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Masonry drill bits are a type of twist drill bit designed specifically for drilling into brick, stone, and concrete. Unlike standard bits, they feature a softer steel body with tungsten carbide tips brazed onto the cutting edges for durability and strength. These bits are typically used with a hammer drill, which drives the bit into the material with rapid hammering as it rotates. The hammering breaks up the masonry, while the spiraled flutes clear away the dust. The rotation helps the cutting edges contact fresh material with each impact. Most hammer drills use SDS-style shanks, which let the bit slide within the chuck during hammering. This design avoids using the entire chuck for the hammering motion, making the process more efficient. Masonry bits usually range from 3mm to 40mm in diameter. For larger holes, users switch to core drill bits. Extra-long masonry bits—up to 1,000mm (39 inches)—can be used with portable power tools, making them ideal for running plumbing or electrical lines through walls in existing buildings. Single Masonry Drill Bit or Set of Drill Bits? Choosing whether to use a single masonry drill bit and a full set depends on how much drilling you’re planning. For quick jobs, you can stick with a couple of common sizes like ¼” and 5/16”, which work well for wall plugs and anchor-type fixings. These sizes are versatile and sufficient for most light tasks. Drill Bit Sets If you plan to take on multiple projects around the home, investing in a masonry drill bit set offers better value. A full set gives you flexibility with hole sizes and attachments, making it easier to handle different tasks without running back to the store. What masonry drill bit do I need? Always drill slightly smaller than the concrete screw you plan to use. For instance: Use a 5/32” bit for a 3/16” screw Use a 3/16” bit for a ¼” screw However, for sleeve or wedge anchors, drill a hole equal to the anchor size. Alternative to Masonry Drill Bits Similar to the masonry drill bit is a star drill bit. They are similar in function and appearance to a chisel or hole punch, and are used as a hand powered drill along with a hammer in order to drill into masonry and stone. The cutting edge of a start drill bit consists of multiple blades which are joined in the centre to create a star pattern. Contact the team at Canberra Diamond Blades for more information regarding masonry drill bits and our range.

Working with wet concrete is a fine balance between timing and having the correct tools on-hand for the job. Once concrete has been poured, no one wants to turn around and find that they’re short of an essential tool in order to get the job done on time. While there are numerous high-tech power tools available to complete a concreting job, some of the most basic tools are equally as important. As a concreting contractor, here are 10 of the most essential concrete tools to have in your arsenal for the perfect concreting job. 10 Concrete Tools Every Contractor Should Own Ask any contractor who’s worked closely with concrete before – concrete waits for no one once it’s been poured! If you aren’t prepared with the right tools, you might find yourself in a serious dilemma. To add to this, the right concrete finishing tools spell the difference between the perfect concreting project or a complete disaster. Most concreting equipment is basic and does not require a whole lot of investment. It’s important to own these basic tools as a contractor, rather than forking out unnecessarily on equipment hire. Yes, some of the more high-tech, specialty equipment is a little more expensive, but it’s certainly worth the investment if used on a regular basis. As a contractor, keep in mind that simple, no-frills hand tools are a huge part of any concreting job and will always be 100% necessary onsite. Some of these may include trusty staples such as a handheld float, trowel, saws, shovels, rakes, and kneeling boards. Other than that, here are 10 essentials to add to your concreting equipment: 1. Concrete Screeds Screeds are an extremely important tool to ensure your concrete is as smooth and flat as possible once it’s been poured. Screeds are long and straight pieces of tubing or board, available in a variety of sizes for specific concreting projects. For hand-screeding projects, make sure your screed is longer than the width of your concrete form. This allows the screed to glide along the top edges of the form while smoothing out your concrete. 2. Concrete Vibrators A concrete vibrator is used to compact and settle concrete once it’s been poured so that it dries out evenly and smoothly. There are four basic concrete vibrators that most contractors use onsite: An internal vibrator, also known as a needle, which uses a vibrating probe to settle wet concrete A form vibrator which attaches to the outside of the concrete form A screed vibrator which attaches to a moving screed and vibrated the concrete during screeding A table vibrator which is a metal table used for vibrating concrete when it’s poured inside a mould. Depending on your specific concreting job, these vibrators can be hired for different projects. 