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Did you know that the shortage of skilled workers and an increase in labour and materials will continue to push up the cost of construction in Australia? The cost of masonry materials and tools are not that cheap. However, if you want a building to last and be strong-standing, you need to ensure you get the right equipment and tools for the job. If you are new to masonry, then keep reading to discover the must-have masonry tools that you need. Masonry Materials Masonry workers use specific materials such as bricks, stones, or concrete. Your project needs will determine what types of masonry material you will need. If you are completing DIY projects, it is best to purchase the materials when you need them. Storing materials for a long time could lead to moisture damage. Moisture damage will leave your materials to harden and become useless, so save yourself some money by only buying in what you need. Some essential materials you might need for your masonry project could include veneer mortar, cement, aggregate, mortar, grout, and rebar. Veneer mortar is a specialised type of mortar that is enriched with polymers, this helps the veneer masonry units stick to vertical surfaces. Cement can come in ready-mix bags which means all you have to do is add water to harden the mixture. Cement is great for setting fence posts and lying down flagstones in your garden. Aggregate is a material made of sand or gravel, which helps to fill out and forms the bulk of concrete. Mortar is a mixture that helps to stick together masonry units. Grout is used to fill the seams between masonry units. It’s a mixture of cement and sand. Rebar, or reinforcing bars, are steel bars that are added throughout masonry to increase a structures strength. Masonry Tools and Their Uses Not only do you need to consider what materials you will need for your project, but you also need to create a masonry tools list. This list will depend on what kind of project you are doing, for example, you will need brick masonry tools for building a house. Below are some of the essential masonry tools that most projects will require. Trowels There are many different types of trowels that you might use as a masonry worker. For instance, there are: ordinary trowels pointing trowels brick trowels buttering trowels edgers and margin trowels. It is very important to use the right one for your project, otherwise, you may not get the desired outcome. Margin trowels are typically used with narrow masonry units, for example, manufactured stone veneer. This is so that the masonry worker doesn’t spill excess mortar over the sides of the veneer units. However, margin trowels are probably the most universal trowel you can get. So, if you aren’t sure what type of trowel to choose, try a margin trowel. Drill Bits Drill bits are used to drill through concrete. They can also be used to drill through brick and stone. If you need a drill bit that is very strong, then you need to get one with a tungsten carbide tip. Choosing the right masonry drill bits for your project can be confusing and time-consuming, so save yourself some time by learning how to choose the right one for your project. Cold Chisel Your project will probably need a cold chisel. This is a type of chisel has a wide and flat head that can help you slice bricks or veneer stone in half with a blow of a hammer. You can also use a cold chisel to chip away excess mortar. A cold chisel is also useful to remove a single brick from a brick wall. Most cold chisels have a plastic handle, which helps to absorb the shock from the hammer blow. Brick Hammer Masonry workers need to have a brick hammer. This specific type of hammer is essential for the work you will be doing. You can’t use a normal hammer, because it might break and will leave your masonry work looking shoddy. A brick hammer has a blunt side, which makes it great for chopping stones or bricks in half with one quick blow. On the other side of the brick hammer, there is a smaller tool that can be used to score lines for more precise breaks. Wire Brush An essential thing that masonry workers need is a wire brush. This is used to brush away rock chips or concrete crumbs that you need to clean up. You can’t simply use a normal sweeping brush to clean up, because they aren’t strong enough to get rid of stubborn concrete crumbs. The only way you can remove all the debris from a crack that you’ve opened in the concrete is by using a stiff wire brush and a shop vacuum. Safety Equipment And finally, before starting any projects or masonry work, you need to ensure that you have the correct safety equipment. For example, some projects may require you to wear a helmet and goggles. If you are working with materials that might chip or breakaway, be sure to protect your eyes and your body from the debris. Get the Right Masonry Tools Having the right masonry tools can significantly improve your projects and save you a lot of time and money. Remember to buy the right materials and tools before you start your project. If you are looking for new masonry tools, or want to repair your existing tools, then get in touch with our friendly team today.

