Abstract: A portable, hand operated power tool for automatically tying intersecting rods, preferably rebar. An electric drive motor system selectively energizes a transmission disposed within a protective casing. A wire feed mechanism and a spindle barrel assembly which twists the wire are controlled by separate positive drive actuators. A jaw assembly projects outwardly from the casing to encircle the crossed rebar sections, and wire is fed around guide channels defined within the jaws. Wire is transported by the installer in a belt mounted reel. The actuators are controlled by retractable levers operated by electromagnets and normally engage suitable slots within the actuators to prevent them from transmitting rotary motion. When the levers are withdrawn, rotary motion will be transmitted to feed or twist wire. The rigid jaw assembly comprises a pair of spaced apart and fixed jaw members integral with a tubular base coaxially surrounding the rotatable spindle.