3. A Wheelbarrow Ah, the trusty three-wheeled steed. A wheelbarrow really is a no-brainer piece of equipment for any contractor, no matter the industry really. Wheelbarrows are often an underestimated tool but can be used to transport small amounts of concrete across site, tools, debris, dirt and more. They are also useful for carrying concrete samples across site for slump tests and other necessary assessments. 4. A Portable Concrete Mixer This is a concreting tool that can save you a huge amount of time and energy. Rather than mixing small amounts of concrete by hand to fill in gaps or faults, a concrete mixer does all the dirty work for you. A concrete mixer is also handy for small pours that don’t warrant a full order of ready-mixed concrete too. It also makes for a more thorough and smoother concrete pour. 5. Rubber Gloves and Boots These are essential onsite items when working with a material such as concrete. After all, concrete contains potent chemicals that can irritate and damage the skin. Over time, exposure to concrete on the skin can cause extensive damage as the cement draws out moisture from your skin. Always make sure to always use rubber gloves and boots which allow you to work with concrete as quickly as possible, without stressing about skin irritation. 6. Vapour Barriers Vapour barriers, also known as vapour retarders, are an important tool to assist with strengthening the quality of your concrete. A vapour barrier is placed over the top of poured concrete to prevent moisture from evaporating from the surface, which weakens concrete. A vapour barrier can also be placed below the concrete surface to prevent water escape or dry base materials from drawing moisture out of the concrete. 7. A Concrete Saw While you may need a number of different saws on a concreting site, a concrete saw is most important. This will be used to cut control joints while the concrete is setting once it’s been poured. Standard woods saws, such as a circular saw, demo saws or chop saws are also necessary for cutting wood and metal rebar while onsite. 8. Concrete Floats A bull float is another important tool that’s used to ensure your concrete surface is as smooth, compact and flat as possible. A bull float is used to smooth a concrete surface immediately after screeding is complete. The bull float is characterised by a long pole which reaches across the entire width of the concrete form. Smaller floats are also necessary for filling in voids in the concrete or smoothing edges. These are known as magnesium floats and are usually handheld for reaching smaller, intricate areas. 9. Groove Cutters Also known as groovers, this tool is used to create control joints on concrete surfaces for walkways, driveways, residential slabs, and pavements. A groove cutter is normally used in place of a concrete cutter. Concrete groove cutters are characterised by a horizontal plate with a vertical fin attachment. The horizontal plate has rounded edges for shaping the grooves in the concrete. 10. A Laser Level This is the standard tool used on most concreting sites for levelling concrete forms and determining their elevation. A laser level is also useful when it

With $30 billion being spent by the construction industry every year, it’s clear that the industry is booming. With any boom, things get more competitive and the pressure on a construction business to have the best tools and equipment has intensified. No matter what the size of your business is, you need to have the best tools to give your clients the best work and to make the most out of your time. Here are five reasons why you need to have the best tools on hand to get the job done. 1. Get Work Done More Efficiently Having the right tools and equipment on hand helps you avoid delays. You won’t need to stop work to buy missing items. With everything ready, the job gets done faster—and done right the first time. Trying to use the wrong tool can slow you down. It might eventually work, but not well. You’ll likely spend time correcting mistakes or reshaping the result. Quality tools cost more upfront, but they save money over time. Unlike fashion or grooming, tools reflect their value. When you pay more, you often get better results. With the best tools, you do better work—and it shows. 2. Build a Strong Reputation If you’re consistently doing great work because of the tools and equipment you have, you’ll build a great reputation. Since most of the construction business is based on word of mouth and reputation, you need to take yours seriously. When you show up to every site with the right tools to get the job done, you’ll look like a professional. You’ll notice that your customers and clients will speak to you differently. Cutting and grinding with high-end tools means that you’ll give your clients work that looks amazing. They’ll be impressed with what you could get out of such unforgiving materials. They will reward you with praise and positive reviews. In the absence of the old telephone book to find out about construction businesses, the internet has taken its place. However, along with the business listings that appear online comes the ability to see how popular a business is. Through those star rating systems, it’s possible to find out whether or not a business is reputable without talking to anyone. This means that you have to be doing great work with the right tools so that no one could post images from poor work done by your construction company. 