Whether you’re replacing outdated flooring or looking to touch up your garage, your concrete renovation isn’t complete without a protective finish. Applying a non-slip surface could mean the difference between a glossy, resilient finish or a slippery surface prone to easily preventable falls. The benefits of epoxy flooring extents further than just preventing accidents. Epoxy floor coating provides a resilient seal for your floor and shields against any damage or wear. When you coat the floor of your auto shop, studio, garage it can: a. preserve your concrete surfaces b. protect against slips and falls c. give it a nice glossy finish. Still not convinced? Here are six reasons why you should be using a non-slip floor coating on your concrete floors. 1. It Transforms Your Space An epoxy floor coating can completely transform your concrete flooring. While gray concrete can sometimes have a harsh feel, a non-slip coating can elevate the look into something more refined and elegant. The shiny surface can give the space a whole new dimension. With a more polished look, you can put concrete flooring in any space, not just garages or basements. This coating can also disguise any defects on your concrete floor. Chips, dents, or light stains from other materials can be glossed over by the finish. For further effects you can pick metallic or colored epoxy coatings. 2. It Can Save You Money Compared to the purchase of new flooring, including the new material and installation costs, epoxy is an affordable option. You don’t need to remove your current flooring. All you have to do is apply the coating over the cement you already have installed. This makes it easy to revamp your flooring while spending less time and money. 3. It Protects Your Floor Epoxy coating isn’t just for appearances. Water, chemicals, and daily wear and tear can wreak havoc on your floors. Epoxy can fortify your concrete flooring and keep it from getting damaged in the future. Impact Epoxy is both tough and flexible, which means that it’s shock resistant. Impacts like dropping a heavy object or the grind of cars driving over the surface won’t affect epoxy. If you have flooring in a high traffic area or you’re at risk of dropping heavy tools, machinery, or recreational gear, epoxy can keep your floor safe from jarring crashes. Heat Once the epoxy has dried, it can withstand high heat. The typical limit is about 90 degrees Celsius, but some types of epoxy can withstand even more heat. This makes it ideal for garages or kitchens–where the flooring might come into contact with heat. Chemicals Chemicals left behind from cars, household supplies, or garage supplies won’t have any impact on epoxy. So if you end up spilling fertilizer, brake fluids, oil, or more on your floor, you can rest assured that the chemical resistant coating will keep anything from seeping through to the concrete and corroding it. Water For internal flooring, making sure your floor is water-resistant is important. Flooding or spills can stain your concrete flooring. Epoxy won’t let the water soak through into the floor, and the extra grip will keep it from becoming too slippery. 4. It Strengthens the Floor Many people select concrete flooring because of how strong it is. No matter how heavy your car, equipment or furniture is, concrete can handle it all. But repeated exposure to heavy weights can slowly wear away concrete. This corrosion only leads to unsightly damage and concrete particles in the air. Adding an epoxy coating to the floor can enhance the natural strength of concrete. Certain types of epoxy flooring can help concrete support up to almost 5,000 kilograms. This strength also means that it won’t peel or tear once properly bonded to the concrete. 4. It Simplifies Cleaning Another benefit of epoxy is that it reduces maintenance. With a regular concrete floor, you’ll have to keep cleaning up dust and other particles. These settle on the ground or even into other rooms of your house. Epoxy can lock in these particles and reduce the dust buildup. The smooth surface created by epoxy is also easy to clean with a mop, broom, or vacuum. Bacteria and grime don’t adhere to epoxy, which makes it simple to keep things sanitary. Even with heavier cleaning supplies, the surface will resist scratching or corrosion. Water or chemicals can be wiped away without damaging the floor or dulling its shine. 5. It Has Long-Lasting Effects Once you’ve initially applied the epoxy, it won’t need to be redone for a long period of time. This coating lasts longer than wood, concrete, tile, and carpet flooring because of its strength and resistance. This durability means it will last for years. The longevity means you’ll have a practical and cost-effective coating for your floor. 6. It’s Safe to Walk On Installing epoxy floor coating can increase safety and visibility in any space. The reflective surface illuminates the room, even if its a dark space like a basement or garage. Not only is the space more visible, but a non-slip coating mix can increase the stability of your flooring. Using a surface with grip effects-like grit, mortar, gravel, sand, or aluminum oxide- you can keep the slick surface of the epoxy slip-free. This means that even when the epoxy looks shiny and smooth, you’re less likely to slip and fall when walking through. On-the-Job Perspective Epoxy flooring is renowned for its durability and low maintenance, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces. The team at Local Workforce Hire notes that while epoxy floors are resilient, their longevity heavily depends on proper installation and preparation. “We’ve seen cases where inadequate surface preparation led to peeling or uneven finishes,” a representative explains. They recommend engaging experienced professionals to ensure the substrate is correctly prepared and the epoxy is applied under suitable conditions. This approach not only enhances the floor’s durability but also ensures a smooth, attractive finish that stands the test of time. What

