help i hit rebar

[mike1964]

Today while drilling a 4" hole thru block/brick I hit a massive piece of rebar 1.25" diameter with my core bit. This has happened to me before and the core bit made its way thru, but this time it was smack in the middle stopping the pilot bit from going on. I tried to cut it out with my sawzall but the blade couldn't take it and dulled almost immediately. I plan on getting a tungsten carbide sawzall blade tomorrow which should work, i just wanted to see if anybody else had a better idea.

thanks
mike p.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: help i hit rebar

While your at the store maybe you'll want to buy a stud finder that sees rebar The one I have was like 40 bucks. Good luck with #10 rebar...sounds bad.

 

[motodiva]

Re: help i hit rebar

I've used a torch with some success

 

[hurk27]

Re: help i hit rebar

Dont use the pilot bit it is only to start anyway. once you get an equal grove all the way around the hole remove the pilot bit and the hole saw will stay in the grove.

 

[j_braddock]

Re: help i hit rebar

will cutting the rebar threaten the structural strength of the structure?

 

[kqresq]

Re: help i hit rebar

Cutting any rebar in concrete or masonry requires permission from the structural engineer, especially a bar that big. You are taking on a lot of liability if you continue without engineer supervision.

 

[peaveyone]

Re: help i hit rebar

I have also used a torch in these situations, use a good tinted full face shield though as the concrete will snap and pop out at you once it is heated. I would check with a structural engineer as suggested earlier before I would proceed with the drilling or risk being responsible for replacing a section of wall. It is unlikely that it would happen but it seems that in my experiance the assumed unlikely is what gets me.