3. Keep Good Talent Around The key to doing great work in construction relies as much on having the best equipment as it does having great talent. When you have talented tradies on site, you don’t have to worry about mistakes or problems that will go unmanaged. If they see a problem, they’ll be able to handle it quickly, rather than relying on you. Giving them the right tools and equipment means that they’ll be able to solve problems easily and will cost you less in wages. With the right tools, they’ll pounce on issues quickly and be able to improve mistakes that less experienced tradespeople make. Handing a talented tradie a dull or cheap tool to take on a serious issue is not only dangerous but also disrespectful. Dull blades will require more force that should be exerted with a tool. This will tell your workers that you don’t take things as seriously as you claim. If they doubt your seriousness, they’ll move on to work with someone who respects their time and their talent. 4. Save Money On Materials One of the lesser measured positive impacts of having the right tools and equipment on site is that you won’t have as much wasted material. When you’re using the wrong tools, you’re going to struggle to get the cuts you need and end up having to throw out defective material. The right tools and equipment will have sharp blades, won’t have any residue on them, and machines serviced regularly. This will ensure that your workers will be able to clearly see where their tools hit the material. They’ll be able to make decisions with accuracy and won’t waste time. The right tools and equipment for a job also require the right raw materials for the job. When you provide your team with the material that can get the job done and the right tools for working with it, you give them a cocktail for success. 5. Take On More Serious Projects Serious projects can’t be done with cheap tools or weak materials. It requires you to have strong tools, quality goods, and newly replaced parts for you to get high-end work done. You can’t even cut through some materials with cheap tools. You won’t be able to bend, break, or drill through some materials unless you have high-quality tools like specialised blades and drill bits. When you provide everyone on your team with the right tools and equipment, you’ll be able to meet the standards set out by the builder and architect. This will ensure that your clients are happy and that you can use one project to get an even better, higher paying job. Your Construction Business Should Be The Best In order for your construction business to be the best in town, you need to have the best equipment. It can help you build a strong reputation for doing great work and having the best talent. Professional equipment will lead to professional work. Along with great construction equipment, check out our guide to make sure you provide everyone with the best safety equipment.

The Ultimate Pressure Washer Buying Guide: What to Look for In just a few years, the DIY market is set to pass the $14 billion mark. As more people take on big projects, they’re buying more and more equipment to get the job done. If you’re new to pressure washers, a pressure washer buying guide will help ensure you get the exact tool you need. Read on for five tips to ensure you buy the right tool for the job. 1. Learn the Basics Understanding how pressure washers work can help you understand what you’ll need to get your work done. Most of them use an engine or an electric motor to get a pump going that will move the water through your system. Water is then forced through a nozzle that concentrates it to wash off dirt and debris that’s stuck to surfaces. If you have a deck or a driveway that has been ravaged by birds or can’t be easily cleaned with a mop and bucket, a pressure washer can help. It peels off what you don’t want on there without bothering your finish or your paint. You get the work done in far less time than it would take to scrub things clean. While some people think that a power washer works like a heavy-duty garden hose, it’s actually much more powerful. Often, they spray water jets that are up to 80 times stronger than a hose. Their water power can even cut through some materials. When you’re using one, be careful. Make sure that you don’t spray at or near anyone. A poorly set up or badly handled pressure washer could really hurt someone. 