The Australian lawn care industry has experienced sustained growth over the past five years and only projects to continue this growth for the next five. As long as people care about the way their home and yard look, there will be a need for lawn care professionals. Often even more impactful–as long as people care about what their peers think of this, property maintenance will be a necessary business. Those looking to get into this business might get overwhelmed at the sheer variety of tools they may think they need to get started. Not only that, but each piece of lawn care equipment comes in a variety of forms. You’ll see equipment in different sizes, made of different material, costing vastly different amounts, either mechanical or manual, etc. Where should you start? What are the essential pieces of landscaping equipment to get your business up and running? Offer Different Services Before we get into the actual lawn care equipment you should start your landscaping business off with, it’s good to consider what services you plan to actually offer. Landscaping and property maintenance is far more than just cutting grass. Professionals in this line of work often try to gain skill in a great variety of different property maintenance services. Doing so will allow you to better fulfil your customers’ needs. Another major advantage of this is that it prevents your customers from calling other lawn care service companies from coming in and taking care of the services you don’t offer. If this were to happen, your customer may consider dumping you for the convenience of having the other company just take care of everything. Even if there are certain services that you aren’t currently able to offer, how may you get around this problem? Tell your customer that you’ll take care of the service needed. Then, subcontract the job out, calling another company to come and take care of the job while you oversee it and take your cut. But beyond cutting grass, what are some of these other services you might offer? Consider these additional options: Tree removal services If you have a business in a colder climate, snow and ice removal Maintenance of shrubs, bushes, trees, and gardens Mulching, loaming, and lawn repair Another cooler climate need, offer autumn and spring clean up services Once the business has grown, offer landscape construction services–walkways, retaining walls, patio installations, etc. The Quintessential Pieces of Lawn Care Equipment The industrious neighbourhood 14-year-old boy looking to make a bit of extra money from his neighbours. The fully-equipped business with its fleet of landscape trucks, trailers, crews, and all. These two businesses may not have too much in common. Still, if there’s a single piece of equipment these two vastly different in size businesses share in common, it’s probably a lawnmower. This is because the most basic and frequently reoccurring need in the way of lawn care is grass maintenance. In this regard, the entrepreneurial 14-year-old may start off with his parents small, underpowered push mower. But he and others looking to start a lucrative, professional lawn care business will want to get higher quality push and ride-on mowers. Usually, this means starting off with a push mower. Eventually, though, you’ll want to graduate to the larger ride-on mower for the sake of efficiency (unless the great majority of your jobs are smaller, city lawns where manoeuvrability is key). The Quintessential Piece of Tree Removal Landscape Equipment Many homeowners have one or more trees in their yard they’d like to get rid of. Perhaps the trees are simply unsightly and the homeowner would like their house to get more sunlight. It could also be that a tree is rotting and becoming a potential hazard to fall on their home or vehicle. Whatever the case may be, this is a lucrative service to be able to offer. Depending on various factors, such as the size of the trees, their locations, and the full range of service you’ll be providing, it’s not uncommon to charge anywhere from a few hundred dollars to even in the thousands per tree. It also doesn’t take a major initial investment when it comes to the right lawn care equipment to perform this task. The most basic piece of equipment you’ll want and need for this job is a quality chainsaw. Be sure to have a chainsaw that is both large and powerful enough for the tree(s) at hand. Otherwise, you’ll be putting yourself in unnecessary danger. Safety Is a Priority From the Start For each and every service your professional lawn care company will be providing, there are certain dangers. Even jobs such as hand-pruning bushes could present such dangers as getting a loose twig in your eye. The dangers of other jobs are more obvious. Sawdust, dirt, and other material could be thrown into your eyes when using a chainsaw. Without protection, sustained exposure to loud machine-powered equipment can damage hearing. Another important set of lawn care equipment to make sure to have from the start is landscaping safety gear such as: Safety glasses/sunglasses/goggles Earmuffs/earplugs Contractor gloves Quality Is Often the Difference-Maker Hopefully, this list has acted as a guide for you in knowing where to start when it comes to getting the lawn care equipment needed to get your landscape business up and running. Just as important as having the right type of equipment, though, is having good quality equipment. It’s why you won’t often see the high-end, fully equipped landscape professionals buying their most important pieces of equipment at the local Bunnings. Rather, they’re more likely to shop from vendors offering high-quality, commercial equipment. Quality equipment helps you to perform quality work for your customers. And when it comes to keeping customers in the business of property maintenance, nothing is more important than quality. It’s something most who can are always willing to pay for. With these points in mind, check out our full inventory of high-quality lawn care equipment for landscape professionals.

