An edger is used in the finishing process of concrete construction. To properly use an edger you must not have concrete too dry or too wet. An edger can make the difference between a very quality looking pour and an unfinished looking job. This tool should be used carefully as it can dig in and gouge the concrete. they can come in handheld versions or with a place to attach an extended handle to get into places that are hard to reach.
Finishing trowels are used to put a smooth even finish on the concrete. This is one of the final steps of the finishing process as concrete can be left just like it is after. Finishing trowels are usually long and wide and are quite flat. the edge needs to be maintained as a dirty edge will mar the concrete, the edge needs to rounded and not sharp. a sharp edge will dig into the finished concrete. Using a finishing trowel properly takes some skill and will normally get you paid a little bit more money on the job site
if you can do so.
The fresno trowel is commonly used on larger job sites. Its main function is to finish large areas quickly. The fresno is basically a large finishing trowel that can be attached to long handles. Fresno trowels have a rotating attachment that allows the trowel to tilt up or down. It does this so when you push or pull along the concrete it does not dig in. Like all finishing trowels you should care for them, so they don’t get buildup on them or bend and become not straight. You can buy one of them here.
The bull float is very common on most to all commercial job sites. The bull float is used to flatten out and smooth large surfaces of concrete. The bull float is very important for speeding up the process of finishing concrete. An important part to the bull float like the fresno, is that it is able to pivot up or down in order to push or pull and leave a smooth finish. the difference between a bull float and a fresno is that bull floats are much heavier. they need to be heavier in order to take down bigger clumps of concrete and smooth out the surface. Bull floats can be pretty expensive for quality tools. and like all trowels they need to be broken-in in order to make the smoothest finishes.
Image from: https://www.doityourself.com/stry/bull-float
A hand trowel is necessary for the concrete finishing process. The main purpose for hand trowels is to push out air bubbles in the concrete and to rough out the final finish height of the concrete. Hand trowels come in a medium and large size and are used for different purposes. Hand trowels are also used in combination with the edger and the finishing trowel. When used with the edger it is used to get rid of excess concrete on the edge. It also is used to rough out the edge and get rid of air pockets. When used with a finishing trowel its main purpose is to rough out the grade and get rid of air pockets.
The wire puller is used during the concrete placing process. it’s main function is to pull reinforcing wire into the center of the concrete. Doing this makes the concrete much stronger and less likely to break. This tool is usually made of aluminum or steel but needs to be strong enough to pull wire through thick concrete.
Image from: https://www.handeehook.com/
The shovel is one of the most common tools. It can be used for preparation, placing, and cleaning. It has many uses and is a very common tool on any job site, home or commercial. shovels come in different shapes and sizes but mostly a flat or digging style of shovels are used. Shovels are pretty inexpensive and have many uses.
The loop is used in concrete construction for basic spreading needs. it can be used for preparations spreading around fill material, or during the concrete placing process to rough out the grade of the concrete before it gets screed boarded. loops can come in many different materials like aluminum or steel. the one thing you need for a loop is a good strong base that is able to pull or push concrete into place.
Portable mixers are very useful for medium sized concrete projects. They are commonly used when an amount of concrete too big to hand mix but not big enough for a truck load is needed. Most portable mixers are measured in cubic feet which is much easier to estimate for your medium sized projects. they can be rented, or bought out right but, mostly you will use them rarely for home projects.
Photo From -https://www.ebay.com/p/5-Cubic-FT-Barrow-Portable-Cement-Concrete-Mixer/1572347944
Concrete trucks are most commonly used for commercial use. They have the ability to hold many square yards of concrete. Truck mixers are also able to carry concrete a far distance and be mixed on site. Truck mixing is the most expensive way of mixing concrete. Although, it is one of the fastest ways to have large amounts of concrete delivered.
CONCRETE BASICS 