We got a chance to actually use the new Bosch Straight Shank Rebar Cutter while at the 2010 Bosch Press Event. The single purpose of this bit is to drill through rebar – a task that has thwarted many a professional in the past – not to mention cost them tons in chewed up bits. The idea is that if you have a place where you must drill a hole, and that location happens to intersect with a piece of rebar, you now have a way to get through as planned, without relocating the hole (which in some cases is impossible).
The bits were initially available as SDS-Plus shanks, but now Bosch has added straight shank rebar cutters to its line-up for use with hammer drills and rotary drills. Bosch claims that their rebar cutters drill through rebar up to 36 percent faster and lasts up to twice as long as other models.
“Where there is concrete, there is rebar. Now we offer a complete solution that saves time and money.”
Ed Pchola, Group Product Manager
Bosch Rebar Cutters Flute Geometry
Designed to work in rotation mode, Bosch’s rebar cutter has a unique flute geometry that employs a steep spiral design that quickly removes debris. A relief hole is incorporated into the cutting surface to dissipate heat and facilitate slug removal.
12-inch models
- RC2164 1″
- RC2144 7/8″
- RC2168 1-1/8″
- RC2176 1-1/2″
- RC2172 1-1/4″
- RC2084 1/2″
- RC2064 3/8″
- RC2094 9/16″
- RC2124 3/4″
- RC2104 5/8″
The body design and shank are tapered to reduce weight for smoother drilling and to reduce the amount of vibration that often leads to fatigue. Bosch actually manufactures its own carbide to exacting specifications with the result being a longer drilling life.
How Bosch Rebar Cutters Work
People are generally not sure how a rebar cutter works. This is because it’s actually a team effort. You drill using a standard Straight Shank or SDS-Plus carbide bit with a rotary hammer drill until you make contact with the rebar. Once you do, you swap out the bit with the rebar cutter to cut through the rebar until again contacting concrete (and believe me, you can feel all of this, so you won’t have to worry about when to swap out bits.) So once the rebar is cut or severed, you just switch back to the carbide bit and complete the hole. The process looks like this:
Final Thoughts
The Bosch Rebar Cutter Bits come in 12” lengths with drilling diameter from 3/8″ to 1-1/2″. The line also includes 18″ lengths for 1/2″, 5/8″, and 3/4″ diameters, as well as 6″ and 12″ extensions.
