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.

Images from: https://www.jimslimstools.com/Products/Kraft-CC351-Walking-Concrete-Edger-8in-x-5-38in-Radius-12in-Lip__CC351.aspx and https://www.lowes.com/pd/Marshalltown-Blue-4-in-x-6-in-Steel-Concrete-Edger/1000107171

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

Image from: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Marshalltown-20-in-x-4-in-Finishing-Trowel-Curved-Durasoft-Handle-MXS20D-HD/100318187

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. 

Image from: https://www.warnerrentals.bc.ca/equipment.asp?action=category&category=15&key=050-0102

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.

Image from: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Marshalltown-16-in-Magnesium-Float-145D-HD/100318067