Rebar Tie Tools & Pliers

Rebar tying means thousands of small, repetitive twists of wire at the intersections of steel bars. The work is done bending, kneeling and reaching on a rebar mat, with bars sticking up that can impale a fall. Tie tools range from simple pliers to powered tie guns. The right tool and technique save hands, wrists and backs.

• Rebar Workers
• Ironworkers
• Concrete Crews
• Laborers

Tools

• Tying pliers (nippers) to twist and cut tie wire.
• Hook tools (rebar hooks) and spin tools that twist the tie quickly with a rotating motion.
• Battery tie guns that wrap and twist wire automatically at the pull of a trigger.
• Bar benders, cutters and tie wire reels. See Rebar & Ironworkers.

Main hazards

• Impalement: upright rebar ends can pierce a worker who falls onto them. OSHA requires that protruding reinforcing steel onto and into which employees could fall be guarded to eliminate the impalement hazard (29 CFR 1926.701(b)). See Impalement & Embedded Objects.
• Repetitive strain: wrist, elbow, shoulder and back injuries from thousands of ties a day. See Musculoskeletal Disorders and Repetitive Motion.
• Back strain from bending over mats. Using a stand-up tool reduces this.
• Cut or pinched hands from wire ends, tool jaws and shifting bars.
• Eye injuries from snapping wire and cut ends.
• Trips and falls on rebar mats, and heat illness in sun on steel. See Heat Illness.
• Battery tool hazards. See Battery Safety.

Safe use

• Wear safety glasses, gloves, long sleeves and boots that grip steel and protect ankles.
• Cap or guard exposed rebar ends with rebar caps, troughs or bend them over where allowed, especially around walking areas and edges. Never walk on exposed vertical bars.
• Use stand-up tie tools or battery tie guns where possible to cut bending and wrist twisting. Rotate between tasks.
• Use a good grip with the wrist straight, tighten the tie with the tool, not the whole arm, and keep wire spools in a holder.
• Cut wire away from your face and pick up scraps. Don't leave tie wire scattered where workers kneel.
• Keep hands clear of bar intersections that can shift or pinch when stacked bars move.
• Take stretch breaks, drink water and use knee pads. See Knee Protection.

Rebar tool checklist

• Exposed rebar ends are capped or guarded
• I wear eye protection, gloves and good boots
• I use stand-up or battery tie tools where possible and rotate tasks
• Wire scraps are picked up and my hands stay clear of shifting bars
• I take breaks and watch for heat illness

Last updated: October 8, 2026