- Construction Tools You Will Need to Finish Concrete Job.
It doesn’t much matter what your project with concrete may be, it is going to require the use of a lot of tools. Whether you are working inside or outside, large or small, you are going to need the right equipment for success. So, if you are planning on starting your own project involving concrete, here is a rundown of some of the construction tools you can expect to use–and what they are for.
- Trowels.
A trowel is a small pointed hand tool similar to a spade. It is designed for scooping, digging, leveling, and smoothing construction materials. In the case of concrete, it will be used for scooping the concrete from the bucket, and applying it to whatever surface you desire. It will then be used to remove excess concrete and level out the concrete after application.
- Float Blades / Troweling Blades.
Float blades and troweling blades are only for concrete jobs where a power trowel will be used. These flat blades attach to the power trowel and allow it to carefully smooth out and stamp down mostly dry concrete surfaces. These can come in a wide range of materials ranging from steel to plastics. You will want extras on hand in the event that one breaks.
- Groove Cutter / Jointing Tool.
Large concrete slabs will need to be jointed or ‘grooved’. This is the process of adding in a sort of relief groove that is designed to take away pressure when concrete shifts. This helps prevent and redirect cracking. A specialized jointer tool will be needed to accomplish this task in the event that you are pouring large concrete slab surfaces.
- Edger.
A concrete edger is a must for anyone looking to perform a professional quality concrete job. An edger is a flat surfaced tool–similar to a trowel–with a slightly curving L shape on one end. This is used to line the edges of the concrete and break it away from the form mold. This gives it a nice and slightly rounded edge and eliminates any sharp or jagged edges once dried.
- Polisher / Grinder.
Once you have laid the concrete and allowed it to dry, you will likely want it to look beautiful. This will require you to grind down and polish the surface. This will remove any unsightly bumps and edges, while also providing your work with a smooth surface. Polishers and grinders can be found in handheld models for smaller projects, or massive industrial sized for larger projects. Either way, you want them for giving your concrete that spectacular finish once dried.
- Dust Collection System.
Finishing off concrete jobs will create a lot of dust and debris–mainly the grinding and polishing. This means that you will need to prepare yourself to clean up by removing this dust. In smaller jobs this is usually done with a broom, dustpan, and a mop. However, bigger projects might require more advanced shop-vac systems to remove all of the debris. Either way, you need to prepare for the cleanup once the job is done!
- Final Thoughts.
Construction work requires a lot of specialized equipment. However, a job well done is always made possible by the proper equipment. Make sure that you have all the keys to success before you even begin your concrete project!
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