Frederick Jace
Concreting tools have a significant purpose in constructing infrastructures because they are utilised for the finishing touches of the building. It is not just used for buildings but also for constructing a driveway, walkway, patio, and the like. With that, it is easily identified that many tools can be utilized when dealing with concrete, so it is of great importance that individuals must have some knowledge regarding the different use of these tools to properly utilise the equipment. So, this article would discuss the different concreting tools available in the market and a glimpse of how it is used.
Types of Concrete Tools
As stated above, various types of concrete tools are being used depending on what is being done. The following indicates a simplified explanation about the different concrete tools and how it is used:
- Screeds
It has a wide variety that ranges from hand tools and mechanical tools, wherein it is used right after spreading the concrete before the bleed water appears on the surface. So, it is used to smooth the concrete and eliminate the excess concrete from the texture just by scraping it across the surface.
- Tampers
It is a tool that is only used for low slump concrete because compared to the high slump concrete, the coarse aggregates do not sink naturally and tamping it would not segregate the aggregates. So, its purpose is to consolidate the concrete and push down the coarse aggregate below the concrete surface.
- Floats
This tool is used immediately after removing the excess concrete to level the ridges, smoothen the cement’s surface before trowelling it, and fill the remaining voids after screeding the cement.
- Edgers
It is a tool used after the cement’s bleed water has disappeared, which aids in avoiding chipping and spalling damage after removing the barrier that holds the concrete in shape.
- Groovers
It is used for jointing, which controls the cracks of the concrete that may have caused the change in temperature that allows the concrete to dry. So, it helps the concrete to hold together when it dries and avoid further damage.
- Trowels
It is a tool that is only used after floating the concrete, which smoothens, hardens, and makes the concrete’s surface the densest form that it could be.
- Saws
This tool is very important when there has been a mistake in the cement because it helps cut and remove certain things from the slab.
- Shovels
It is a regular tool that can be easily seen anywhere when someone is dealing with concrete because it is used to move the concrete and fill small gaps after pouring the concrete.
- Rakes
It is a tool utilised to spread the poured concrete, which must be used immediately to move the concrete to where it must be.
- Compactors
This tool aims to prepare the ground before pouring the concrete mix, which is very important when the surface is aggregated.
- Wheelbarrows
This tool aids in easily moving the mixed cement and different materials used to various locations.
- Mixers
Its purpose is to properly mix the concrete so that the outcome of the cement usage would be durable. Also, it allows the concrete users to be cost-effective in doing their work.
To sum it up, there are many processes involved in dealing with concrete, so various tools must be identified and be known before utilizing it. Furthermore, knowing the various usage of concrete tools avoids the overwhelming feeling when starting the process.
