A big box store (HD or Lowes) are only going to carry #3, #4, #5, common general construction sizes. Rebar is normally sold in 10' & 20' lengths, a big box is good place to buy smaller lengths and you can order other sizes at the contractors desk. For your needs not going to be cost effective for you. Have you tried a scrap yard? I would suggest that as your first option. I'm a contractor who sells all my scrap to my scrap buyer. Go to the yard and explain your doing this as a school project and need to get various rebar at a reasonable rate. You only need samples in small lengths. Other areas will be contractors supply shops/yard (White Cap is a national chain). Most concrete companies will contract large jobs out to a rebar fabrication company, they would be worth trying and will have scrap of various large sizes. Your best bet is a scrap yard in my opinion. You need to also think about weight and cutting rebar to your desired length, can be done with reciprocating saw or angle grinder. Have you cut rebar or metal before? I bring up weight and made a little chart (might help scrappers too!)
Rebar sizes and weights:
Size Diameter Fraction Dia. Weight per linear foot
_______________________________________________
#2 -- .250 -- 1/4 -- .167 Lbs.
#3 -- .375 -- 3/8 -- .376 Lbs.
#4 -- .500 -- 1/2 -- .668 Lbs.
#5 -- .625 -- 5/8 -- 1.043 Lbs.
#6 -- .750 -- 3/4 -- 1.502 Lbs.
#7 -- .875 -- 7/8 -- 2.044 Lbs.
#8 -- 1 -- -- ------ 2.670 Lbs.
#9 -- 1.128 -- -- ---- 3.400 Lbs.
#10 -- 1.270 -- -- -- 4.303 Lbs.
#11 -- 1.410 -- -- -- 5.313 Lbs.
#14 -- 1.693 -- -- -- 7.650 Lbs.
#18 -- 2.257 -- -- -- 13.600 Lbs.
Hope this is of some help - I think you can see why I say something about weight 5 foot section of #18 is going to weight 68 pounds. For a scrapper that could add up to some serious money!
Bookmarks