Written by: Bracing Systems
Concrete mixing is a straightforward process that requires a lot of tools to get the job done. If you're a contractor who mixes concrete on a regular basis, you'll need to own these tools to ensure success with your construction projects.
If you're a contractor that only mixes concrete from time to time, construction equipment rental services can be your saving grace, allowing you to rent equipment when it's needed while avoiding the expense and trouble that comes from maintenance.
Bracing Systems rents construction equipment for construction businesses in the Chicago area, including tools for concrete mixing. When you need to mix concrete for your construction projects, we're here to help.
First and foremost, use and wear safety equipment for your concrete mixing projects. Wet concrete is a skin irritant that can cause burns and other injuries. Protecting your skin and eyes from wet concrete is important.
Wear safety goggles that wrap around the sides of your eyes to protect yourself from splattering concrete. If you're an employer, provide safety goggles or glasses for each worker. Workers come in different sizes. Keep a range of sizes on hand for each person.
Our hands are our most important tools. They're worth protecting! Wear heavy-duty rubber gloves when mixing wet concrete. Check your gloves from time to time, looking for holes and other areas where your skin could be exposed.
Again, if you're an employer, provide sufficient gloves for all of your workers, in a range of sizes. Gloves need to be made of rubber because concrete is wet and will permeate anything made of cloth.
Work boots are an essential part of the job site, but your standard work boots may not be the best choice when working with concrete. Instead, choose rubber work boots to protect your feet.
Once you're fully protected with the proper safety equipment, it's time to choose the rest of the equipment and tools that you'll need for mixing concrete. Bracing Systems can help you choose the right equipment for your upcoming construction project.
Shovels are a traditional tool used for mixing concrete. For very small projects, shovels are still the tool of choice for contractors mixing concrete onsite. Use shovels to move dry or wet concrete from one location to another.
Keep in mind that concrete is heavy, whether it's wet or dry, so it's important to shovel your concrete in small quantities to reduce the strain on your back. Encourage your employees to do the same.
Your wheelbarrow makes it easier to transport small amounts of concrete, tools, and debris around the job site. For small (and even large) concrete projects, wheelbarrows come in handy. Like shovels, it's important to limit the weight that you transport with the wheelbarrow. Avoid moving heavy objects that could cause back injuries. Train employees to use caution when transporting heavy items.
A mortar mixer is a piece of equipment that can mix your concrete evenly onsite. Even small projects benefit from a mortar mixer, which can help ensure that your concrete is highest quality. Mixers come in different sizes, so it's important to choose a mortar mixer that matches your needs for the job. If you're renting your mortar mixer from a construction supply company, they can help you choose the product that's best for your job.
Once the concrete is poured, there may be many air bubbles in the concrete. Contractors use concrete vibrators to get rid of these bubbles. Surface vibrators are commonly used on projects like driveways, and can be used to improve the integrity and appearance of the driveway.
Concrete dumpers are used to dump wet concrete into the foundation. Concrete dumpers are similar to dump trucks, but smaller, and concrete is poured out of the front of the cab.
A screed is a tool that's used to level the concrete once it's poured. Screeds come in different sizes for different projects. Motorized screeds are available for bigger projects. It's important to choose the correct screed for your project.
A concrete float is a tool that's used to smooth the concrete once it's been leveled with a screed. You may need a few different types of floats on hand to get the work done.
Groove cutters put a groove in concrete to prevent cracking and shrinkage. Installing grooves is good for the long-term viability of your concrete slab.
When you're choosing tools and equipment for concrete mixing, it's important to consider the quality of the product that you're buying. It's important to consider price as well. This is why many contractors turn to Bracing Systems for tools for concrete mixing. We sell and rent tools of the highest quality to our customers. Here's why people choose Bracing Systems for their concrete materials and tools:
When you're looking to buy or rent concrete and construction equipment, contact Bracing Systems. We're the tool and material supplier of choice for contractors in the Chicago area. Even if you're laying concrete in cooler weather, we've got the concrete tools you need.
Not sure which materials you need or which type of rental equipment would be best for your project? We can help. Our experts are available to answer your questions throughout the process.
Stop in today.