You’re in the market for a new lawn mower for your landscaping and gardening business. But is a riding mower something you should consider as a good investment? The only trouble is that with so many options on the market, you’re having serious difficulty making up your mind. You want to ensure you invest in a lawnmower that gets the job done efficiently, but doesn’t sacrifice quality.  You need to be able to choose from different grass heights, work on many types of terrain, and feel confident that you’ve purchased a mower that will last for a long tie.  It sounds like you’re in the market for a push mower.  Read on to learn why you should invest in a push mower for your business.  Are push mowers easy to use? Let’s face it — no matter the time of day or the kind of terrain you’re working with, lawn mowing is hard work! The job of the best lawn mowers is to make the task as simple and intuitive as possible. And if you can actually be comfortable throughout the process, all the better.  Push mowers are incredibly simple to use, whether you’re finishing landscaping edges or tackling an entire lawn. They also come with handles set at the perfect angle, so that you can mow for hours at a time without having to deal with that annoying pressure and pain in the wrists and arms.  Plus, the specially-designed grips will help you to avoid blisters and slipping, meaning you’ll be both safe and comfortable. These grips also work to cut down on the intensity of the vibrations that hit your wrists, so you can keep on going until the job is done.  Some mowers even let you adjust the handle height, so you’ll get the perfect fit every time.  We especially love the fact that a push mower makes the collection as easy as possible. This means that you no longer have to worry about leaving behind grass clippings, leaves, and even twigs. Instead, everything just gathers in the collector tray — so no cleanup required.  Finally, multiple blades mean that you won’t have to spend your entire afternoon taking care of a lawn. They have strong cutting decks, dual ball-bearing wheels secured into place, and much more.  What should I look for in a push mower? Depending on the specific job you’re working on, you may need to use a variety of cutting options.  Today’s top push mowers offer different cutting systems, allowing you to get the perfect grass height every time. Remember that the grass type, the season, and the terrain will all impact the ideal grass height.  A good lawn mower can have as many as 9 different cutting heights to choose from. Additionally, you can adjust the speed of your mower according to your goals and the current condition of the lawn.  Especially if you’re using a push mower in your landscaping and lawn care business, you need to be able to do lots of different things with it.  Depending on the type of work, you may need a grass cutting mower or a mulching mower. The great thing is that the vast majority of push lawn mowers are able to tackle both jobs.  Perhaps the most important part of the mower is the engine itself. Look for a high-quality engine designed by a trusted company, like Briggs & Stratton. You should also look for safe and quick start features that don’t require lots of effort on your part to get the mower going.  Many people incorrectly assume that storing a lawn mower requires lots of garage or warehouse space. However, if you invest in the newest models, this isn’t true.  Today’s best lawn mowers, like the LC118 Push Mower from Husqvarna, make storage a snap. Thanks to their collapsible handle and quick cam lock, it will only take you a few moments to find the best place for your now compact mower.  This means more space for the things you love, or for your other construction equipment.  Are push lawn mowers worth it? Yes, the right lawn mowers are a bit of an investment up front.  However, especially if you work in construction and landscaping, your clients will absolutely expect you to be able to provide lawn mowing services. Having your own lawn mower means that you can meet customer demand and that you’ll save serious cash by avoiding having to hire someone else to get the job done.  Additionally, the lawn mowers that we sell in particular are designed to last you for as long as possible — meaning that you won’t need to buy a new model once every year.  They can also work on both rough and smooth terrain so that you can tackle any job with ease.   Don’t spend your money on cheap tools and mowers at hardware stores that will have you spending more than you would have if you’d bought a high-quality mower the first time around.  Instead, make an investment in your business — and watch your company thrive as a result.  Are You Ready to Buy a Push Mower? We hope that this post has helped to convince you that investing in a push mower is the right move for you.  Not only do they offer lots of different cutting length options and a collection tray for easy cleanup, but they’ll also keep you comfortable while you’re on the job. So, where can you shop for some of the best push mowers on the market today?  Want to learn where you can go to have your lawn mowers and other construction equipment serviced and repaired?  We can help you with that.  Browse through our incredible inventory of bricklaying, concreting, and other products. You can also shop by brand to make sure you get equipment from companies you trust. 

Cracks, bumps, and rough spots…oh my! As a tradesman, you can probably spot a botched plastering job from 50 meters. It takes skill and an artistic touch to create a smooth, unnoticeable plaster surface. But to do this, you need the right tools and supplies. Check out this article for a professional contractor’s checklist of plastering supplies. Plus, we’ll give you some bonus tips on how to improve your plastering skills. Have These Plastering Supplies On Hand This checklist will keep you organized and help cut down on waste. Use it to ensure you’ve got everything you need before you start your next job. Plasterboard, Plaster, & Screws Your supplies list differs based on the type of plastering you’re doing. Wet plaster requires more plaster mix. Whereas plasterboard requires tools and supplies to secure it in place. When ordering plasterboard from your local supplier, be sure to order some extra sheets. You may need to get around awkward corners. Or work around doorways and window frames. You’ll attach the boards to the wall studs with screws or nails, depending on your preference. Again, make sure you order some extra screws so you don’t find yourself short. Plan for enough screws to drive them every 150 mm along the length of the wall studs. And, of course, you’ll need to order plaster. The quantity depends on your technique. Plasterboard requires much less plaster than wet