Wood
Resin
Steel
Aluminum
Magnesium
Which one is right for you?
In this post i am going to focus on just hand tools because this is the main culprit of misuse. I see countless concreters using the wrong tools for the job, and having know understanding of what the tool they are using is actually doing to the concrete.
Steel Trowels (this has to be the most misused tool of the lot!)
Uses
Finishing concrete once it has started to set. (after bleed water has gone)
Misuses
Using on freshly poured concrete or air entrained concrete.
Why?
Steel trowels close the pores in the concrete and can trap water below the surface, also closing the micro air pockets created by the AEA leaving the surface vulnerable to attack from frost.
Wood and Resin Trowels
Uses
Used for working freshly poured low slump (50 mm) concrete or for making a non-slip surface texture.
Misuses
You can't really misuse this tool, unless it was to be used to finish a slab that was meant to be smooth! (but i do see it used lots where its really not needed)
Aluminum and Magnesium Trowels
Uses
Used for leveling out the surface after screeding and opening up the pores in the concrete to allow the bleed water to evaporate.
Misuses
Again you can't really misuse this tool.
I hope thats abit of helpful info for any DIY projects
If i've missed anything out please point it out.
