Once wet concrete starts to pour, you need to be prepared to move quickly. No one wants to get to the job site and realize they left a tool behind.
Here’s a list of construction tools you might need on a concrete construction site from start to finish:
Construction Tools for Pouring Cement
Mixers:
Um, naturally, right? But whether you’re mixing in a truck, a portable mixer, or a wheelbarrow, you want to be sure your concrete is thoroughly mixed for maximum strength and durability.
Gloves
Raw concrete mixes contain caustic compounds that can cause harm to the skin if kept in contact for extended periods. Rubber gloves can help protect the skin from such concrete burns.
Safety Glasses
Standard on most job sites, wearing safety glasses is an important safety measure when drilling, grinding, power troweling, or sawing concrete.
Compactors
If the site of the concrete slab is to be prepped with a sub-base of any type, a compactor helps settle the stone or aggregate into position.
Levels
Both the sub-base and slab surface must be level. A standard long-line level, or a laser level, will let you verify that the slab is completely according to spec before pouring and after.
Moisture Retarders
Moisture or vapor retarders are used to prevent water vapor from intruding on a finished concrete slab. They are generally placed directly under on-grade or below-grade slabs.
Shovels
Shovels help distribute concrete around the job site to fill in gaps left during the pouring process or for smaller applications. Square-ended shovels generally work better for concrete; rounded ones spread concrete unevenly.
Tampers
A tamper is used with low-slump concrete to push the aggregate below the slab surface. Some types are used standing on the wet concrete or roller types can be used from the slab edge.
Vibrators
Concrete vibrators help release trapped air pockets and excess water from the concrete mix to prevent possibly compromising problems in medium to high slump concrete.
Construction Tools for Finishing Concrete
Float Blades and Troweling Blades
A variety of blade types is available for floats and power trowels, each designed to accomplish different finishes. Some care must be taken during the troweling stage so as not to burn the surface and prolong drying time.
Groove Cutter/Jointer Tool
For certain job types, grooving the surface also helps prevent cracking or excess damage from shrinkage as the concrete dries or during use.
Brooms
A traditional finish for a concrete slab is a broom finish – drawing a broom across the surface of the almost-dried concrete slab for a slip-resistant surface. The finished look can be a smooth draw or a more artistic pattern.
Polishers
After the slab has dried sufficiently, polishers can be used to produce a surface finish effect, from gentle smoothing of the surface for traction and safety to a mirror-like shine for an aesthetic finish.
Grinders
Grinding can also be used for aesthetic effects like a distressed finish or is also sometimes necessary if a slab surface has been over-troweled and excess moisture is sealed inside the slab.
Dust Collection Systems
When grinding, polishing, drilling, or sawing concrete, a dust collection system helps clear the work area and protect the health of the onsite workers.
Industrial Vacuums is a specialist manufacturer and distributor of a range of powerful and versatile contractor-grade industrial vacuum cleaners suitable for a wide range of normally difficult vacuuming jobs.
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