Blog

Wet trades refer to construction work involving materials like concrete, mortar, plaster, or other wet substances. These trades often include bricklaying, plastering, tiling, and concreting. Below is a list of essential wet trade tools categorized by task:

1. Bricklaying Tools

Bricklayers require precision and strength in their tools to ensure even and secure constructions.

• Trowels: Used for spreading and shaping mortar.
  • Types: Brick trowel, pointing trowel, margin trowel.
• Bricklaying Spirit Level: Ensures bricks are level and straight.
• Brick Hammer: For splitting and trimming bricks.
• Line and Pins: For maintaining straight and even courses of bricks.
• Jointer: Creates a smooth, uniform finish on mortar joints.
• Mortar Board (or Hawk): Holds mortar within easy reach.
• Bucket Trowel: Scoops mortar from the mixing bucket.

2. Plastering Tools

Plastering involves applying a smooth or decorative finish to walls and ceilings.

• Plastering Trowel: For spreading plaster onto surfaces.
• Hawk: A flat tool to hold plaster while applying it.
• Mixing Paddle: Attaches to a drill for mixing plaster or mortar.
• Plastering Float: Smooths out plaster to create a clean finish.
  • Types: Wooden float, sponge float, or plastic float.
• Plasterer’s Darby: Levels and smooths large surfaces.
• Corner Trowel: Shapes plaster around corners.
• Scrim Tape: Reinforces joints between plasterboard panels.
• Plaster Mixer: For evenly mixing large quantities of plaster.

3. Concreting Tools

Concrete work requires tools for mixing, spreading, leveling, and finishing.

• Concrete Mixer: For mixing cement, sand, gravel, and water.
• Shovel: For transferring concrete mix.
• Wheelbarrow: Transports mixed concrete to the worksite.
• Float: Levels and smooths wet concrete.
  • Types: Magnesium float, bull float, or steel float.
• Tamp Beam (or Screed): Levels and compacts freshly poured concrete.
• Edger: Creates smooth edges on concrete slabs.
• Concrete Vibrator: Removes air pockets and ensures a solid finish.
• Concrete Trowel: For detailed finishing of concrete surfaces.

4. Tiling Tools

Tiling involves laying tiles evenly and securely on surfaces.

• Tile Cutter: Cuts tiles to the desired size and shape.
  • Types: Manual cutter, wet saw.
• Notched Trowel: Spreads adhesive evenly on surfaces.
• Tile Spacers: Ensures uniform gaps between tiles for grout.
• Tile Nipper: Trims small sections of tiles.
• Grout Float: Applies grout between tiles.
• Sponge: Cleans grout off tile surfaces.
• Leveling System: Maintains a consistent height across tiles.

5. General Tools for Wet Trades

• Buckets: For mixing and carrying mortar, plaster, or water.
• Mixing Board: Provides a flat surface for hand-mixing materials.
• Brushes: Cleans tools and surfaces; also used for texturing.
• Protective Gear: Includes gloves, goggles, and dust masks for safety.
• Measuring Tools: Tape measure, chalk line, and square for accuracy.
• Drop Cloths: Protect surrounding areas from splashes and spills.

Tips for Wet Trade Workers

1. Maintenance: Clean tools immediately after use to prevent hardened residue.
2. Organization: Use toolboxes or bags to keep essentials easily accessible.
3. Quality over Quantity: Invest in durable, high-quality tools to reduce replacements.
4. Safety: Wear proper PPE to minimize risks when working with wet materials.

Equipping yourself with these essential tools ensures efficiency, precision, and professionalism in wet trade tasks.