2. Getting to Know Types When you’re considering a pressure washer, you could try renting or you could buy one outright. When you rent, you don’t have to worry about upkeep and storage. However, if you find that you’re going to be renting one  often, it’s often cheaper to just buy one. Once you’ve made your decision to buy or rent, you need to determine whether you want a petrol-powered or an electric-powered pressure washer. Petrol-powered washers can clean large areas without having to add any chemicals. They can get chewing gum right off of a surface. As you add more pressure, your nozzle will be set at a wider angle. With a wide angle, these can clean as well as an electric washer at a narrower setting. The downside to petrol-powered is that they’re heavy and noisy. An electric washer offers a little less power at a much lower price. If you just have a small deck, small patio, or small projects to work on with it, this should easily suffice. Electric power washers are usually light, give off no emissions, and don’t need a lot of maintenance. Lower pressure means it’s harder and longer to clean, but if you’re not cleaning up huge spaces, you might be fine. 3. Get Informed About Nozzles The biggest issues you’ll face with pressure washers is via the nozzles and how they’re configured. The angle and the intensity of the water that you’re spraying changes the power of your stream and whether or not you could damage a surface. Your nozzle will vary depending on the brand you choose but will allow you to change your angle of spray depending on the work you’re getting done. An adjustable nozzle is an ideal choice, as they make it easy to move from one type of spray to another. However, you can’t get specific spray angles the way you can with interchangeable nozzles. If you want to ensure that you lower your risk of injury, avoid the zero-degree setting on an adjustable nozzle or the zero-degree replaceable tip. Higher-degree nozzles can suffice without having to take on all the risk 4. Don’t Be Afraid of Advice Be sure you read the user’s guide once you get your hands on your pressure washer. When you’re out doing the work, make sure you stay protected too. Wear goggles, sturdy shoes, pants, and remember not to run on wet surfaces. Start with wide spray angles and then move to smaller, sharper angles. Keep the nozzle a couple of feet away from the surface at all times. If you’re going to change out your spraying tips, make sure you’ve turned your engine off. Once it’s down, spray the trigger towards the ground to let out any excess water sitting in the tip. If you’re washing a surface for the first time, start with the least visible portion and see if it’s doing what you want it to do. If you’re washing a car, keep in mind that you could damage your paint job if you’re not careful. 5. Know What to Avoid Make sure that you don’t get too close to the surface you’re cleaning. Not only could the water splash back in painful ways, but you could also do damage to your paint, ruin the surface of your asphalt, or even pop your car tires. If you’re using a petrol washer, avoid overheating the engine by letting some water pressure out everyone now and then. Be sure to avoid ladders. Also, avoid spraying it toward yourself, and avoid using your power washer for the first time without someone else around to help. The Pressure Washer Buying Guide will help you with your choice Following our pressure washer buying guide and the tips you need to remember will ensure that you buy a great tool and use it safely. When you buy the right tool for the job, the work won’t even feel like work. At CDBS Construction we sell both petrol pressure washers from Aussie Pumps (the best in the biz in our opinion) and these are best for professional tradesmen who pressure clean for a living. We also sell smaller electric pressure washers that are perfect for builders who need a less robust option. Take a look at our range here! If your pressure washer is part

What Construction Safety Gear Should You Always Have Onsite? Construction workers are used to working in risky situations, and they understand that construction safety gear is crucial to protecting themselves and those around them. Not only that, but it’s much easier to get a job done well when you can move freely and not worry about getting injured. Though not every construction job is created equally, it goes without saying that there are some basic construction safety equipment pieces that every job site should offer. Check out this personal protective equipment list to make sure you’re covered: Construction Safety Gear Should Always Include Good Workboots One of the most essential pieces of construction safety gear is a sturdy, comfortable construction work boot. There are many good options for a dependable work boot with some suited for certain kinds of working environments. Look for work boots that are both comfortable and durable. There are some work boots that are made out of material that allows your feet to breathe which will reduce sweating and keep the risk of developing athlete’s foot low. Some boots have special soles that are made to keep you safe on different kinds of surface including wet floors, soggy dirt, hard concrete, and slippery surfaces. Other boots come equipped with metal plates (steel-toed boots) that have been placed inside of the boots to protect your feet and toes. If you drop heavy construction material on your foot, steel-toed boots will keep your feet