Every building contractor should have a complete set of tools to get the job done. Most of the essential tools are basic and do not require a significant investment. Some specialized equipment is more expensive and worth the investment only if the tool is needed on a regular basis. Otherwise, it may be most cost-effective to rent certain items when needed.
Concrete Screed
A screed is a long, straight, rigid pipe, or board used to smooth and level wet concrete immediately after pouring. Screeds come in a variety of sizes and can even be project-specific, such as those used to build concrete bridges. For hand screeding, the screed must be longer than the width of the concrete form so that it can rise along the top edge of the form as the concrete is leveled.
Concrete Screed
For many smaller jobs, such as sidewalks, garage and driveway slabs, and patios, a simple straight piece of wood, usually a 2 x 4, suffices as a screed. There are also commercial screeds available, which are often aluminum “boards” with a shape similar to a 2 x 4. They are sold in commonly used sizes, such as 6 feet, 8 feet, 10 feet, etc. Some commercial screeds come with a leveling vial attached to them for easy leveling when the screed is done.
Personal protective equipment
Concrete work can be physically demanding and sometimes dangerous, and proper workplace safety practices require the use of protective equipment:
Eye protection is essential for any worker who handles mixing and pouring concrete. Portland cement in concrete is very hard and can burn the eyes.
Hearing protection must always be worn when electric saws, plate compactors, electric mixers or other power tools are operating.
Respiratory protection should be used during unloading or when pouring gravel or sand to prevent inhalation of lime, cement and dust particles.
Also Read: Construction Management Plan, Goals and Stages
Rubber gloves
Rubber gloves are always needed when handling concrete. Concrete contains chemicals and admixtures that can irritate the skin. The cement in concrete draws moisture from the skin and can cause extensive damage over time. There have even been cases of lifelong workers requiring amputation after years of working concrete with unprotected skin. According to OSHA, skin problems are a major cause of lost work time for concrete workers.
Contractor-grade gloves for concrete work come in many types, with some offering maximum flexibility and others designed for maximum puncture resistance. Materials range from solid natural latex or synthetic latex (neoprene) to cotton-rubber blends or nylon fabrics. For working in cold weather, you can even purchase fleece-lined rubber gloves.
Rubber Boots
Rubber boots ensure you’re ready to step onto the concrete at any time. They allow you to work while standing on the concrete and at the same time protect you from skin irritation.
It is important for concrete workers to choose footwear that is not only waterproof and chemical resistant, but also comfortable to wear. Concrete workers often spend hours each day in their boots, so selection should be just as careful as for quality leather boots. Pros suggests that rubber boots should have steel toes for safety and a drawstring top that seals the boots around your calves to prevent concrete from entering.
Building equipment: Wheelbarrow
Carts are needed to move small amounts of concrete or carry tools around the site. They are also useful for taking concrete samples for slump tests or other assessments.