What’s a Bull Float?

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A bull float is a concrete finishing tool that smooths out fresh concrete surfaces. It features a long handle attached to a flat piece of wood, aluminum, or magnesium called a float. The tool is used after the concrete has been pressed or tamped and is considered a basic and essential concrete finishing tool.
The handle of a bull float can measure anywhere from 4 feet (1.2 m) to 16 feet (4.9 m) in length and can be either threaded or snap-in type. The float includes an attachment that accepts one of the handle styles. A universal adapter that fits a snap or threaded handle can be purchased at many tool stores. A bracket assembly allows the angle to be adjusted in several positions so the float can reach the concrete surface at the particular angle needed for each job.

The float comes in many different lengths, but the width is usually 8 cm (20.3 inches). The ends can be circular or rectangular in shape. The tool must be light in weight so that the user does not overexert themselves. It evens out the surface and makes it level, and it also compresses any large aggregate – the gravel, sand or stone in the concrete mix – so that the result is more solid.

Proper use of a bull float requires strong organizational skills as the process must be done while the concrete is still workable, or plastic, rather than setting too much. The angle and amount of pressure used on the float are also important. A worker cannot push too hard on the tool, or concrete work already done could be ruined. Usually, several passes are required to ensure that the surface is as smooth and level as possible. This takes time and patience, as another smoothing pass may need to be done after the concrete has reached another stage in the curing process.

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