safe from serious injury. Sturdy Protection For Eyes And Face When you’re on a construction job, there are lots of materials that can fly into your eyes and damage them. You should take care to always wear reliable eye protection when you’re on a job. Jobs that require eye protection include working with concrete, harmful chemicals, engaging in sanding or cutting, or working on a welding project. Eyewear might include a full face shield or safety glasses. When choosing protective construction safety gear for your face, find something that is fitted to your face, but not so tight that they are uncomfortable to wear. Employers should provide eye and face protection to all their employees free of charge. Protection For Hands And Head Don’t attempt any construction job without protecting your hands and your head first. Many preventable accidents happen to construction workers who haven’t been careful about protecting their head. And injuries to the head are often the most serious. Hard hats and gloves are the most common forms of construction site protection for covering your hands and head. Choose your gloves based on the type of job you’ll be performing. Choose gloves with a snug fit so they don’t get caught on things as you work. A hard hat will protect your head from getting bumped or from any heavy fallen objects. Only wear hats that are in good condition and fit properly. Check your hard hats regularly for dents and replace them as needed. Hard hats and gloves should also be provided, free of charge, by construction managers to their workers to ensure their safety. Construction-friendly Clothing Is A Must Though the benefits of wearing proper clothing on a construction job may not seem as obvious as wearing a hard hat or sturdy boots, the right work attire serves an important purpose. Some construction sites can expose workers to hazard environments like extreme weather conditions or dangerous jobs. Construction clothing should suit the need. If you need high visibility clothing because you’ll be close to traffic, or working late, make sure you wear it. If you’re going to be near a lot of heat or friction, such as with a welding job, look for flame retardant clothing. Make sure that the clothing you buy fits you well. Avoid clothing that’s too tight which can restrict your movement. Clothing that’s too loose can get caught on things around you which can cause accident or injury. Fall Protection Equipment Fall protection is an absolute must at construction zones where there is any risk of a worker falling. While all employers are required by law to have a fall protection system in place, workers should be proactive about their own safety and examine fall protection equipment before it’s used. Make sure that the equipment is working well and that it isn’t damaged. If the fall protection equipment has sustained any damage, report it and don’t use it. If you use damaged equipment, you might suffer a fall and subsequent injury. Fall protection systems usually include lifelines and some type of lanyards that clip to a sturdier surface or safety net. These tools keep workers from falling, often from great heights. Having this equipment in place has saved many workers’ lives. Noise Reduction Protection Construction sites are not known for being quiet. Workers who spend lots of time at noisy construction sites are at risk for hearing loss if they don’t protect their hearing. On jobs with high noise such as chainsaws or other heavy equipment, use earplugs or earmuffs to lessen the noise. Respiratory Protection Dust particles and toxic fumes are not healthy to breathe, but these are often present on a construction job site. Protect your lungs with respirators as you work. There are two main types of respirators: those that protect against particles and those that protect against gas and vapors. If you work with hazardous vapors, an air-purifying respirator is required. If you’re often exposed to dust, find a well-fitted filtering facepiece, like a N95 mask Australia. Find Reliable Tools There’s lots of statistics that’ll tell you that a job in construction can be a risky business. But it doesn’t have to be so risky. For reliable construction safety gear for all of your workers, we’ve got you covered. Find all the tools you need on our website or contact us via our contact page about specific equipment requirements. We specialise in providing construction workers with all the equipment they need to get the job done safely and to get

