Whether you’re in the market for new tools or not, it’s always good to know what is available in the industry to meet your needs. Maybe you haven’t purchased a tool in a particular category in a while or maybe you’re entirely new to the category. Either way, I have provided you with a few product recommendations to help guide your search.
Concrete and Masonry Saws. This may be one of the hardest categories to buy in because there are so many options. Before buying, consider the size and scope of the projects you will be completing with this tool. For small to mid sized jobs, handheld concrete and masonry saws are probably sufficient. Walk-behind saws (either propelled or push), are meant for larger cutting jobs and have deeper cutting capabilities.
For small to mid-sized jobs check out the Husqvarna K 750. This saw features a 14” blade capacity and a 5” max cutting depth. With a 74cc gasoline engine, the K 750 can accommodate most mid-level applications.
For your bigger jobs, consider the RGC S24 HydraSaw. A 1455 rpm maximum operating speed, along with a 24” blade capacity, gives this saw the ability to cut through concrete, brick, block, and even steel with ease.
Core Drill Equipment. Core drills come in a variety of styles and can be either handheld or mountable. Depending on the size and frequency of your jobs, one or the other may be more suitable. Large drilling jobs where mobility isn’t a huge concern will see the most benefits while using a drill rig. Smaller indoor jobs are best for handheld drills. Keep in mind, no matter which you decide to go with, individual models from different manufacturers have differing features and capabilities to choose from.
For your smaller, indoor contract work consider the MK-130/3. This handheld wet core drill from MK Diamond has a built-in water swivel to facilitate cooling in the most demanding situations. This drill is perfect for jobs where speed and mobility are key and accuracy is a must.
A large industrial job will require a little more power, which means less mobility. Check out the Kor-it K-90 Electric drill for these larger projects. This drill features a narrow drilling column to accommodate heavy duty drilling in small working environments.
Concrete Floor Grinders. Your floor grinder is designed to prepare or remove surfaces for resurfacing. This may include grinding, scarifying, or shot blasting adhesives, paint, and other materials to finish your job. There are a number of styles and features available in this category from walk-behind push or propelled to ride-on machines. The grinder you choose will greatly depend on the amount of surface preparation you will be completing and how often you’ll be preparing.
For smaller less frequent jobs, a walk-behind floor grinder will be best. Walk-behind floor grinders come with one or more grinding heads and are available in various grinding widths, from under 12” to almost 3’. For indoor and less frequent applications, a single-head grinder is most likely sufficient. Check out the EDCO TG-10 electric turbo grinder. This grinder can cover up to 750 square feet an hour.
For your larger grinding applications, a multiple head or ride-on grinder will be best. For very large jobs, consider the BW Manufacturing SCB-1200. The SCB-1200 is ideal for roads, bridges, and parking lots because of its ability to cover an impressive 1000 square feet per hour.
Hopefully these recommendations were helpful. If you have any specific questions about product recommendations in other construction tool categories, leave a question below!