Pick the right size of drill bit for rebar. Usually, epoxy requires a drill bit at least 1/8 inch bigger than the rod that goes in the hole So, for 1/2 inch rebar dowel, you must use 5/8 inch drill. When you epoxy 5/8 inch bolt, the same rule works, add 1/8 inch.
#4 rebar has nominal diameter of 0.5 inches, but really it is 0.5625 (9/16) inches, so 5/8 inch bit works for it. Drilling holes for 1/2 inch rebar in wood needs 5/8 inch drill bit. A medium hammer drill does the work more quickly and easy.
Pick the Right Drill Bit for Rebar
Sizes for different rebar diameters are: 3/16 inch for 1/4 inch rebar, 5/16 inch for 3/8 inch rebar, 7/16 inch for 1/2 inch rebar, 1/2 inch for 5/8 inch rebar, 5/8 inch for 3/4 inch rebar and 7/8 inch for 1 inch rebar. For #5 rebar, 11/16 inch. For #6, 13/16 inch.
Always read the instructions of the used epoxy, because it tells exactly what size hole for the bar size.
For tying in reinforced concrete, 5/8 inch rotary hammer drill bits work well with epoxy for #4 rebar as a link or anchor. With HIT-HY 200 V3 or HIT-RE 500 V3 glue and #4 rebar, the bit must be 5/8 inch nominal.
If the drill is one size smaller for friction in wood, everything should go well. For 1/2 inch rebar, use 3/8 inch bits here. A bit of friction and compression of the rebar help its hold.
German penetrator drill bits for concrete and rebar come in sizes of 3/16 until 1 inch, designed for rebar and metal floors. Combination masonry and rebar bits, sometimes called rebar-proof or reinforced concrete bits, have standard carbide tip for concrete with transition and stronger carbide for steel hits. Bosch SDS Plus rebar cutting drill comes in 3/4 inch size with 12 inch total length and 10 inch maximum drilling depth.
Rebar cutter drills also offer 7/8 inch, 1 inch, 1-1/8 inch and 1-1/4 inch as main choices. The problem with big deep holes is that chips don’t come out. Auger bits help with that.
Hammer drills go through landscapnig timbers in about five seconds.
Four-edge cutting bits with brazed carbide inserts do not handle rebar well. When the drill almost goes through rebar, reverse the hammer drill might help to cut without losingabit.