Construction workers, bricklayers, and landscapers need better tools than you’ll find in your average hardware store. They need tough and specialised builder’s tools that can handle the daily wear and tear of a builder’s lifestyle. Whether you’re a master or an apprentice, here are 10 tools that every builder and construction worker needs. Trowels For Every Occasion Professional builders need to be smooth, and not just with the ladies. Laying bricks isn’t easy, and trowels help keep everything level and smooth. We’ve all seen jobs done without the proper tools, and odds are you’ve had to fix others’ mistakes. People in the know understand that one trowel won’t cover every need, and professionals must have specialised tools for a specialised job. Caulking trowels and gauging trowels can turn a boring fireplace into a work of art. They’re used for jobs you’d never think about as well. Landscapers, concrete workers and more keep a bricklaying trowel or two around. Level – The Essential builder’s Tool No work is exceptional if it’s not straight…except the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but that was an accident. Cupboards installed crooked come away from the wall and look horrible. Bricks placed at even slight angles look odd and can lead to early damage. No builder, landscaper, grinder or construction worker should leave their home without a high quality level or two. There are many different types of level lengths and accessories to make your life easier. It’s your reputation on the line, so make sure you have a quality level that suits the job. Power Drills Make Life Easier Can you imagine the days before electricity when masons and construction workers used manual drills and screwdrivers? Thankfully, the world has changed, and a power drill is a must-have tool. Diamond core drillers can work in dry or wet environments. Impact drills, standard drills and many more types are available for specific jobs and needs. Every construction site and commercial building project has multiple drill types for whatever may arise. Extension Cord To Power Builder’s Tools No construction tools list is complete without this gem. The cords on power tools and even the radio you use to pass the time never have long enough cords. On construction sites, power outlets are at a premium and can be few and far between. When you need power tools and the outlets too far away, extension cords come to the rescue. In fact, many sites don’t have power, so a generator or two, along with power cords, give you juice all day long. Few tradesmen head to a site without a few extension cords in their tool box. You Need A Shovel, Ya Dig Landscapers understand the importance of a good shovel. Whether it’s a square shovel or a rabbiting shovel, it’s essential to many sites when digging is needed, but a backhoe isn’t. Your standard shovels are fine for loose dirt, but when you trying to clear away broken concrete or dig through rock-filled dirt, they can’t hold up. They’ll bend and break, but a good quality shovel can take on almost anything and are pretty inexpensive. It’s Hammer Time If there is one tool every tradesman, landscaper and construction worker owns, it’s a hammer. When you need a nail driven into a house frame or roofing shingle, or a board needs to be a tad bit straighter, you can’t go wrong with the firm touch of a hammer. It’s not just the ball peen either. Chipping and sledge hammers have multiple uses on a job site from demolition to whatever your imagination can come up with. It’s a necessary construction worker tool for every jobsite. Tape Measure: Measure Twice, Cut Once Nothing can increase the cost of a building or landscaping project more than redoing work. Reordering supplies and the time required to take everything down and put new up can be a nightmare. We’re taught to measure twice and cut once, so your tape measure is a money saving tool. It makes sure cabinets don’t overshoot the wall and boards fit into frames. The cheap tapes made from plastic can’t take the abuse, and many workers prefer the metal tapes with magnetic ends. Industrial Heaters Keep You Warm It’s hard to drill when you can’t feel your fingers, but that doesn’t stop many job sites requiring work during cold months. It may not be -30, but 4 degrees with no heat makes work difficult. Industrial heaters are perfect for maintaining a workable temperature at a work site or workshop. It’s one of the best tools to own during the winter. When you’re working with temperature sensitive materials that harden when cold, an industrial heater ensures they remain pliable. Keep one in the back of your truck in for when you need it. Power Saws Get The Job Done A hand saw is fine if you’re cutting a board or two, but if you’re cutting dozens of boards for a frame or need to cut through concrete, then a power saw is your tool of choice. Whether it’s a block or brick saw or a freestanding power cutter, it’s the power you need. Today’s power saws deliver precision cuts and powerful blades that can cut through anything. Every construction worker or tradesman uses a power saw during a job. They’re reliable and save you time and effort. Safety Gear: Keep All Your Fingers Construction, concrete work and landscaping can be dangerous jobs. You’re working with blades and tools that can slice through bone and tissue like butter. Safety gear like goggles and gloves help keep you on the job site and out of the emergency room. Every jobsite needs hard hats, gloves, goggles and even hearing protection to make sure you can go back to your family at the end of the day in one piece. You might not realise that the fine dust that you create when cutting or grinding construction materials can be bad for your health. But don’t just reach for any old dust

