How can you cut composite reinforcement
One of the main advantages of composite reinforcement is the simplicity of its cutting. Fiberglass reinforcement cutting is carried out directly at the place of work, which significantly reduces the construction time. To cut the rods to size, use the following tools:
- ax;
- bolt cutter;
- hacksaw for metal;
- angle grinder.
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each tool.
Angle grinder
When the question arises of how to cut fiberglass reinforcement for the foundation (we already wrote more about the material here), builders primarily recall the grinder. This tool allows you to cut large quantities of material efficiently, quickly and with minimal effort.
TO pluses The use of angle grinder include:
- high speed of work;
- with the help of a grinder, you can immediately cut a bunch of bars;
- mechanized cutting does not require large muscle strength;
- the possibility of using discs with any cutting edge (for metal or stone).
Before you cut fiberglass reinforcement with a grinder, you need to consider minuses work with this tool:
- cut fiberglass grinder without dust will not work. The high speed of the disk rotation leads to the atomization of small fiberglass particles in the air. An air blower for cooling the engine of the tool contributes to an even greater spread of composite dust. Therefore, when working with an angle grinder, you need to use eye protection and respiratory protection, especially if you have to cut reinforcement in a room;
- To work with a grinder, you must have a connection point to electricity.
In general, the cons are pretty trivial.
Hacksaw
If you have to make just a few cuts, you can use the usual hacksaw for metal.
The use of hand tools gives the following pros:
- each owner has a hacksaw for metal. This is the easiest and cheapest way to cut a small number of bars for a bundle of reinforcing cage;
- lack of atomization of small particles, as is the case with angle grinders.
Negative moments of using a hacksaw for cutting composite reinforcement:
- low speed;
- high load on the employee, if it is necessary to perform a large amount of work;
- the possibility of use only in individual construction with small amounts of work.
Bolt cutter
Before you cut composite rebar with a bolt cutter, you should also study the pros and cons of working with this tool. You need to understand that the bolt cutter does not cut the composite rod, but rather bites it, which affects the technical characteristics of the material.
Benefits use of bolt cutter:
- No power connection required
- when working with a bolt cutter, a large number of small particles are not formed, therefore, it is possible to prepare bars in size indoors;
- With a bolt cutter in hand, you can move and work anywhere (no wires).
disadvantages boltorez application:
- with a bolt cutter, more than 3 bars cannot be cut simultaneously;
- when working with this tool, it is necessary to use significant muscle effort;
- bolt cutter is rarely on the list of home tools. For work, he will have to rent or buy, which is not economically feasible;
- the use of a bolt cutter causes deformation of the material at the cut site (crumbs of material and longitudinal cracks appear at the end of the rod). Such deformation reduces the bearing capacity of the reinforcement, and reduces its service life.
Ax
With limited means, an ax can also be used to prepare the reinforcement. He, like a bolt cutter, cuts the bar, which affects the condition of the reinforcement in the place of the cut.
Positive moments:
- any owner has an ax. It is not required to purchase a tool separately;
- speed. When preparing the base for cutting reinforcement, work can be done quite quickly.
Negative moments:
- incision inaccuracy. Not every master can accurately and powerfully hit the right place with an ax to cut a composite bar;
- deformation of the tip of the rod. During operation, longitudinal cracks can get water, cement, alkali, which will lead to a violation of the technical characteristics of fiberglass and weakening of the entire structure. With temperature changes, the split reinforcement inside the product will change in volume, which will lead to the destruction of concrete.
Recommendations for cutting composite reinforcement
Before cutting plastic fittings with your own hands, you should familiarize yourself with safety measures when performing work.
When working with electromechanical tools, the following protective equipment must be used:
- respirator. Small composite particles quickly spread in the air, especially if work is carried out indoors. To protect the respiratory system, it is necessary to wear a respirator and carefully adjust it to the size of the face;
- protective glasses. When cutting fiberglass with an angle grinder, small fractions often fly off. The ingress of such particles into the eyes is fraught with a violation of the integrity of the cornea and inflammatory processes. Therefore, the eyes protect with a mask or special glasses;
- gloves with a latex layer will protect the skin from small particles of fiberglass.