TMT bars are one of the most critical components in constructing a house or any structure. These are the steel rods that give strength and support to your building. TMT does not mean Tender Machine Tender, but Thermo-mechanical Treatment, which means the bars are special, being made to be strong and flexible.
The real trouble comes from lifetime revenues, which are fake TMTs in various markets. This can really weaken your construction. The use of fake or substandard TMT bars could bring the most dangerous results, such as cracks in your walls, poor stability, and even the building’s collapse.
So, how do you know if the TMT bars you are buying are genuine? Don’t worry, there are simple ways to find out. In this blog, we are going to discuss 5 easy checks you can conduct to avoid fake TMT bars, hence ensuring safe construction.
1. Check for the ISI Mark
You should first look for the ISI Mark. The simplest and first step is to check the ISI mark, which indicates that the product is following Indian quality standards and is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Where to find it: It is generally printed or embossed on the surface of the bar.
What can it tell you: It means the bar has passed a rule with certain strength and quality tests.
Warning signs: An absence of an ISI mark, blurred, or not properly stamped, is a red flag. Some fake bars might even imitate the mark; again, comparing them with a known genuine bar would be good. Always double-check with your supplier.
2. Look for the Manufacturing Brand
Authentic TMT bars always have the name or logo of the manufacturer engraved on the bar.
Why This Matters: Well-known brands like SAIL, JSW, and Vizag have a solid reputation for maintaining their quality. They ensure consistency in marking their steel bars, and their bar products are therefore trusted by builders throughout India.
What to Check: Looking at the steel bar, you will see either the brand name, which should be easy to read and correctly spelled. If it is indistinct, inconsistent, or not present, then it stands a good chance of being a fake or from an unreliable source.
Pro Tip: Buy from trusted distributors like Bharat Steel Chennai, who only deal with top brands. This way, you know exactly what you are getting.
3. Measure the Weight and Dimensions
Different TMT bars possess standard weights and sizes, which vary according to diameter (8mm, 10mm, 12mm, etc.).
Requirements: Weigh with a simple weighing scale and measure with a measuring tape. Measure the length and thickness of the bar.
Where to find standards: You may look up a weight chart for different sizes on the Internet or ask any certified dealer like Bharat Steels for one.
Acceptable range: There is a small degree of tolerance in such measurements (usually within 5%). However, if the bar falls below tolerance in weight or thickness, it might not offer your building the strength it deserves.
Importance: Fake bars are often produced thinner to reduce costs, meaning less steel and less safety.
4. Bend Test
A bend test is a quick check for strength and flexibility. TMT bars should bend but not break or crack.
Procedure: Bend the bar manually or with a bending tool.
Observation: A good-quality bar should show smooth bending and return to its original position. It should not snap or develop surface cracks.
Failing Criteria: If the bar breaks or shows surface cracks, consider it a red flag. Do not use it; it can fail under critical stress.
5. Spark Test
The spark test is generally performed on steel using a grinder. It is useful in distinguishing between good-grade and fraudulent steel.
The principle: The continuous and bright spark pattern is produced while grinding TMT bars.
What to be seen: Authentic TMT bars would generate bright white to yellow sparks; others with too much carbon or impurities would generate dull or uneven sparks.
Safety tip: Perform only with proper tools and safety gear; otherwise, invite a technician or your supplier for a demonstration.
Reason: The spark test can pretty much tell you whether the mixture of steel is right. Bad-quality bars would not clear this simple test.
Conclusion
In final words, using genuine TMT bars is not just smart, it could save your life. It determines the safety of your building. Some simple checks, like looking for the ISI mark, checking for the brand name, measuring the bars, performing a bend test, and a spark test, can smooth out all costly mistakes and keep you safe.
Don’t take chances on rogue or low-grade steel. For complete peace of mind, always buy from a trusted source like Bharat Steel Chennai, your reliable distributor of top-quality TMT bars, including SAIL, JSW, and Vizag.For a safer home or industrial structure, it’s all about using the right materials from the right supplier.
👉 Request a quote today and build with confidence.
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