When you work within the construction industry, you know that the success or failure of the job often depends on the quality of the equipment that you’re working with. But especially if you’re working with a material as tricky as concrete? You’ll need a power trowel to make the job easier, and to ensure that you’re able to apply a smooth finish to the concrete itself. But what exactly are the benefits of concrete power trowels? More importantly, what are some of the best and most effective concrete troweling machines on the market today? Keep on reading this post when you’re ready to find out. What Is a Power Trowel? You’ve likely worked with a manual trowel when completing a concrete project in the past. The goal of using a power trowel is to allow you to get smooth and even concrete after you pour it, but before it dries completely. This improves the overall look of your project and keeps those walking on the concrete comfortable. Of course, you’ll also need to take the same precautions as you would on any concrete job when using a power trowel. If possible, always pour your concrete on a sunny day to avoid potential damage from rain. Additionally, don’t start using the power trowel until you only leave footprints that are about 1/8″ deep. In other words, you’re ready to use the machine when the top layer of the concrete no longer sticks to the bottom of your boots. Additionally, when you’re using the machine, we suggest that you keep it as low of a speed as possible when you’re floating. Aim to keep the machine in motion as much as you can. Finally, it’s important that you avoid overusing your power trowel on the concrete. Instead, focus on creating even passes that slightly overlap one another for the best possible results. Now, let’s take a quick look at just a few of the many benefits of a power trowel. The Benefits of Concrete Power Trowels As you’ve likely come to realize, there are quite a few benefits of investing in concrete power trowels for your construction company. First of all, these machines are able to save you lots of time, especially when compared to the process of hand troweling. You no longer need to apply a finishing screed yourself, which means that you’ll be able to give your clients the results they want faster than before. Plus, with all of the time the power trowel has helped you to save? You’ll be able to book more jobs. Plus, you’ll also save on the cost of materials, as a power trowel makes it incredibly easy to apply the perfect finish. Power trowels are also much easier to move around than the traditional models. While manual concrete trowels are still effective, the truth is that they’re outdated. In addition to costing you more time and money, a manual trowel also likely won’t be able to give you the same quality of results that working with a power trowel can. Of course, in order to get the most out of a power trowel machine, you need to be certain that you’ve chosen the right model for you. Now, let’s examine two popular models. One is a walk behind trowel, while the other is a ride on model. Popular Power Trowel Models Now, let’s quickly take a look at two excellent power trowel models. The first is the HRT338M Ride On Trowel Machine from Hoppt. In addition to cruise control, it also has a panning path width of about 2,500mm. It can reach a maximum rotor speed of 145rpm, and its safety shutdown is foot-pedal controlled. It can carry up to 23 liters of fuel, making it ideal for longer jobs. Plus, it also comes with an incredibly powerful Vanguard 35 horsepower V-Twin engine. To make maintenance as simple as is possible, these power trowels allow you to remove the front panel to take a look at the engine. We also love that it comes with a five-bladed rotor so that you’re able to put power exactly where you need it. If you’d prefer a walk behind trowel machine, then we suggest the Bartell 36″ model. The gearbox on this machine is actually crafted from machined aluminum and comes with bronze and steel worm gears for extra strength. It also works to prevent flex by ensuring that the tolerances of the hub and the arm are matched. It has chrome handle you can easily adjust, and even comes with a warranty of three years. Because it’s a spider assembled machine, it can get the job done quickly. Furthermore, it works well when you’re trying to navigate tight tolerances. Find the Right Concrete Troweling Machine for Your Construction Company We hope that this post has helped you to better understand the benefits of investing in a power trowel for your construction business. Further, you now have a better understanding of some of the most efficient concrete power trowels on the market today. As a construction tradesman, you know that having the right, high-quality equipment can make every job easier. We want to help you to find the equipment you need. Whether you’re looking for general building supplies, tools for cutting and grinding, or even if you need spare parts for your equipment, we have what you’re looking for. Browse through our wide selection of products to find what you need. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have.

