Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 09, 1999 04:55pm | #1

   *
   Hi Jerry,

   It depends on the amount of rust. If it's just a light coating of surface rust, there shouldn'd be any problem. Rust forms easily on rebar because it's low grade steel that's always exposed to the weather until used.

   However, if it's been abused and is covered in loose scale, obviously the concrete will not adhere properly and the rust should be removed.

   You can wire brush it off, if it's just light flaking. If it's deep, it should be discarded and replaced with new. Not worth the effort to try and clean.

   Gabe

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 09, 1999 11:29pm | #2

   *I agree with Gabe.Withdrawral tests on surface rusted rebar and primed rebar bedded into concrete have shown miniscule differences. The rebar breaks before it pulls out.Flaking rust is a concern - but hey, it's better than nothing. I've been known to use scraps of any steel to reinforce a small fireplace hearth.Mike

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 11, 1999 08:18am | #3

   *Jerry: Gabe & Mike are correct. Very good advice. If you feel the bar needs to be cleaned -trash it and buy new- not worth the effort to clean.Ron

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 11, 1999 08:10pm | #4

   *Jerry - At the risk of stating the obvious, if you do clean up a few sticks, don't use any oil. This can definately cause problems regarding concrete/rebar bonding. (just like form oil keeps forms "clean") - jb

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 11, 1999 08:42pm | #5

   *At 50 cents a pound fabricated and delivered it's hard to justify reusing questionable material. Okay - on a "little" residential job you might pay a buck a pound.-Rob

2. 
   Guest_ | Jun 13, 1999 09:48am | #6

   *Thanks for the advice guys; it's just what I wanted to hear, since I'd rather not trash it.