plastering. Other useful supplies for securing plasterboard: Stud adhesive Joint tape Plasterboard lift to hold the sheets up when installing on a ceiling Stepladder Utility Knife & Level In a perfect world, the walls would be exactly the same size and shape as your plasterboard, but we all know that’s not usually the case. You’ll need a sharp utility knife with plenty of extra blades to cut the boards down to size. Don’t forget to invest in a longer level, like a 122cm level, to provide a long straight edge in addition to leveling ability. Bucket or Wheelbarrow You’ll never go wrong with a high-quality wheelbarrow because you can use it to mix other things too, like cement. This is the best way to mix large batches of plaster. You also don’t want your plaster mixture to get too dry. Use a clean bucket for smaller jobs, and make sure you have access to plenty of fresh water when it’s time to mix the plaster. Mixing Paddle for a Power Drill You can mix plaster by hand using a shovel, but it’s best to get a special mixing paddle that attaches to your power drill. These paddles are worth the investment because they save you time. They come in different shapes and sizes depending on how thick you plan to mix your plaster. Best of all, they make the plaster much smoother than mixing by hand. Hawk/Trowel Combo & Sandpaper The hawk and trowel have been around for centuries, and they’re still the best way to apply plaster to a wall. The size of your hawk/trowel combo depends on your preferences. For larger jobs, you’ll want larger tools, but you may want to have smaller trowels in your toolbox for more precision work. Once you’ve applied plaster throughout the room, sand down rough areas for a seamless wall. Use sandpaper or sanding blocks to achieve this look. A pole sander is a great tool for sanding high walls or ceilings. Safety Equipment & Proper Clothing Anytime you’re working with heights, ensure that you and your crew are safe by investing in the right safety equipment. As we mentioned earlier, a plasterboard lift is essential if you’re applying plasterboard high up. It takes the brunt of the weight off your shoulders and cuts down the risk that you might drop a heavy piece of plasterboard on your head. If you’re using a ladder, follow ladder safety guidelines. This applies to scaffolds too. Consider using safety harnesses for high scaffolds. Make sure everyone in your crew has safety gloves and glasses. Use hardhats if doing any work on the ceiling, and make sure that everyone uses a dust mask, especially during the sanding process. Plastering Tip #1: Prep the Walls Once you gather the right tools, it’s essential to prep the walls before you begin. If you’re using a wet plaster technique, you’ll need to prime the walls first with a specialty plaster primer. This primer gives the plaster a tacky surface to stick to. Also, determine the suction level of the wall surface before you start plastering. The suction level varies depending on the wall material and affects how you mix the plaster. Mix up a small batch of plaster and apply a test spot to the wall using your trowel. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then check the test spot for consistency. If the plaster is dry and powdery, then you’re dealing with a high-suction wall. If the test spot is still wet and tacky, you’re dealing with a low suction wall. Most plasterboard is low-suction. Plastering Tip #2: Get the Right Mix If you can, dedicate a bucket or wheelbarrow to plastering jobs only. This ensures that you don’t muck up your plaster with other construction materials. Mix up your test plaster using 1 part water to 1 part plaster. You’ll see how the wall surface reacts to this mixture in the previous step. Adjust your water to plaster ratio according to the wall suction. A good rule of thumb is to make your plaster so that it supports itself in stiff peaks, but not so stiff that it’s difficult to work with. Keep mixing it periodically as you work to make sure it doesn’t separate or dry out. Great Tools Make for Great Work The right plastering supplies make for beautifully seamless, plastered walls. Use this checklist to keep you organized when you’re working on a plastering job. Remember that your supplies will vary depending on the type of plastering. Plasterboard requires a few more supplies than does traditional wet plastering.

Australia’s construction and maintenance franchises earn one billion in revenue each year. If your business has invested in a high-pressure water cleaning system, then you have a handy tool ready for boosting your income. What’s so handy about water pressure cleaners? They’re great for cleaning off difficult stains from construction projects. They’re also one of the most effective tools for cleaning drains and sewage pipes. You can use a high-pressure hose with your pressure washer to clear out blockages from sewer lines. Sometimes called “drain jetters” or “sewer jetters,” these two tools make the cleaning job faster and easier. They’re more effective than traditional cable machines and make a great way to boost the value of your business. If you’re considering buying a water pressure cleaner to add to your business’s services, you should know about one of its best uses. Read on to learn how to use a pressure washer jet so you’re ready when a plumbing call comes. Things to Consider Before Using a Water Pressure Cleaner Water pressure cleaners are one of the most effective tools for cleaning sludge and grease blockages from sewer lines. When a client needs help clearing out a drain, you’ll want to have one handy to get the job done. Have you already bought the right pressure washer for your business and do you plan on adding a high-pressure hose? There are some things to think about before turning it on at a job. Here are five checkpoints to cover so that you effectively use your pressure cleaner as a water drain jet for pipes. 1. What’s Down There? Icon Water provides ways to avoid blocked drains, but this problem still happens. Drain jets do a great job clearing out grease, sand, and other soft blockages. But they won’t be helpful if your drain problem is caused by roots. It’s important not to get carried away and jump right into the job before knowing what’s the problem. How can you know what’s clogging the drains? Most likely, the problem will be grease or sludge. Restaurants and family dwellings often have problems with grease buildup. 