RMS supplies a full range of mechanical reinforcing bar couplers, designed to replace traditional lap splicing and deliver full continuity of reinforcement in tension, compression, and stress-reversal applications. Compact, efficient, and compliant with international standards, our couplers are ideal for high-performance structures where space, speed, and strength matter.
Need couplers for your next project?
Product Offering
- Supply only
- Supply and installation (available on request, project dependent)
- Rebar size range: 12 mm to 32 mm
- Global standard: Ancon mechanical couplers, trusted worldwide for structural reinforcement
Coupler Systems Offered
- TTS Tapered Thread Couplers – Compact threaded design for quick installation and reliable performance
- CXL Parallel Thread Couplers – High load capacity and fatigue resistance, ideal for large-scale infrastructure
- MBT Shear Bolt Couplers – No threading required, perfect for retrofits or congested reinforcement zones
Choosing the Right Coupler System
Not every project needs the same coupler. RMS will help you match the system to the structure and site conditions:
- Choose TTS Tapered Thread couplers for fast, reliable installation where access is straightforward.
- Choose CXL Parallel Thread couplers for high-load and fatigue-critical work such as large-scale infrastructure.
- Choose MBT Shear Bolt couplers where threading the bar is not practical, for retrofits, extensions or congested reinforcement.
For a fuller comparison of the three systems, including bar preparation, installation and typical uses, read our guide: Reinforcing Bar Couplers Compared: Choosing the Right System for Your Project.
If you are not sure which system suits your design, send us your drawings and we will advise.
| TTS Tapered Thread | CXL Parallel Thread | MBT Shear Bolt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar preparation | Tapered thread cut on the bar end | Parallel thread cut on the bar end | None |
| Best suited to | Quick, reliable installation where access is straightforward | High-load and fatigue-critical infrastructure | Retrofits, extensions, congested zones |
| Typical use | Beams, columns, general reinforced concrete | Bridges, tunnels, large infrastructure | Connecting to existing bars, precast connections, reduced lap zones |
| Supply | Supply only, or supply and install on request | Supply only, or supply and install on request | Supply only, or supply and install on request |
The coupler system for a project is confirmed against the structural engineer’s specification, the manufacturer’s technical documentation and the site conditions.
Read more: Reinforcing bar couplers for Free State infrastructure explains how each system grips the bar. The coupler factsheet and the full product library are in the Download Centre.
Applications
- Reinforced concrete beams and columns
- Precast connections
- Retrofit and extension projects
- Congested reinforcement or reduced lap zones
- Bridges, tunnels, and infrastructure works
Benefits of Mechanical Couplers
- Eliminate the need for overlapping rebar
- Reduce congestion and simplify detailing
- Enable full-strength bar development
- Speed up installation and reduce site waste
- Ensure code-compliant performance under tension, compression, and cyclic loading
Frequently Asked Questions
What size rebar do RMS couplers suit?
Ancon couplers supplied by RMS cover bar diameters from 12 mm to 32 mm. Detailed dimensions, weights and part numbers are available on request or in the technical datasheet.
Can couplers replace lap splices completely?
Yes. Mechanical couplers develop the full strength of the bar and are designed for tension, compression and cyclic loading, so they remove the need for overlapping rebar.
Does RMS install couplers, or only supply them?
RMS supplies couplers as standard, and can supply and install on request, depending on the project.
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Reinforcing Bar Couplers
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Stronger connections, smarter builds.
Stronger connections, smarter builds.
RMS couplers save time, space, and cost while delivering uncompromising structural performance.
