Professional Tool Reviews for Pros

The latest Makita cordless rebar cutter moves away from the grinder-style flush cutting design we last saw. This time, the Makita XCS04T1 is going for more of a drill/impact wrench style for those times when cutting close to the surface isn’t a big deal. If you’re familiar with the XCS01 rebar cutter, this is an update on that design.

The big deal is about the Makita cordless rebar cutter’s ability to cut steel rod, including rebar, without throwing a ton of sparks like a grinder or chop saw. Instead of using a spinning blade, it goes for a pair of cutters that shear up to #5 rebar. It makes that cut in just 2.8 seconds on average—much faster than a grinder.

Looking back at the original XCS01 design, that’s nearly twice the number of cuts per charge, more than twice as fast, and with a tool that’s more than 9 pounds lighter! The one trade-off is that the original model cuts up to #6 (3/4″) rebar and this one stops at #5 (5/8″).

It’s important that the rod is lined up perpendicular to the cutters and an adjustable stopper helps make sure you can do that easily. You can also rotate the head 360º to get the best angle for your cut. If the rebar is off-center, you risk damage to the cutters or your cut piece flying off.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you need to oil the cutters on a regular basis.

Using a 5.0Ah battery, Makita tells us they’re getting up to 233 cuts of #5 rebar on a charge. With their Rapid Optimum Charger taking just 45 minutes to charge, one crewmember can work all day just cycling two batteries without stopping to wait for a battery to finish charging.

This Makita cordless rebar cutter comes as a bare tool (Makita XCS04ZK) or as a kit with one 5.0Ah battery and a single-port Rapid Optimum Charger (Makita XCS04T1).

Pricing is still TBA and the tool is still making its way to retailers.

On the clock, Kenny dives deep to discover the practical limits and comparative differences for all kinds of tools. Off the clock, his faith and love for his family are his top priorities, and you'll typically find him in the kitchen, on his bike (he's an Ironman), or taking folks out for a day of fishing on Tampa Bay.

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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros