Crafting with Concrete

All things about crafting with concrete. Concrete is a versatile material that can be used in many different ways.

Close-up of various concrete drill bits arranged on a surface

Turning a cheap shop vac into a concrete and masonry silica setup: what works, what’s a false sense of safety

Introduction A cheap shop vac is not a proper silica dust containment or filtration system for concrete and masonry work. It can help with light cleanup but it does not reliably protect you from fine dust exposure. Use it only for basic cleanup and verify what it can and cannot do by checking the product […]

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Corded drill with drill bit drilling into brick wall

Pressure washer setup for masonry: PSI limits, fan tips, and avoiding etching

Introduction Pressure washer setup for masonry means choosing safe pressure, nozzle tips, and technique to clean without damaging surfaces. Start with the lowest effective pressure and test on a small area to see how the surface responds. Keep a steady distance and avoid aggressive passes that can etch or gouge the mortar. Choosing the right

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Worker using concrete screed to smooth freshly poured concrete

Sprayers for concrete curing compounds: tip selection and cleanup that avoids clogs

Introduction Sprayers for concrete curing compounds are tools used to apply liquid sealers evenly over fresh concrete to control evaporation. When selecting a sprayer, choose one compatible with curing compounds and pay attention to tip size and spray pattern to minimize clogs. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for setup and maintenance to support even coverage and

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Close up of overlapping black flexible industrial vacuum hoses

Tool maintenance for winter on concrete and stucco jobsites: hoses, sprayers, and batteries that hate freezing

Introduction Winter tool maintenance for hoses on concrete jobsites means prepping and protecting hoses so they won’t crack or leak in freezing weather. Inspect hoses for wear, drain any residual water, and store them where they won’t freeze. Always check the manufacturer guidance on storage and use. Winter care for sprayers on stucco jobsites involves

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Close-up of hammer drill breaking concrete into pieces

Marker and layout tools for concrete and masonry: soapstone, paint pens, and what survives wet work

Introduction Marker and layout tools for concrete and masonry are simple implements used to mark lines and reference points on stone, brick, or poured surfaces. Soapstone sticks mark clearly on damp or rough surfaces, while paint pens provide visible lines that can stay legible in wet conditions. These tools are intended for use during layout,

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Red concrete pump booms against clear blue sky

Infrared thermometer hacks on concrete and stucco: spotting hot spots and curing temps without guessing

Introduction An infrared thermometer lets you measure surface temperatures without contact, helping you spot temperature patterns on concrete and stucco. Use it to scan flat areas and edges to identify unexpected hot spots and cool zones. Read the readings as indicated by the device’s scale or color display. When evaluating curing temps for stucco, use

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Hand holding moisture meter on masonry wall showing 16.1 percent

Cheap vs pro moisture meters on masonry: what each is good for

Introduction Cheap moisture meters for masonry offer quick, basic moisture readings at low cost. They are generally simpler and focus on giving a general sense of dampness rather than precise levels. For DIY projects, they’re a starting point, but their accuracy can vary with material and surface conditions. Professional meters usually combine pin and pinless

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Trowel smoothing sealant in concrete joint

Sealant tooling tricks on concrete, stucco, and brick: backer rod, bond breakers, and getting clean lines

Introduction Sealant tooling tricks are the practical steps you use to finish joints on concrete, stucco, and brick with clean, smooth lines. This article covers backer rod, bond breakers, and straight-line tooling as core methods. It aims to help you get a neat, durable seal without guesswork. Sealants vary by material, so choose products appropriate

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Hand holding caulk gun applying white sealant to surface

Caulk gun upgrade guide for masonry sealants: thrust ratio, dripless features, and nozzle trimming

Introduction This guide focuses on enhancing your caulk gun setup for masonry sealants, addressing thrust control, drip prevention, and nozzle trimming. It provides practical checks you can perform during typical on-site jobs without relying on external resources. To achieve a drip-free application, look for guns with built-in features to prevent drips. Practice nozzle trimming techniques

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Hand with glove inserting tool into brown plastic fastener on foam board

Epoxy anchor guns: cartridge care, purge steps, and nozzle reuse reality

Introduction Epoxy anchor guns rely on careful cartridge care, proper purge steps, and mindful nozzle reuse to stay reliable. Keeping cartridges clean, stored, and upright helps prevent jams and inconsistent mixing. Purge steps before use remove air and unmixed material, reducing the risk of cured epoxy affecting the next shot. Nozzle reuse requires attention to

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