Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about RMS reinforcing steel, welded mesh, couplers, services, ordering and delivery. If you cannot find what you need, get in touch with our team or ask your nearest branch.
Products & Specifications
What is welded mesh, and what is it used for?
Welded mesh, also called reinforcing wire mesh or steel mesh fabric, is a grid of steel wires welded together at every intersection. It is laid into concrete to control cracking and add tensile strength across a wide area, which makes it ideal for flat elements such as floor slabs, surface beds, driveways and road pavements, and it is far quicker to place than tying individual bars. RMS welded mesh is made from cold-rolled deformed wire, joined by electric resistance welding, and complies with SANS 1024.
What is the difference between welded mesh and reinforcing bar?
Welded mesh arrives as a ready-made sheet and suits wide, flat elements such as floor slabs, surface beds and driveways, where it is far quicker to place than tying individual bars. Reinforcing bar (rebar) is placed and tied individually and suits columns, beams and specialised structural detailing. Many projects use both together.
How do welded mesh reference numbers work (Ref 100 to Ref 888)?
The reference number tells you how much steel is in each square metre of the sheet: the higher the number, the heavier the duty. RMS stocks references from Ref 100 up to Ref 888. Lighter references suit domestic slabs and driveways, while heavier references step up to commercial and industrial work. Confirm the exact reference for your design with your engineer or your nearest branch.
What is cut and bend reinforcing steel?
Cut and bend is reinforcing steel that RMS cuts and bends to the exact lengths and shapes on your bar bending schedule, in a controlled facility, so it arrives on site ready to install. This saves time and reduces waste compared with cutting and bending on site. RMS cut and bend is produced to SANS 282.
What reinforcing steel grades and sizes does RMS supply?
RMS supplies reinforcing steel in grades from 250 MPa to 500 MPa, in diameters from 6 mm to 40 mm, in standard 6 m and 12 m lengths or cut to length, all to SANS 282:2011 with batch certificates for full traceability.
What is brickforce, and when do I need it?
Brickforce is a light welded reinforcement laid horizontally in the mortar joints of masonry walls to help control cracking. RMS supplies it in 75 mm and 150 mm widths (230 mm on request), 2.8 mm wire, in 20 m rolls, SABS approved, in standard and galvanised.
What are reinforcing bar couplers, and when are they used?
Reinforcing bar couplers are mechanical connectors that join two bars end to end at full strength, replacing traditional lap splicing. They are used where lapping is impractical or where reduced congestion is needed, such as columns, precast connections and retrofits. RMS supplies Ancon couplers in three systems, TTS tapered thread, CXL parallel thread and MBT shear bolt, for 12 mm to 32 mm bar.
What are piling cages?
Piling cages are prefabricated reinforcement cages for deep foundations, made to your engineer's drawings. RMS fabricates circular and rectangular cages with bar diameters from 10 mm to 40 mm and lengths up to 13 m, to SANS 920, supplied with spacers or stiffener rings so they hold their shape during transport and installation.
Which South African standards do RMS products meet?
RMS reinforcing steel is produced to SANS 282, welded mesh to SANS 1024 (with selected products meeting BS 4482 tensile requirements), and piling cages to SANS 920. Brickforce and DPC sheeting are SABS approved. Material certificates are available for traceability.
How do I choose the right product for my project?
If you have an engineer, follow the drawings and bar bending schedule, which specify the reinforcement, cover and laps for your design. If you are unsure, your nearest RMS branch can talk you through the options and help work out quantities from your drawings.
Do you provide technical datasheets?
Yes. Each product page has a downloadable factsheet with detailed specifications, and all factsheets are collected in the Download Centre.
Services
Does RMS install reinforcing steel, or only supply it?
RMS both supplies and, where required, installs. Our steel fixing teams install reinforcing steel to the engineer's drawings on site. Steel fixing is offered to clients who buy their reinforcing steel from RMS, so supply, cut and bend, delivery and fixing can all come from one source.
What is on-site production?
For large, time-sensitive builds, RMS can set up a temporary rebar production facility at or near your site, cutting and bending on site to keep supply uninterrupted and reduce transport and storage. A facility can be established within six to eight weeks and scaled to the project.
Can RMS deliver to remote or cross-border sites?
Yes. RMS has extensive experience supplying remote and cross-border projects across Southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique and Lesotho, handling customs, route planning and phased just-in-time deliveries. For cross-border orders, contact sales@rms-sa.co.za.
Can RMS help me calculate quantities from my drawings?
Yes. Our team can assist with quantity estimates from your structural drawings, bar bending schedules or project requirements, to help you order accurately and reduce waste.
Ordering & Delivery
Where does RMS deliver?
RMS currently delivers within Gauteng. Customers outside Gauteng cannot place online orders for collection and should request a quote from their nearest branch.
Do you offer click and collect?
Click and Collect is available for Gauteng only. Customers outside Gauteng cannot place online orders for collection and should request a quote from their nearest branch.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery within Gauteng is typically 3 to 5 working days, depending on stock availability and order volume. Large or custom orders such as cut and bend steel or piling cages may take longer, and timelines are confirmed when your order is placed.
How much does delivery cost?
Standard delivery within Gauteng is a flat rate of R450. Delivery charges are shown at checkout.
What are the minimum order quantities?
Some products, such as cut and bend reinforcing steel, may have minimum quantities due to production. Standard stock lengths, mesh sheets and accessories are available in small or bulk quantities.
Can I order customised products?
Yes. Cut and bend steel and piling cages are made to engineer drawings and reinforcement schedules. Request a quote via the product page or your nearest branch.
What happens if an item is out of stock?
If a product is unavailable after purchase, RMS will contact you to confirm whether you would prefer to wait, take an alternative, or receive a refund.
Payment, Returns & Account
How do I pay for my order?
Once your online order is placed, RMS provides banking details for payment by EFT. Your order is processed once full payment has been received and confirmed.
Can I return products?
Returns are accepted only for unused products in their original condition, subject to the RMS returns policy. Custom cut and bend orders and fabricated cages cannot be returned. Contact sales@rms-sa.co.za to discuss returns.
Do I need an account to shop online?
You can check out as a guest, but we recommend creating an account to track orders, save preferences and view your order history.
Can I request a bulk discount?
Yes. RMS offers bulk pricing on larger orders. Use the Request a Quote option on the relevant product page for tailored pricing.
Buying from RMS & Branches
Do RMS branches sell directly to the public?
Yes. All RMS branches across South Africa sell directly to the public, whether you are a homeowner, builder, contractor, developer or DIY customer.
Can homeowners buy reinforcing steel from RMS?
Absolutely. RMS supplies reinforcing steel, welded mesh and other products to both commercial customers and private individuals, and can help with material estimates and product recommendations.
Are all products available at every branch?
Not all products are stocked at every branch. If you choose Click and Collect, the branch team will confirm availability before your order is finalised.
Can I buy if I am outside South Africa?
The online shop does not currently export outside Southern Africa. For cross-border orders such as Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique or Lesotho, contact sales@rms-sa.co.za to discuss logistics.
