Need safety tips for cutting rebar with bolt cutters - almost lost a finger!

Hey guys, total noob question here but I'm freaking out a bit. I was trying to cut some 1/2" rebar with my 24" bolt cutters yesterday for a small concrete form project. Had it clamped in my vise, went to squeeze and the dang thing slipped sideways. Almost took my pinky off - glove got shredded. What am I doing wrong? Should I be using a different tool? Safety tips much appreciated before I try again.

OP, you got lucky. Rebar's nasty stuff when it decides to fight back. First off - NEVER cut rebar with bolt cutters while it's in a vise. That's asking for trouble. The vise creates a pivot point and when the cutters bite, all that energy goes somewhere unpredictable. For 1/2", I'd use a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade (demolition grade, not the cheap ones). Clamp the rebar to a solid surface, wear your safety glasses (concrete dust in the eyes is no joke either), and use vise-grips to hold the short end so it doesn't whip around. And for god's sake, get some proper work gloves, not those flimsy garden ones.

Dan's right about the saw. But if you're determined to use cutters (sometimes it's all you have on site), here's how: Mark your cut with chalk or marker. Use TWO pairs of vise-grips - one on each side of your cut line, about 6 inches apart. Set the rebar on the ground or workbench, NOT in a vise. Position the cutters so the blades are perpendicular to the bar. Apply steady pressure - don't jerk it. And keep your hands BEHIND the cutting edges. If it's taking too much force, your cutters are too small or dull. 24" might be borderline for 1/2" rebar depending on the grade.

LOL welcome to the "almost lost a digit" club! Happened to me with a hydraulic line once. Listen to these guys - they know their stuff. One thing I'll add from the machinery side: if you're doing more than a couple cuts, just rent a rebar cutter from your local tool rental. They're like $30/day and make clean cuts with zero drama. Your hands will thank you. Also, check if your rebar is epoxy-coated - that stuff gums up blades and cutters something fierce. If it is, wipe it down with mineral spirits first. Stay safe out there!