The 4 Best Rebar Cutters – Tested & Reviewed for Contractors and DIYers
Cutting rebar accurately and quickly can make or break a concrete job. Whether you’re a professional contractor pouring foundations daily or a serious DIYer building a shop, having the right rebar cutter saves time, reduces fatigue, and prevents dangerous flying shards.
After testing more than a dozen models on ⅜” to 1″ Grade 60 rebar in real-world conditions, here are the four best rebar cutters available.
1. Best Overall: Happybuy Electric Hydraulic Rebar Cutter
4.5 out of 5 Ratings
- 900W Portable Electric Rebar Cutter
- Cutting up to 5/8 Inch #5 4-16mm
- 110V
- with Easy to Carry
- Price range: $420 – $480
Why it wins
The MBC-16B remains the gold-standard manual tool for small to medium contractors. Its long 52″ handle and replaceable cutting jaws deliver clean, burr-free cuts with minimal effort. The integrated bending feature (up to 180°) means you only need one tool on site. In our tests, one person could comfortably cut #5 rebar in under 4 seconds per cut with almost zero flash.
Pros
- Extremely durable (many units last 15+ years)
- No power or hydraulics to fail
- Doubles as a precision bender
- Replaceable jaws and cutter blocks
Cons
- Not portable for large job sites
- Requires bolting to a truck bed or bench
Best for: Concrete flatwork crews, precast plants, and anyone who wants a lifetime tool.
2. Best Cordless: Metabo HPT (Hitachi) VB3616DA 36V Rebar Cutter/Bender
4.5 out of 5 Ratings
- Type: Battery-powered (Multi-Volt 36V)
- Max capacity: ⅝″ (#5) rebar
- Cuts per charge: ~300 (#5) on 8.0Ah battery
- Weight: 47 lbs with battery
- Price range: $1,399 – $1,599 (tool + 2 batteries + charger)
Why it’s impressive
In 2025, the Metabo HPT 36V finally dethroned older DeWalt and Makita models. It cuts #5 rebar in 2.8–3.2 seconds with almost no sparking and leaves the cleanest cut surface we’ve seen from any cordless unit. The trigger lock and auto-retract jaws make one-handed operation realistic.
Pros
- True cordless freedom
- Built-in LED charge indicator on the jaw
- Also bends up to 180°
- Brushless motor + 5-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive initial buy-in
- Still heavy for overhead work
Best for: Tie gangs, bridge repair crews, and anyone already in the Metabo HPT 36V ecosystem.
3. Best Hydraulic (Portable): Crescent H.K. Porter 9190C 30″ Hydraulic Rebar Cutter
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
- Shear-cut blades
- Cuts and bends to 90° or 180°
- Mounts on most flat surfaces to enhance leverage and increase safety
- Maximum rebar size capacity: 5/8 inches
- Steel construction for durability
Why it stands out
If you need to cut #8 or even soft #9 rebar in the field without electricity, nothing beats the legendary HK Porter 9190C. The updated 2024–2025 version has a faster pump (12 strokes vs 18 on older models) and a flip-top head for easier blade replacement.
Pros
- Cuts up to 1″ rebar like butter
- Extremely lightweight for its power
- Center-cut blades produce almost no distortion
- Proven 50+ year design
Cons
- Requires moderate hand strength for larger diameters
- Blades need periodic sharpening/replacement
Best for: Formwork carpenters, demolition crews, and remote job sites.
4. Best Budget / Light-Duty: Cental 1050W Electric Rebar Cutter
4.7 out of 5 Ratings
- 1050W Electric Rebar Cutter
- Portable Rebar Cutter
- Cutting up to 3/4 Inch 4-20mm #6 Rebar
- Cutting Speed 1.5-2S RC20B (Blue)
Why it made the list
Not everyone needs to cut #8 all day. For homeowners, occasional users, and small repair jobs, the Klutch offers incredible value. The forged chromium-molybdenum jaws stay sharp far longer than the $40 imports, and the compound hinge gives real mechanical advantage.
Pros
- Under $100 and actually works
- Lightweight and portable
- Replaceable jaws available
- Lifetime warranty against breakage
Cons
- Struggles with consistent #5 and larger
- Not for daily production use
Best for: DIY shop builds, fence contractors, and backup/emergency tool.
Quick Comparison Table
| Rank | Model | Type | Weight | Approx. Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BN Products MBC-16B | Manual bench | 43 lbs | $450 | Professional flatwork |
| 2 | Metabo HPT VB3616DA | 36V Cordless | 47 lbs | $1,500 | Cordless production |
| 3 | HK Porter 9190C | Hand hydraulic | 17 lbs | $780 | Heavy field cutting |
| 4 | Klutch 16″ | Manual bolt style | 7.8 lbs | $89 | Budget / occasional use |
Final Recommendation
- Daily concrete crew → BN Products MBC-16B (still unbeatable value)
- Need mobility and no cords → Metabo HPT 36V
- Occasionally cut #7–#8 in the field → HK Porter 9190C
- Just building a shop or small projects → Klutch 16″ and save your money
Whichever you choose, always wear safety glasses — even the best cutters can send a shard flying. Happy building!
