If you’ve done any work around concrete structures, you’re probably aware that there are a variety of tools specially designed to cut and drill the material. While some blades and bits can be used on everyday power tools on a limited number of small jobs, when serious work is at hand, it’s time to look into buying or renting a specialist.  Here’s a look at the types of tools you may need.

Core Drills

When precise, smooth circular cuts to make openings for plumbing, electrical and HVAC installations are needed, a core drill motor and bit will do the job. These heavy-duty drill motors come in a variety of sizes and with accessories and mounting systems that let them be used safely for vertical or horizontal drilling of holes of nearly any diameter and depth. Hand-held motors can be used on some less-demanding projects. Core drill machines are available with electric, hydraulic or air power sources.

Core drilling uses cylindrical steel tube bits with industrial diamond teeth brazed or laser welded on the end. The core and teeth of the bit are designed to cut various types of concrete, brick, block and other hard surfaces. Bits are available for both wet and dry cutting.

Flat Saws

Also called slab saws, these machines are designed for vertical cutting and range from electric hand-held models for light-duty work such as expansion joints to giant self-propelled gasoline and diesel-powered rigs used to remove damaged roads or entire floors of buildings.

Blades for flat saws have a circular steel core with diamond segments attached to the outer cutting edge. The saw is pushed or propelled along a flat surface to make cuts up to 24 inches (610 mm) deep. The blades are designed to cut through a variety of materials, including rebar.

Wall SawsWall saws run on tracks that are mounted to walls and other steep inclines and are used for things like cutting doors, windows, and vent openings. They can also be used on floors where precise openings are called for. These track-mounted saws can be hydraulic-, air-, or electric-powered. Their blades are similar to those used on flat saws and are generally available for cuts up to 33 inches (838 mm) deep.

Wire Saws

When the job’s too big for circular saws, bring out the wire. A stranded steel cable with diamond cutting segments is threaded through a system of pulleys that run the cutting surfaces around the object being cut. Because the wire can be oriented in about any direction and can be nearly any length, this is the technique used to cut away sections of towers, bridges, and piers. The only limit is the size and weight of material that can be hauled away.

Using the right tools and techniques ensure a professional job and results you’ll be proud to show off. Whatever your concrete cutting, coring, and finishing requirements may be, equipment and tools from Ace Cutting Equipment are your choice for top-quality results.