Mixing concrete for small jobs

agent_orange_2

I've found this method handy for small projects such as putting in fence posts etc, where the job doesn't warrant a concrete mixer.
Just use a heavy duty plastic, you don't need the purpose made thingy shown in the clip. I've used this method and it saves on all the cleaning up

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rYvUAflWi2U&feature=related

Hitch

Post mix for posts, no mixing at all

andrew-b

For small amounts for general use (which is all i ever seem to need) i just use Wickes ready-mixed repair/pointing mortar which you just add to clean cold water.

I usually mix up just a small amount in an old tile adhesive bucket or fence paint bucket (cleaned first obviously). For the plastic sheet method ideally you need someone to help you and you've still got to hose down the sheet after plus your tools and any buckets used.

Alternatively, mix up in an old wheelbarrow or on a board on the ground (any sort of board will do), or maybe in a large flexible bucket (about £5).

Cement mixers come into their own for larger amounts ...but still hard work as you've still got to shovel contents in, carry buckets of water, tip up mixer, move barrows around. Was a builder's labourer for a day once mixing cement all day as a favour to a friend - never again it's really hard work. and i had to cycle 5 miles home after too!

Andy

agent_orange_2

andrew-b wrote: »

I usually mix up just a small amount in an old tile adhesive bucket or fence paint bucket (cleaned first obviously). For the plastic sheet method ideally you need someone to help you and you've still got to hose down the sheet after plus your tools and any buckets used.

Andy

Granted, a second pair of hands would be helpful. You can get away without tools,
you mix in heavy duty plastic, concrete goes straight into the hole once mixed, use sheet for next hole or discard sheet in the bin - no cleaning up necessary.

Postcrete is an expensive way of doing the job, especially if you have a fair few posts to do.

peediedj

agent_orange wrote: »

Postcrete is an expensive way of doing the job, especially if you have a fair few posts to do.

very true,we had a customer at work bought 60 bags of postcrete:eek:

wallbash

:rolleyes:

60 bags of postcrete

playing devils advocate here

Getting sand/cement delivered ( and maybe having to much ! )
then getting rid of excess! Hiring a small mixer

Or buying bags . Getting slightly less bags than you need delivered,
knowing you can pop out and buy the odd bag.
No mixing

Wonder how the sums add up.


Wanted to use a product called slab layer ( wicks) for the patio
Dissapointed when I found it was no longer available.
Sand /cement against a bag.

Hitch

It is more expensive, (on materials) but if it saves you 10 mins per post, it soon becomes cheaper.

No working out, no mixing, no waste, no cleaning up...

andrewmoorcroft

Good idea but can still be hard work especially when the mix slides down the bag instead of rolling over to get mixed up. Notice the video doesn't show start to finish! You need 2 people, so i use the bag and shovel when i'm by myself just to keep the area clean.
Ive done this for a few years now and use the same sort of bag from poundland but with no handles. They are sold as heavy duty car boot liners.
I wonder if someone has just put handles on the poundland bags?
The video - hope no one puts a mix that wet down post holes!