A good cross-skill for any tradie is the ability to troubleshoot equipment on the job. Some repairs require a professional mechanic. Other repairs are more straightforward; you can do them yourself. This article focuses on basic small engine troubleshooting, in particular, for the four stroke GX120, the GX160, and the GX200 Honda small engines. About the GX120, the GX160 and the GX200 Honda Small Engines In 2011, Honda launched an updated version of its 4 stroke GX engines line. The GX120, GX160, and GX200 are horizontal-shaft, single-cylinder engines that replaced the existing models. The engines’ designs are for turf and commercial applications and related equipment. Examples are construction and industrial equipment, generators, and agricultural equipment. They are also suitable for pressure washers and water pumps. The GX series engines have appealing features such as good fuel economy and lower noise levels. They have a reputation for their fuel economy as well as durability and reliability. Honda Small Engines Troubleshooting Below are some fundamental Honda troubleshooting issues and their probable causes for the GX120, the GX160 and the GX200 Honda Engines. Keep in mind these are broad small engine troubleshooting tips. For detailed mower troubleshooting, generator troubleshooting, etc., refer to the Honda small engine manuals for each engine. Engine Won’t Start, Won’t Stay Running, Runs Poorly, or Is Hard to Start For these engine issues, the probable causes appear below, beginning with the most common cause. Check the Fuel It might sound obvious, but it has to be said. If your engine does not start, the most obvious thing to check is that it has not run out of petrol. Make sure that you are using straight petrol for a 4 stroke engine. Also consider the age of the fuel, if it has been more than 3 months it may have gone stale. It is extremely hard to start a machine with stale fuel. Carburetor If your engine won’t start, starts but stops after a few seconds, the carburetor may be the cause. When you leave fuel in the engine for an extended period, you can clog the carburetor. After some time, parts within the fuel evaporate. They leave a sticky substance behind that clogs up the carburetor. Clean it with carburetor cleaner and if that doesn’t work, you will have to replace or rebuild the carburetor. Where you find it hard to start the engine, your engine may be getting too much or not enough fuel. If your carburetor is clogged, the engine doesn’t get the fuel it needs. The engine receives too much fuel if the carburetor choke isn’t closing as it should. Fuel Cap A clogged carburetor is usually the culprit when the engine stops after running a few seconds or more. Another common cause is a faulty fuel cap. A faulty cap keeps the engine from starting or makes it harder to start the engine. As the engine consumes fuel, pressure rises in the gas tank. The gas cap has a small vent that allows air to enter the gas tank and relieve pressure. If that vent becomes clogged, the pressure in the tank will rise. When the gas tank pressure exceeds the engine pressure, the engine stalls. Loosen the gas cap before you start the engine. If the engine continues to run with the loose cap, the vent is more than likely clogged. Spark Plug Check the spark plug for damage or wear. You may see a cracked insulator, a burned-away or damaged electrode, or heavy carbon buildup. If so, replace the spark plug. You can also use a spark plug tester to see if the spark plug is defective. You should see a strong spark between the tester’s terminals when the engine is cranking. If you don’t, the spark plug is defective. Fuel Filter A clogged fuel filter can cause engine problems. If someone leaves fuel in the engine for a long time, some of the fuel’s ingredients evaporate. The sticky stuff left behind clogs the fuel filter and interferes with engine operation. If you find old fuel in the engine, drain it from the fuel tank. Then, replace the fuel filter. Ignition Coil While the engine is running, the ignition coil sends volts to the spark plug. A faulty ignition coil keeps the engine from starting. Check that the spark plug is working. If it is, use an ignition coil tester to test the ignition coil. Replace the ignition coil if needed. Recoil Starter The recoil starter engages the crankshaft, which turns over the engine. If the recoil starter assembly is faulty, your engine will not start. To troubleshoot, remover the starter assembly. Check that it’s working. Pull the starter rope. The tabs that extend from the pulley and cam should catch the engine hub. This turns the engine. Release the rope. The tabs are supposed to retract. Then the rope should rewind on the pulley. Replacing the defective recoil starter assembly should fix your problem. Start Switch A faulty start switch will keep the engine from starting. To see if the switch is defective, use a multimeter. Test for continuity. Also, the switch should have one open contact, which is the ‘on’ position. It will also have one closed contact in the ‘off’ position. If you have trouble turning the switch, or if the switch only works part of the time, replace it. Safety Switch and On/Off Switch Like the start switch, you can test both the multimeter of these switches to see if they are defective. Either one can prevent the engine from starting if it’s faulty. Flywheel Key The flywheel key is a small, metal piece. It fits in the crankshaft, where it engages with the flywheel. If the engine suddenly stops, the flywheel key will break in half. This prevents engine damage. Replace the flywheel key before troubleshooting further. Maintaining Your Small Engine and other Equipment Sometimes, small engine troubleshooting is something you can handle yourself. Maintaining your equipment yourself can save you a great deal of time and