2. Size Is Important Your hose needs to be the correct size for the pipe you’re trying to clear. Why is this important? Because you want the highest water pressure to do the job. When your hose is too small, you lose pressure. The trick is to use a hose with the largest diameter that fits down the drain. When you do this, you’ll have less pressure loss and your cleaner will work better. This is because there will be more pressure at the nozzle, which is what you need to clear out any sludge in the pipes. It’s also important to know where the clog is located in the pipes. Bigger hoses have less flexibility, which can mean your hose may get stuck if the clog is too far down. When you choose your size, take into account how far down the hose needs to go so that you can choose the right flexibility. 3. Don’t Get Stuck When water pressure cleaners were first being used, they sometimes got stuck from the friction between hose and pipe. If you’ve purchased yours from a company that specializes in professional-grade quality, you won’t need to worry about this. Today’s water pressure cleaners vibrate so that they don’t get stuck in pipes. 4. Know Your Technique You should know your technique before you start feeding the hose into the pipe. Most professionals choose to work the hose back and forth while they’re feeding it in. As long as you keep the hose moving, you’ll do a better job and save time. 5. Don’t Let Your Pump Freeze This is an important tip if you work in cold seasons. Make sure your pump won’t freeze while you’re out on a job. When this happens, it can damage both hose and pump and cost you money. Your cleaner might have an antifreeze tank. If so, don’t forget to use it when the weather gets cold. If your machine doesn’t have an antifreeze tank, you can introduce antifreeze into the pump to stop it from freezing. What is the easiest way to clear a blockage in the sewer line? If you’re at your client’s home with the water off, then you’ll either have a pressure washer or a cable machine ready to use. If the sewer problem is caused by grease, you’ll want to use a pressure washer hose. This is because a cable will poke a hole in the grease blockage when it moves forward, but as soon as it’s pulled back the grease gets plugged back up. The spray from a pressure washer can go right through the blockage and flush it down the line. As long as you have a good-sized hose with strong water pressure, you’ll be able to reach the blockage even if it’s deep. Another benefit to having a sewer jetter is that it’s lighter than traditional drain cleaners. This means you can carry it wherever you need to inside your client’s home. Electric pressure washers are the easiest to carry but provide lower pressure than other models. Gas-powered washers will have the most power for pressure washing but need extra accessories to work indoors. Once you’ve fed the hose into the line, make sure to use an efficient technique so that the hose doesn’t get stuck. By following the correct steps, you’ll be able to clear up your client’s sewer lines quickly and easily. Time to Invest in a Water Pressure Cleaner? Whether you already own a water pressure cleaner or want to invest, having a pressure washer and sewer jet will get you ready for more jobs. It’s an effective way to make your business available to wider audiences and boost profits. Want more products to add to your professional arsenal? Check out our blog for more resources and helpful tips.

Polished concrete is a hot trend in residential and commercial flooring. It’s a sleek, modern look that’s affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. It has an industrial vibe. Yet, thanks to vibrant dyes concrete floors can be any color from deep blue to bright red. Designers are choosing polished concrete floors for restaurants, spas, and retail spaces. It’s popular for residential use, too. Vinyl, tile, and carpeting are out. Custom concrete floors are in. If your clients don’t want the same old flooring, introduce them to polished concrete. Wondering what equipment you’ll need to deliver a beautiful concrete look? We have you covered with this checklist. Keep reading for a list of concrete polishing tools. Checklist for Polished Concrete Floors Whether you renovate an existing floor or install a new one you need the right equipment. It’s a complicated process that demands quality commercial equipment. Filler for Repairs Use repair filler to patch cracks in existing concrete floors during the prep stage. An epoxy or semi-rigid crack filler is best. Make sure all repair filler is level so the polishing heads move across the floor in a smooth manner. Large Floor Polisher Every polishing project needs a large floor polisher. The best machines have a  primary polishing head between 17 to 36 inches in diameter. Three or four satellite heads surround the primary head. The satellite heads hold the diamond abrasives. When the machine is on, the satellite heads rotate in the opposite direction of the primary head. This prevents linear grinding marks in the floor. A large floor polisher is heavy. They can weigh 110 to 570kg. Heavier machines produce more friction. The result is a better polish. Pro Tip: If you plan to polish floors dry, get a machine with a built-in vacuum port to capture the dust. Walk-behind Hand-held Polisher The large polisher can’t do edge work. You’ll need a smaller hand-held polisher. Choose one with a diameter of 7 inches or less to reach tight spots and edges. Set of Diamond-segmented Abrasives You’ll need two types of abrasives to polish concrete. A higher grit number produces a finer abrasive level. The first type is coarse diamond segments bonded into a metallic matrix. Use this for surface prep and initial grinding. Coarse segments are 16 to 300 grit. The second set you need is finer diamond segments embedded in a resin matrix. The finer type is 100 to 3000 grit. Use the finer grit for honing and final polishing. Any basic starter kit should include three abrasives at each grit level. The diamond abrasives should fit the satellite heads on your polisher. If the concrete has coatings or mastics from an existing floor, you may need a special grinder. Choose a tool designed to remove heavy coatings and mastics for best results. It may do the job in one pass. Pro Tip: Choose the best abrasives based on the condition of the floor surface.  Dust Extractor If you’re polishing a concrete surface there’s going to be dust.  Choose a machine that captures 99% of the dust from polishing. Most large polishers include dust-collection equipment. The dust collector connects to the polisher. It extracts the dust through a hose and stores it in a separate container. Chemical Hardener Once the coarse grinding is complete it helps to apply a chemical hardener to the concrete. The hardener adds density and extra protection against water penetration and stains. Harder concrete creates a better polish. You can use chemical hardener on new or existing floors. The hardener creates a chemical reaction that results in a crystalline structure.  