Concrete work can be a relatively difficult job. That is why every concrete contractor is required to have a complete set of tools to successfully finish the job. These tools are essential since they can determine whether the concrete job would be successful or could result in a possible disaster. In fact, tools used for concrete work typically don’t require much investment since they are usually just basic tools.
Instead of renting tools, it is way more convenient to own these necessary tools, that is because buying these tools doesn’t only save costs, but also saves time for picking the tools out and can be more reliable. Rented tools may sometimes be old or overused, which can be hazardous for any worker. If you want some more specialized equipment, it may only be worth it if you are planning to use it regularly, if not, renting them would be more cost-efficient.
Protective Gear
Let’s start with the most important and very basic equipment you would need. Obviously, this protective gear will be the one responsible for protecting you, especially around the face. As mentioned, concrete work can be a dangerous job, particularly when handling dangerous tools like saws, edgers, and cutters, while tools such as drills and hammers may affect your hearing.
Concrete work is also a type of construction work meaning there would be lots of debris, dust, and chemicals that may be harmful to the eyes, nose, or ears. An example would be when pouring gravel or sand, you could potentially inhale cement lime, and dust particles, which are harmful to the body.
Gloves And Boots
Similarly, with the protective gear, these gloves and boots would not only help protect your hands and feet from potential debris that could cut you and in handling dangerous tools but they also help with handling chemicals and admixtures that can irritate the skin. For instance, continuous exposure to cement would surely cause damage over time, especially if the exposure happens regularly.
In the meantime, rubber boots can be effectively used to step into concrete if necessary. This would also protect you from irritation instead of just wearing normal shoes in concrete, making it convenient and necessary. In the end, you would be spending more time in your rubber boots a lot, so it is important to pick ones that are comfortable for you.
Wheelbarrows
Wheelbarrows are a generally convenient tool to have. Although it is a relatively large tool, which may make problems in terms of storage space, the return makes it irrelevant. These wheelbarrows can be used to transport lots of tools around the area and can be useful for taking concrete samples for slump tests. Even after the concrete project, they can be convenient in many various ways.
Screed And Floats
These screeds are essentially long, straight, stiff tubing or boards. These can be used to smooth and roughly level the concrete right when it is poured. These screeds typically vary in size, but it is generally considered better to a screed that is longer than the width of the concrete form. This allows the screed to ride along the top edges of the form as the concrete is getting flattened.
Meanwhile, floats are used for the floating finishing process of concrete work. This is the process by which the surface of the damp concrete will be tooled in order to slightly raise the liquid cement to the surface to create a smooth finish. There are different types of floats so be sure to choose one that suits your needs.