As Wallace D. Wattles said, “it is essential to have good tools,” but it is equally important to use them correctly.
We can not overemphasize the importance of using the correct tools for every job, but especially when working with aggregate materials which harden. The concreting job takes more than just mixing aggregate materials and pouring over pathways. Each step of the process is different from the next, and there will be hazards and significant cost implications if the job is done incorrectly. Appropriate Concreting Tools need to be used to perform the tasks effectively. It spells the difference between a careless job and a thorough job.
It is essential to prepare all the tools before working on any raw concrete. Work with professionals in making your selection. Let us walk you through some necessary Concreting Tools and their function:
- Rebar Cutter: Safety is first. The first step in preparing your work area is to clear it from any metal rods that might be sticking out. It is challenging to cut thick rebars. It requires this unique tool for a precise, easier and safer cut.
- Rakes: Use this to spread the concrete evenly, avoid air pockets, push concrete to the edge, corners and areas it needs to fill. Raking job primes the surface for all the next processes.
- Pole Extender: Depending on the size of your work area, after pouring and spreading the concrete, you can use this tool to extend your spread reach.
- Concrete Screed: Screeding happens after pouring the concrete as a primer for the finishing work. It makes the concrete level before the finishing job.
- Squeegees: Used to smooth out concrete coatings and flatten the surface. The job becomes faster with this tool.
- Edgers: An important tool in any finishing job on concrete. This tool helps create a smoother, cleaner rounded edge on projects and creates a chip-resistant surface.
- Groovers: Heavy-gauge stainless steel groovers are preferred for durability and best performance. They will glide easily through the concrete and make an easy pass.
- Finishing Trowel: This finishing tool can be technically considered a squeegee but does a better job producing a refined surface.
- Nippers: Use this to cut clean excess rebars. Usually called “end nippers” too because of its function. If you need to cut any nails or metal protruding from the concrete, you have to use the right tool to make the cutting job quick and easy.
- Rubbing bricks: For a polished and professional masonry job, use rubbing bricks to smoothen, remove jagged, rough edges, blemishes, and unwanted marks from the concrete surface.
- Sealer sprayer: A popular tool to ensure complete coverage of the work area, reaching cracks, crevices and corners, which a roller cannot achieve. A smart tool for uneven projects like pavers or textured concretes because the spray will allow the sealant to hit even the hardest to reach and farthest areas.
A concreting job can be overwhelming, but getting the right tools for each step will make the task easier, quicker, safer and even fun! Using the right tools will help you finish your project in no time and result in a professional look. Please do not forget some basic safety tools too – wear gloves, goggles and a mask. You can now be confident to start on your long overdue pathway project!