Topical Stain Prevention Treatment After you reach the look and polish you want, protect the surface with a commercial top coat. It’s essential if grease, oil or chemicals are in use. Stain prevention for concrete is like a fabric guard for upholstery. It creates a barrier so that the floor is resistant to stains and dirt. Apply the treatment with a pump sprayer or wax applicator. Apply the treatment every few months to maintain protection. Power and Lighting Equipment You can’t plug a floor polishing machine into any outlet. They use a lot of power. Models consume from 220 to 460 volts and up to 40 amps. Verify the place you’re working has enough electrical power to operate the equipment. It’s worth investing in a portable generator to guarantee you’re ready for any job. The same goes for lighting your workspace. You need to see the surface. If the area isn’t bright enough, rent or buy portable halogen lights. Enhancements and Accents for Concrete There are many special treatments available for concrete floors. These included painted and scored concrete to produce stunning results. Change the floor color to complement or match any decor.  Consider adding color or chemical stains to the concrete during polishing. Use a subtle stain to tint the floor and show off natural imperfections. You can enhance new concrete floors with concrete aggregate, glass or metal pieces. Seed the decorative bits into fresh concrete before it sets. Polishing reveals the accents on the floor. Create Concrete Floors with Lasting Durability If you’re rehabbing a suburban ranch or creating new floors in a modern loft, use this equipment list as your guide. Invest in commercial grade equipment and products to deliver floors your clients love. Besides their good looks, polished concrete floors are allergen-free, strong, and versatile. Contact Canberra Diamond Blade Suppliers for your concrete flooring supplies and equipment. We’ve been serving tradesmen since 1993.  Order 24/7 online or visit our showroom in Canberra. We deliver anywhere in Australia. We’re here to help your business look good.   

You’re climbing your extension ladder to get to the roof to do a job when all of a sudden it buckles from under you and you fall onto the pavement below. Luckily you weren’t too high up yet when the ladder collapsed so you didn’t get as hurt as badly you could have. When you work in construction or any contract work, extension ladders are one of your biggest assets to getting your job done. They can also be a huge hazard if you aren’t aware of all the risks. Keep reading for a few extension ladder safety tips so you can get paid without getting a scratch on you. What are 3 ladder safety rules? The first step of extension ladder safety is being trained to use one. To this end, if you own your very own construction company you should provide each of your employees with a handbook and have the ladder dos and do-nots discussion with them. Do Keep both your hands and a foot on the ladder at all times when you’re climbing. Don’t pull one of your hands away for any reason or climb with a tool in one hand. When you’re ascending, or descending make sure that you are always facing the ladder. When you’re climbing it’s easy to accidentally tip the ladder sideways when you’re at the top or bottom. You just have to take special care to not pull the base out of the ground. Do Not The ladder needs to be on a secure surface. Don’t place it on top of any boxes or put it in loose soil. Every ladder has a recommended weight that they can hold, never exceed this weight. This goes without saying but never tie two ladders together to make it go out longer. It will be top heavy and will tip over or just come untied. Don’t put the ladder on the ground and try and climb it horizontally. What is a safe angle for extension ladder? There is a certain angle that you have to place the ladder at or it won’t be safe to climb. If the ladder is too steep, you risk tipping backward and landing on the concrete with the ladder falling on top of you. Angling it too much, on the other hand, could cause the bottom to slide out, sending you crashing down. When something blocks you from setting the proper angle, take extra time to secure the ladder firmly in place.You don’t want to take any chances.&lt;/p> Does a ladder need to be secured? You don’t want the feet to slip when you’re on the ladder. To stop this from happening you need to make sure the feet are nice secure. If you’re on the soil you can do this by flipping the ladder shoes so the Spurs can stick into the ground and hold it in place.</p> If you’re working on a deck then things get a little trickier. You’ll have to screw down a cleat so if the ladder does slide back, it will be there to catch it. When putting the ladder on a deck, be sure to sweep away any dirt because the ladder could still fall sideways due to slippery sand.</p> If you’re still worried that the ladder may slip, you can use a rope to tie the legs to the wall. Create a Level Base A crucial part of making sure the legs are secure is to create a level ground. If one of the legs are higher or lower than the other then you will topple sideways. A ladder isn’t the same as a table though, you can’t just stick a book under one of the legs and call it done. What you can do is dig a small trench to set the legs in. This will create a nice, level base. If you’re working on a hard surface, then you can buy leg stabilising extensions. Secure the Top of the Ladder It’s not enough to stabilize the bottom of the ladder, you also have to work to make sure the top is secure as well.  There are mitts that you can buy that will slip over the tops of the ladder so it can get a better hold on the wall it’s against. The best accessory you can buy though is a ladder stabilizer. It’s a bar that holds onto the ladder and suction cups to the house. The bar structure stops the ladder from going sideways as well as evens out your weight so you don’t put all your force on the wall the ladder is against and cause any damage. The ladder stabilizer also allows the ladder to lean a little off the wall so you won’t be trying to do your job while being plastered to a building. Tie the Top Down if You Have to If your ladder still feels unstable, it’s completely fine to tie its top securely to the wall it leans on. You’ll have to screw a few holes in the wall but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Setting Up Your Extension Ladder for Safety Extension ladders are essential on most construction sites, but without proper care, they can easily lead to serious injuries. Use these extension ladder safety tips to get the job done without any unfortunate falls. Speaking of safety, the one piece of safety gear that you’re always going to need is a good pair of work gloves. Browse through our products to see if we have the perfect pair for you.

