How to Maintain Your Concrete Hand Tools for Longevity

We all know that using poor quality concreting tools and equipments can lead to a shoddy-looking concrete project, no matter how good your technique is. However, even premium tools can do a bad job if they aren’t taken care of properly.

Think about trying to smooth cake icing with a serrated knife, or attempting to draw with a flat pencil. You’ll get something resembling the job done, but it won’t look good and it probably won’t last long, either.

Maintaining your concrete tools is vital to keeping them working their best and ensuring that your projects look professional once finished. We’ve got five easy things you can do to help with this–check them out below.

Why You Should Always Clean Your Tools

But first! Let’s go over why exactly having clean tools is so important.

• Your tools will last longer. Like anything else you own, taking good care of a tool can mean it lasts much longer. If you have a favourite tool that performs well, maintaining it means you will be able to enjoy using it for many projects to come. You won’t need to shell out for repairs or replacements as often either, saving you money in the long run.

• You can sell them for more if you want to upgrade. When the time comes to upgrade, you may want to sell your current tool to help pay for the new version. You will get much more money for a piece of equipment that has been well-maintained and is in good condition than for a crusty, old piece of junk that barely works anymore.

• Your tools will be easier to use. Equipment that has smooth edges, well-oiled parts and honed points will be much easier to use than pieces that have become dull, rusty or nicked over time. Tools in good condition will be able to smooth concrete, be dragged through it or flatten it without too much effort on your part, whereas using tools in bad condition will quickly become very tiring.

And, of course,

• Your projects will look better. Professional tools lead to professional results! If you want to DIY your own concrete projects, then using quality tools in good condition is a great way to do so. Expect smooth pours, stable mixtures, and even edges when you use equipment that is in good nick.

Not sure what types of concreting tools and equipments you’ll need to have on hand when concreting? Make sure to read our blog, ‘Choosing The Right Concrete Tools For Your Project’, for some great insights!

How to Maintain Your Concrete Tools

Now that you know why maintaining your concrete hand tools is so important, let’s go over some of the ways you can do so.

Clean Your Tools Immediately After Use

One of the best and easiest ways to keep your hand tools in good condition is to always clean them straight away after using them. This is especially important for concreting tools, as if concrete dries on them, it can be quite difficult to get off afterwards.

Once you have used a tool and need to set it down for a while, give it a wipe with a cloth to remove any wet concrete that might still be on it. Then, once you have finished for the day, give your tools a proper wipe down to remove any gravel, dirt and dust that might still be lingering.

At Australian Slate-Crete Supplies, we sell acids and cleaning chemicals that can be used to remove dried-on concrete from your tools. However, such strong chemicals must always be used safely. Please browse our Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to find the corresponding page for the cleaning product you are interested in before buying.

Store Your Tools Correctly

Clean tools are still vulnerable to rust, stains and water damage if left exposed to the weather, which is why it’s important to store them correctly. Either store your tools in drawers, a tool bag, on a pegboard, or in a chest, but also be aware that just throwing them willy-nilly into storage can cause impact damage.

If you live in an area with high humidity, storing your tools in a box or drawer is extra-important, as the moisture in the air can accelerate the rusting process. In fact, if you are extra concerned about this, throw a few silicone packets in with your tools (the kind you get when buying shoes or clothes) to help attract moisture and keep it away from your gear.

Before you store your tools, you also need to make sure they are completely dry. Whether from a clean or from wet use in the rain, you’ll need to dry off your tools using a tough towel or rag before storing them away. Leaving water on your tools can cause them to rust, not only making them look older, but also making them more fragile and less effective.

Sharpen Your Tools Where Needed

Tools that are used for cutting, such as knives or saws, can often be used when preparing a site that will soon be transformed into a concrete slab. But anyone who works with cutting instruments will know–dull blades can’t cut properly, and are actually more dangerous to use than sharp ones!

Before using, make sure to give your sharp tools a good look to see if they need their edges honed. If so, you can use a whetstone or another sharpening tool to restore the edge–make sure to check the instructions that come with your sharpening tool to make sure you do it correctly without damaging the tool.

Oil ‘em Up

Tools that have any moving elements will need to be lubricated periodically to keep them working smoothly. This can include tools like bolt cutters, rakes and screeds with extendable poles or moving heads, or power tools like grinders.

After cleaning your tool, you can add a small amount of machine oil to any moving parts or joints to help reduce friction and prevent damage from wear. Make sure not to add too much oil, as this can attract dirt and dust, which can settle on your tools.

Check Blades and Bearings Before Use and Tighten/Align if Needed

The last thing you can do to help maintain your tools is very straightforward. We encourage you to give your tools an inspection every now and then to see if any parts need to be tightened, aligned, replaced or otherwise altered.

By addressing these issues straight away–whether with a quick sharpen, lubrication, or tightening–you make sure your tools will be ready for use when you need them. As another bonus, well-maintained tools are also safer to use, reducing the chances of an accident happening on your worksite.

By keeping these five tips in mind, you’ll find your concrete tools work better, look nicer, and last you much longer than they would otherwise.

Want to concrete like a pro? Read our blog, ‘8 Hand Tools Melbourne Concreters Need To Have’, so you know what supplies you’ll need. You can then buy hand tools online using our platform.

Find All The Concrete Supplies in Melbourne You Need at Australian Slate-Crete Supplies

Whether you need new power machines or hand tools in Melbourne, the range at Australian Slate-Crete supplies will have what you need. Shop and buy your hand tools online, or come visit us at our store in Epping, where you can check out our tools in person and chat with a team member about how best to use and maintain the tool you are interested in.

Have a question about anything to do with decorative concrete and the tools you’ll need to work with it? Contact us by calling 03 9408 7722, or send us a message online and we’ll get back to you. With over 25 years of experience helping our customers in their DIY journeys, we are known as one of the most trusted concrete tool suppliers in Melbourne.