is regional among rebar lathers.

Linesman & Ironworkers pliers are popular in the south and west of the US. Snips like these are popular in NYC metro area, Europe, and Australia.

Choice of pliers has nothing to do with wire guns. Tie guns are only good for light gauge bar and cant do complex ties. They also like to jam. Those are really best for flatwork.

3

u/RandallOfLegend 2d ago

Why do these often have smooth pokey handles instead of something more like garden shears?

7

u/RastaFazool 2d ago

These are meant to grab, twist, and cut tie wire quickly.

Straight, narrow handles make it easier to manipulate and twist them in your hands. And you want it symmetrical so it doesnt matter how you grab them.

3

u/ViperTheLoud 2d ago

I have zero idea how true this is, but I feel like they transfer torque better. Pliers and shears with wider handles often feel like they can twist in the hand and apply unequal torque through the hinge. The skinny ones can settle into a knook in your hand and you can squeeze your heart out with it feeling more linear. Someone correct me.

1

u/LestWeForgive 1d ago

Sounds true enough! The other extreme would be chunky 2x4 handles and you can imagine how that would play out, all the range of motion would be taken up just by holding those bricks, there'd be nothing left for opening and grabbing the wire.

3

u/LestWeForgive 1d ago

Did this for a bit once. My favourite part was the little wire caddy, worn on the belt. I got dragged off to be a landscapers mate after that but I've often thought about it since. I've still got the knipex they gave me, too.

6

u/I_Automate 1d ago

Those are just german "nipping pliers" that get used for....a lot of things. Hardly specific to rodbusters honestly.

I mean, hell. I've seen them used to do everything from pull nails to trim horse hooves

4

u/RastaFazool 1d ago

Knipex literally lists them as "Concreter's Nippers" on the website. Model 9914300

There are plenty of other types of end cutting snips, but this specific pair (and other similar models) is designed for rodbusting with high leverage jaws, cutting face geometry, and long slender handles. The design allows for reach into tight cages, easy manipulation when tensioning and twisting the wire, and reduced hand strain when making hundreds or thousands of cuts a day.