Rebar Bending Shapes: A Guide to BS 8666 Shape Codes
Wholesale, mill-certified reinforcing steel — export-direct at mill prices.
What shape codes are
BS 8666 gives every rebar bend a numeric shape code — 00 (straight), 21 (single bend), 51 (closed link), 99 (bespoke) and dozens more — with a formula for the cutting length from the given dimensions. A bar bending schedule lists, per mark: shape code, size, dimensions, number and total length.
Why it matters for ordering
An accurate schedule lets a cut and bend supplier fabricate exactly what the site needs — no offcuts, no site bending, tagged by mark and bundled by pour. Errors in shape codes or dimensions ripple into wrong bars and delays, so the schedule is checked against the drawings before release.
Bend radii and tolerances
Codes set minimum bending radii (by bar size, to avoid cracking) and dimensional tolerances. Stirrups and links use closed shapes (code 51/77); starter bars use simple bends. Send us your BS 8666 schedule and we return cut, bent, tagged reinforcement with 3.1 certification on the parent bar.
FAQ
What is a rebar shape code?
A BS 8666 number defining a standard bend (e.g. 00 straight, 51 closed link) with a formula for the cutting length.
What is a bar bending schedule?
A list of every bar by mark — shape code, size, dimensions, quantity and total length — used to fabricate cut-and-bend steel.
Why do bars have minimum bend radii?
To avoid cracking the steel; BS 8666 sets minimum radii by bar diameter and grade.
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