What are the Different Types of Concrete Rakes and How are They Used?

Concrete rakes are one of the first hand tools you’ll reach for after you’ve poured a batch of fresh concrete, but these are very different devices from your classic garden rake! In fact, their shape is uniquely designed to push, pull, and drag concrete easily–something that if you tried to do with a garden rake, would result in it quickly breaking and becoming unusable.

Do concrete rakes come in different types? Maybe you’re not certain, but you know you’ve seen a lot of other tools that look very similar to them. This blog will discuss it all, including what these tools are and how you are supposed to use them.

What is a Concrete Rake?

A concrete rake is a tool used to spread out fresh concrete after it has been poured onto a flat surface or grid. It consists of a long pole, usually with some sort of comfortable grip at the end, and a head with a curved edge for working the concrete. It may also have supports behind the head for extra strength.

The structure, strength, and materials used to create concrete rakes are what give them the strength and flexibility needed to work with concrete without breaking. Here are some of the common traits and characteristics you’ll see in a concrete rake:

• A long handle, often with some sort of cap or grip on the end for comfortable use.
• Support bracing for the rake’s head, to give it the strength it needs to be able to push and pull concrete without bending or breaking.
• Some rakes (such as the one from Ox seen above) have a smaller rod or hook protruding from the top, which can be used to lift the supportive rebar mesh underneath the concrete, should it start to sag after pouring.
• A head with a curved profile to lift and place the concrete, and a flat spot at the front for pushing the concrete.

Some concrete rakes will have heads only designed to push or pull concrete, not both. For flexibility in your work, it’s best to choose one that can do it all.

Concrete rakes are usually made from light but strong materials like aluminium, so they can be used for long periods of time without becoming cumbersome. Look for ones that are powder-coated so they are easy to clean!

While you will find small variations between brands, that’s really all there is to concrete rakes. There are a few other concreting tools and equipments that look very similar to them, but they can’t be used for the same function as a rake.

Let’s discuss these now.

You can buy a great range of concrete hand tools in Melbourne at Australian Slate-Crete Supplies in Epping!

What is a Concrete Broom?

Concrete brooms have a long handle and wide head just like a concrete rake, but the similarities stop there. Unlike concrete rakes, which are used right at the start of the concreting process, brooms are one of the last tools you’ll use.

Also known as ‘concrete finishing brooms’, these are used to create a textured, patterned finish on concrete after it has been poured and screeded. Not only are the marks made by the bristles visually interesting, but they can also assist in making the concrete gripper for walking and driving on.

Concrete brooms need to be cleaned thoroughly after use, as if any concrete clings to the bristles and then dries, you’ll find the broom is almost unusable in creating the finish you want.

What is a Floor Scraper?

With their long handle and flat head, you’d be forgiven for thinking this tool was a concrete rake at first glance! But concrete floor scrapers have an entirely different purpose, and probably won’t be touching your new concrete at all.

Floor scrapers are used to remove, clean and shave materials like vinyl, linen and plaster from concrete and wooden surfaces. Think of them like a large handheld scraper you see used for removing plaster from walls in homes.

Like with rakes, you’ll want a scraper that is light and strong enough to use all day long. Look for D and T-shaped handles for easy use, and brands that have options to replace the blade if it wears out.

What is a Squeegee?

Wide, flat head, and used with a long handle? Check and check–another rake lookalike! But heavy-duty squeegees can be used for all sorts of work, not just that relating to concrete.

Construction squeegees can be used to smooth a wide range of coatings used in the drywall, concrete and construction restorations. It’s also very useful for quickly removing liquid and small amounts of debris off of flat surfaces.

These tools can be sold either as just a head or with the handle included. If you want a quality squeegee, look for ones with hard rubber blades, sturdy steel frames and heavy-duty heads that can withstand the rigours of the jobsite.

What Other Concreting Tools in Melbourne Can I Buy From You?

If you are looking for concrete tool suppliers that can give you all the tools and equipment you need to pour, smooth and customise your concrete, you’ve come to the right place. At Australian Slate-Crete Supplies, we’ve been selling concreting tools and equipment to our customers for over 25 years.

Here’s a taste of what you can find in our range:

• Concrete hardeners: Not only can concrete hardeners make your concrete stronger and more durable, but it’s also one of the best ways to add colour! You can also use this product to create images and patterns using stencils or stamps.

• Concrete sealers: protect your concrete with any of our quality concrete sealers. They are available in clear coats, which can enhance the current colour of your concrete, or coloured sealers to beautify concrete and hide old stains.

• Cleaning chemicals: If your concrete has mineral deposits, or your tools have rusted or got dried concrete on them, our acids and concrete cleaning chemicals can help.

• Concrete machinery: Get your concrete looking professional faster with any of our concrete machines. You can find power screeds, grinders, trowel machines, compaction units and more here!

• Safety gear: Keep safe from the effects of concrete and other hazardous materials used in the industry using our high-quality safety gear. Read our safety data sheets for more information on how to stay safe when working with our products.

• Hand tools: As one of the most reliable suppliers of concrete hand tools in Australia, you can trust that every trowel, flat and edger in our range will help you get the finish you want.

As reputable concrete tool suppliers, every product we sell has been tested extensively in our quality control so they are safe to use and produce outstanding results when applied correctly.

If you are curious as to where we source our products from, please check out our distributors page.

FAQs About Concrete Rakes in Melbourne

1.   What is the hook for on a concrete rake?

If your concrete rake has a hook or spike on it, then this can be used to help lift a sagging rebar. When pouring concrete over a rebar grid, it may start to sag as you push the concrete over it with your rake. If this happens, simply turn the rake over and use the spike to catch the grid and lift it back up.

2.   How can I remove dried concrete from my concrete rake?

If you forgot to clean your rake and it now has dried concrete on it, you’ll need to use specialised cleaning chemicals to remove it. Specialised acids and cleaning chemicals can remove dried concrete without damaging your tools–please check out our acid and cleaning chemicals page for more information.

3.   What is the best size to buy a concrete rake in?

Concrete rakes come in a range of sizes, with the smallest being only about 50cm wide and the largest as big as a metre. Choose a larger rake if you are working on a wider area and want to flatten your concrete quickly. Smaller rakes are useful for concrete being poured in a small area, as you will be able to get to smaller corners easily.

If you have more questions, our team will be happy to answer them. Get in touch to speak with a team member!

Find Quality Concrete Hand Tools At Australian Slate-Crete Supplies

At Australian Slate-Crete Supplies, we’re proud to offer a great range of high-quality concrete rakes in Melbourne. Featuring rakes from reliable brands such as OX Tools, EzyTools, Flextool and MasterFinish, the concrete rakes we stock can be counted on to last.

Browse our website to buy your hand tools online, or come visit us at our store in Epping to see the range in person. And if you are unsure about what you need or how to use any of our product range, please get in touch by filling out our online form or calling us at 03 9408 7722.