Rebar, or reinforcing bar, is the backbone of concrete work. While concrete is strong in some ways (compression strength), it’s weak in others (tensile strength). In simpler terms, it means concrete can stand to be pushed more than it can to be pulled.

That’s where steel rebar comes in. Steel has a high tensile strength and is added to concrete structures to give the needed strength to support buildings, roads, retaining walls and the like. Before concrete is poured and set, steelworkers lay the rebar according to specified building and construction codes.

Rebar comes in a range of coatings and gauges, depending upon application. The rods must be connected by corresponding ties, a tedious yet important process, to keep the rebar from moving while the concrete is poured.

From Manual to Power Tiers

To save costs, materials and manpower, it was only a matter of time before a powered rebar tying tool was created. Tying rebar is tough on the body, mainly the wrist, shoulder and back. For a rodman, or rodbuster, repeatedly twisting metal wire can be permanently damaging over the long-term. A NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) study in 2005 revealed the potential health hazards and suggestions for making a safer work environment. If a worker is tying rebar for more than an hour per day, NIOSH recommends providing a cordless tying tool and a tying tool extension arm.

Purchasing a cordless rebar tier is truly an investment. Looking for a strong lithium ion battery that holds a decent charge is key, as is a balanced tool that prevents fatigue and potential injury. Before you buy, make sure the tier is not only fast, but makes a strong, secure tie.

The MAX Effect

Without a doubt, one of the most familiar names in rebar tying tools is MAX USA Corp. They’ve been perfecting power tools for more than 20 years. MAX created the first battery-powered rebar tying tool, the RB262 (which used a nickel cadmium battery) in 1993. In 1998, power tiers became available to the American market, and the rest was history.

Currently, the cordless MAX RB398 is among the most popular tiers at Nail Gun Depot. Weighing a mere 5 lbs. and delivering more than 2,500 ties per battery charge—that’s 5x faster than manual tying—the RB398 can hold its own. Plus, it eliminates the need to disperse and cut rebar wire, saving on materials waste.

But just when you thought they were done, MAX once again improves on their already bullet proof design.

Dual Wire, Dual Savings

New to the market for 2018, the MAX RB441T TwinTier offers an incredible output of 4,000 ties per battery charge. That’s a 200% increase from the previous models. The TwinTier also creates a highly secure connection thanks to a dual-wire feeding system, which dispenses two 19-gauge wires at once to form a tie. The tie is 50% tighter to boot.

Like most rebar tiers, the RB441T comes in three tie wire options: regular or annealed steel, the most commonly used; galvanized with a zinc coating, which adds 40 times more corrosion resistance and is used for moist or marine environments; and polyester-coated wire, which is abrasion-resistant and at least 70 times more corrosion-resistant than annealed steel. The tie wire rolls are changed out in about half a second, an improvement compared to previous models.

Due to the TwinTier’s patent-pending wire bending mechanism, the tie it creates has a 50% shorter height than the projecting “rabbit ears” produced by older cordless models. What does this mean to the concrete construction job overall? It means less concrete is needed to cover the tie, which further saves on materials. Check out this video from MAX, taking a closer look at the new RB441T. Hear what professionals in the field have to say.

Not only does the rebar tying tool save on materials and time, but labor. Fewer tiers are required per job, and an ironworker doesn't need the advanced tying skills and speed of years past. The tedious, wrist-twisting work is done for you - no strings attached.

Need more? Ask one of our skilled customer service specialists about MAX USA rebar tiers and tie wire.

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team

If you haven't heard, we've moved! As many of you already know, 2016 has been a BIG year for Nail Gun Depot. In the shadow of our 15th Anniversary celebration last year, we launched a brand-new, mobile optimized website last spring, expanded our already expansive online product lineup for the summer, and have now extended our physical footprint - by 40,000 square feet - to round out the year.

Our new headquarters and fulfillment center, located at 1740 Carillon Blvd. in Cincinnati, is our largest location yet. Boasting an expansive 50,000 square foot structure, our new facility includes a full-service repair center, corporate offices and call center, a showroom, and a spacious distribution and fulfillment center.

As always, expect the same great service as before. Our website, phone and email will all remain the same, as we transition into our new home.

So, what does this mean for you?

With a larger distribution center, we will now have the ability to stock more products and maintain a greater inventory. Stay tuned to NailGunDepot.com for inventory additions, and be sure to subscribe to the Nail Gun Network for the latest product news and updates!

On behalf of everyone at Nail Gun Depot, thank you for your continued business. We look forward to growing with you in the years ahead.

~The Nail Gun Depot Team

Picture this: The nailer you bought six months ago suddenly stops running. The power supply is fine, but the tool's dead. Time to visit an authorized repair center - but who's on the hook for the repair bill? You might be surprised at the answer. Learn more about your nailer's warranty, what constitutes a wearable part, and everything else you need to know before picking up the tab for your tool's repair bill - here on the Nail Gun Network.

The best advice we can give you regarding warranty coverage for your tool - or any item for that matter - read the fine print carefully. Every manufacturer has their own legal staff that writes and reviews what is covered in a product warranty, down to the smallest screw. With that said, use the following as a general overview of what would typically be included within the warranty coverage for a brand-new nail gun. Always consult the manufacturer's warranty policy before filing your claim.

Believe it or not, the clause that trips up our customers most frequently - when they find out their warranty does not include wearable parts. This leads to the next question, what's considered a wearable part? There's a general consensus among manufacturers that wearable parts include the following components: o-rings, bumpers and driver blades. Some manufacturers might categorize additional components as wearable, but you can almost always guarantee the three parts above WILL NOT be included in your warranty coverage.

NOTE: Some warranties only cover parts, excluding labor expense. This is particularly true in warranties that extend beyond the standard one-year guarantee. Generally, each manufacturer will specify if this is the case.

Don't kick the dirt just yet! All three of the components mentioned earlier are relatively inexpensive to repair, and are considered regular maintenance items on your nailer. Just like you would change the oil filter in your car or replace the brakes, these items require periodic attention to keep your nail gun performing at its best.

Furthermore, what about the components that ARE covered by the warranty? Most brands of nail gun, staple gun or screw gun offer a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty. Some brands go above and beyond, offering additional protection for their product owners. If you are looking for a lifetime guarantee, Quik Drive stands behind their screw gun attachments with their limited-lifetime warranty. While it only covers the attachment (motors generally come with one year of coverage), it demonstrates the quality and durability representative of these products. Bostitch and Freeman Tools offer seven-year warranties on many of their nailers and staplers, and Senco offers a five-year warranty on its XP line of pneumatic tools.

One final point to remember, a warranty's coverage only protects against normal use. It's ultimately up to the manufacturer to determine whether or not the owner has taken the necessary measures to ensure their tool was properly cared for prior to failure. In almost all instances, this rules out accidental damage or undue abuse. For example, if the nailer was left outside permanently and exposed to harsh conditions as a result, it could void your warranty coverage. Likewise, if a roofing nailer is dropped from a two-story roof, coverage would most likely be voided as well. Making alterations to a tool is another way to void its warranty.

Here's our best advice. Maintain your tools per the manufacturer's specifications, see that they are not misused or abused, and have them serviced at the first sign of trouble. Some manufacturers offer the ability to register your tool online, which helps to confirm the range of time your warranty is valid. Save your sales receipts and keep your tool's service records on-hand if applicable. If you stick to these rules, your nailer, stapler or screw gun should provide many years of reliable service.