What is a concrete poker?
The strengthening of concrete by vibration has utterly revolutionized the concept of concrete technology, made possible through the use of concrete pokers, which create high quality concrete with strength, density, and solidity. A concrete poker, also known as a concrete vibrating poker or internal vibrator, is a tool that is used to remove air bubbles from wet concrete through vibration, in turn making the concrete stronger and more consistent.
What are the benefits to using a concrete poker?
When pouring concrete air bubbles can get trapped inside and trapped air leads to a weakened final structure by creating cracks and voids within the concrete. By vibrating concrete with a concrete poker, the concrete becomes more durable and is given a higher compressive sturdiness and force due to the air being vibrated out of the concrete. According to The Constructor website, a concrete poker achieves the “designated concrete strength” needed for the final concrete product. Along with the final product of concrete having more durability and strength, a concrete poker gives concrete a smoother finish for a more aesthetic appearance as well.
Who uses a concrete poker and how do they work?
Typically, a concrete poker will be used on construction sites for precast concrete. Concrete pokers can be powered through electric, pneumatic or by a petrol engine. There are various features to concrete pokers, such as high-frequency vibration, ergonomic design, and a flexible shaft. High-frequency vibration is used to quickly combine concrete to save time and effort. Ergonomic design offers user-friendly controls that make operating pleasant and natural. A flexible shaft will allow the user access to hard-to-reach areas.
Are there any disadvantages to concrete pokers?
Concrete pokers are not difficult to operate. However, there is a potential for grievous mistakes, damage to machinery, and lost time and wages when the machinery is operated erroneously and irresponsibly. The mistakes that could arise when concrete pokers are not used properly include surface voids, water separation, honeycombing, and more. All of these would weaken the final product and leave the concrete in a dire state. It is imperative to operate concrete pokers correctly.
Why use a concrete poker from Chicago Vibrator Products?
Concrete pokers are revolutionary in their use to eradicate air bubbles from concrete, leaving a finished product that is not only more indestructible and longer lasting, but also smoother and more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Our pokers will leave concrete that will stand the test and looks of time through their use of flexible shafts, ergonomic design, and even a backpack option from Chicago Vibrator Products.
- Ready to go with a pneumatic power source? The 600 Series Internal Vibrators connect to your power source and have an easy to use on/off switch, link here (page on Chicago Vibrator website).
- Need a mobile powerpack? The VMG series from Chicago Vibrator Products, link here (page on Chicago Vibrator website), offers the Flexible Shaft Gasoline Vibrator, this 4-cycle engine is ideal for very remote areas. With this Flexible Shift Gasoline Vibrator there is no mixing of oil with the gas, no tools are needed to quickly connect a flex drive to the engine, three engine sizes are available, and an operator can move or bend in any direction. As well as the engine can run in any position and a built in kill switch provides extra operator safety, which ensures the machine will be used to its fullest ability and potential.
- Need help selecting the right model? Contact us form (page on Chicago Vibrator website) or call 1-800-842-7284.