When you’re getting ready to start a construction project, the many steel rebar grades that are available on the market can be confusing at best. But what’s the difference between the many grades? How do you tell them apart? Does it really matter which kind you use in your next project? Here’s a quick glance at these questions and more to help get you started for your next project.

 

The Many Different Rebar Grades and How To Them Apart

What are the different rebar grades?

Rebar is graded to show the amount of tensile strength it has in terms of pounds per square inch. Grade 33 starts out the low end of strength, with strength increasing as the grade number gets bigger. Grade 40 has a minimum yield strength of 40,000 PSI and a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 PSI. By comparison, grade 60 rebar has a minimum yield strength of 60,000 PSI and a minimum tensile strength of 90,000 PSI.

How can I tell the different steel rebar grades apart?

There are a few ways to tell the difference between grades of steel rebar. One of the easiest is to look for the stamped numbers and letters between the lines on the rebar. This may include a set of three characters, such as B6S. This means that the manufacturer is shown by the letter B, it’s grade 60 rebar and it’s made of steel. If there’s another number there, that may show rebar sizes. Another way to tell is by the lines running between the outside ribs. If there is no line, the bar is a grade 40 rebar. If there is a line there, it’s a grade 60 rebar. The third way to tell is by looking for paint at the ends of the rebar. If it’s the same color on both ends, the rebar isn’t weldable. But if one end is red and the other end is a different color, it can be welded. In this system, white is grade 33, yellow is grade 40 and green is grade 60.

How much does it really matter if I get the right grade of rebar?

Your project’s reinforcing bar determines how much weight it can bear. The type of rebar is very vital if you have a project that will bear a higher amount of weight. For small home improvement projects, such as a simple concrete patio, a lower tensile strength rebar constructed of plain carbon steel in a grade 33 can work fine. You wouldn’t want to have that holding up your roof in earthquake country.

 

By understanding the differences between the different rebar grades, you can much more easily find the right type for your project or upgrade to better structural strength for a little extra insurance. But now that you know what rebar grade you need, do you have the tools to get the job done right? At BN Products, we’re always searching for customers looking for a long-term partnership and know that price quotes are only as good as the service that backs them up. Please feel free to check out our comprehensive selection of tools for working concrete today.