Keeping things straight from the beginning is important in any construction job, whether it be large or small. We’ve all tried to take a few steps back and try to guess what looks even, but that can lead to awful results. Like many projects, it is all about having the right tools at the right time! Owning a bubble level or a laser level is important, but how do you know which one to choose? Keep reading to find out more about the different types of levels and using the right one at the right time. Getting to Know These Types of Levels Now you might think all levels are created equal. That is where you’d be wrong! There are many types of levels out there that can be used for a variety of projects. For instance, a torpedo level is much different and specific than a carpenter level. These levels are used for different types of jobs. Two of the types of levels, bubble levels and laser levels, are commonly used to get large and small jobs completed. These are the two types of levels that will be mentioned in this article, but feel free to do a little research on the other types as well. Both the bubble level and the laser level have pros and cons, so making sure you have the right levels in your bag will ensure you are fully prepared for anything. Choosing a Bubble Level When you think of a level, the bubble level is likely the one that pops into your head. They come in a variety of sizes, so you can have one as small as your pocket or one that is much larger. Also called a spirit level, the bubble level is made of a tube filled with coloured liquid. It is not filled all the way, which is what creates the bubble so that you can use it as a level. When it is sealed, there is a small air bubble left behind that can freely move around the cylinder. If the cylinder is placed on a level surface, the bubble will line up in the middle of the cylinder. Being straightforward, but also easy to use, is what makes this a common and cheaper level. Small single bubble levels are mostly a thing of the past. In today’s world, there are options for larger levels to sit on longer objects and often have multiple bubble levels built in. This way you can check multiple positions at the same time. Although this level works for many types of jobs, it is not perfect. There are drawbacks to certain things about the bubble level that other levels may not have. For this reason, you also may be interested in the laser level. What About the Laser Level? The laser level is a little more accurate than the bubble level and is much more modern. This tool projects a light with a laser onto the surface that you are trying to level out. Using this light, you can see whether or not everything is aligned. Some laser levels will have the ability to project a light horizontally and vertically, which is excellent for certain types of jobs that require levelling on multiple sides. At the inception of the laser level, they were less powerful and could only work for indoor projects. With the technology that has been enhanced and is available today, the laser is much stronger and can be used almost anywhere. This makes it much more versatile for modern construction, landscaping, or other handy jobs. Bubble or Laser Level Calibration One thing to mention is that both of these types of levels should be calibrated regularly. This ensures that they are performing to the best of their ability and are not giving you faulty readings. It is quite simple to calibrate a bubble level. You set it on a flat surface, see if the bubble is centred, flip it over, read it again, and that’s all. If it is in the centre each time you flip it, the level is calibrated! If not, there are steps you can take to calibrate the lever using a screw. For the laser level, the calibration is a little different. It is mostly about marking where the laser hits, rotating it and marking again, then repeating. You are trying to see if it is hitting in the same spot or not. For more information about level calibration, be sure to consult a professional to get a little extra help. What Should You Choose for Your Next Job? Unfortunately, the answer is not really that simple. The level you want will always depend on the job you’re trying to complete! Both of these levels are excellent options, but the size and type will depend on other factors. A bubble level is more versatile, but not always as accurate as a laser level. Both have their areas where they are better or worse for a particular project. Having both with you on your next construction site gives you the best opportunity to be able to accomplish the task at hand. Both are durable and can last for a long time, so these tools do not give out as long as they are well-cared for. If you’d like to get some more information about the types of bubble levels or laser levels we offer, be sure to check out our products. We would love to answer questions or give you more information about what we can offer.