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A drill is a construction tool designed to create holes in various materials. However, it has a much wider application. For example, few people know that mixing concrete with a drill is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to get a uniform mixture of ingredients. Of course, not every device model is suitable for it. In this post, you will learn what types of tools are used to create concrete mixes and how to choose the best product for your needs.
In This Post:
Mixing Drill Definition
A mixing drill is a unique drill with a special mechanism (reinforced bearing, drive shaft, side handles, and so on). It makes mixtures required for construction work:
- Concrete;
- Cement;
- Plaster;
- Glue;
- Paints;
- Varnishes, etc.
It allows you to quickly obtain a perfectly uniform mixture, which is simply impossible to achieve with a manual approach. You should use special paddles to get concrete and cement mortars. It is essential to prevent air from entering inside to create such mixes. Besides, they are sturdy enough to cope with such complex tasks as adding crushed stone and gravel to concrete mortars.
Usually, such a device is used for household tasks and small projects since its capacity is enough to create 1-3 gallons of the mixture in one pass. In comparison, stationary models allow you to create 25+ gallons. Despite its relatively low performance, a mixing drill can still significantly speed up a wide variety of construction work.
How to Choose a Suitable Model
A concrete mixture is a rather heavy and dense solution, which is not so easy to make. That is why you need a specialized high-power tool that can easily handle this task. Before buying, you need to evaluate the scope of the upcoming work and the number of mixtures you may need. Many parameters of the device depend on it.
1. Speed
Different mixes require different speed settings. Usually, a drill comes with several options at once. For concrete, cement, and other thick mortars such as plaster, a minimum speed (500-650 RPM) is used, allowing you to mix all the ingredients gently but thoroughly and prevent air from entering. You need faster options (700-900 RPM) for mixing varnishes and paints since stirring them usually does not require much effort. Modern models with several speed settings are versatile and allow you to work with different materials using one tool.
2. Reverse
The presence of a reverse switch is an optional but sometimes necessary feature. When stirred, different building compounds behave differently. Concrete and cement are heavy materials that tend to sink to the bottom. Suspensions and putties, on the contrary, rise up. With constant rotation in one direction, there is a risk of not mixing the solution uniformly. Turning on the reverse makes a paddle rotate opposite, improving the mixing quality. What goes up goes down, and what goes down goes up evenly. Another good thing about reverse is that you can release a jammed paddle.
3. Power
Of course, you should pick a suitable power device for mixtures of different densities. The heavier and denser the solution, the more powerful the instrument you need. It is crucial to choose the right drill since the equipment that is too powerful can be difficult to control and hold in place. Usually, for the preparation of concrete and cement, devices with motors with a power of at least 1500W are used. All other options are for more lightweight solutions.
4. Paddles
You need a special paddle (or blade) to stir concrete and cement. Paddles usually differ in their sizes and configurations. Popular manufacturers supply their products in a kit with several blades. The shape of a concrete paddle allows you to mix thick and viscous mortars and minimizes the likelihood of air entering them.
Some models let you use 2 paddles at once to speed up the workflow significantly. It may be necessary for large volumes of work but is not a mandatory option for obtaining a quality mixture. Although concrete blades are long enough (over 20 inches), you may need a particular extension in some cases.
5. Safety Features
The drill for creating concrete mixtures is a fairly powerful and productive tool. It should be equipped with modern techniques to protect users from injury. These include the opportunity to adjust the speed of the shaft rotation, built-in overload protection, automatic shutdown in case of overheating, an emergency stop function, a system for maintaining a stable number of revolutions, a start button lock, and much more.
6. Controls
A control panel is a small board with all the buttons, switches, and voltage and load control sensors. All these critical elements should be located as conveniently as possible. You should be able to reach all the buttons with your fingers without letting go of a device. Also, you should not touch any switches in the work process and accidentally change indicators, as it can completely ruin the result.
7. Design
Design usually refers to the style of handles. Now there are 2 styles on the market: wheel- and T-shaped. This parameter affects your convenience, which in turn influences the quality of your work. Most often, in stores, there are devices with T-handles. Tools with wheel-style grips give you more control over how a machine works. By and large, the choice of handle style depends on individual preferences. Most importantly, remember that the more powerful the equipment, the thicker and more reliable it should have handles. An anti-slip coating is a must for any power drill.
Trust Mixing Concrete to a Reliable Assistant
Repair and construction work involves the creation of a variety of mixtures. The larger your task, the more solutions you have to prepare. Making them by hand is a time-consuming and challenging task. Using a mixing drill to get the perfect result quickly is better. You need a potent tool equipped with specialized paddles and safety features for concrete and cement. Although it is not the cheapest device, it will pay off if you do all the construction work yourself.
Image Source: Freepik.com
