The 10 Best Concrete Vibrators
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in October of 2018. Concrete is a combination of cement, water, and aggregates that include sand, stone, and gravel, all of which bind together and eventually harden into a heavy, rock-like material. Our selection of dedicated vibrators help construction teams reinforce this substance's strength by minimizing the presence of air bubbles, while ensuring proper mixture consistency and evenness as it's consolidated. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Tomahawk Cable Whip Backpack
2. Tomahawk Power Screed
3. DeWalt DCE531B
Editor's Notes
October 23, 2020:
As wet concrete is poured, air bubbles become trapped within the mixture creating cavities. Using a vibrator to remove air pockets and pack aggregates closer together is a critical step in the concrete pouring process, as it increases the density, and therefore the strength, making the final product more durable and resistant to moisture and frost. The depth and size of the pour will require different types of vibrating tools in order to successfully remove trapped air. In this ranking, we selected a variety of powered vibrators, from small handheld, trowel-like tools, to large engine powered units designed to be carried as a backpack.
In this latest update, we added several new options that only recently became available, making the list more thorough and covering a wider range of applications. The ranking still features several battery-powered options, such as the Makita XRV01T and the DeWalt DCE531B, which are a great choice due to their portability, however, their 20-volt batteries limits their usage time. Therefore we also introduced the Durofix DXP Cordless, which boasts a 60-volt battery that allows for two hours of constant use. We also included three gasoline-powered units. The Cormac Base Mounted is a heavy-duty option, which has a 6.5 Horsepower engine and a 20-foot shaft, making it a great choice for deep pours. The Tomahawk Power Screed is designed for finishing and leveling large surface areas, and uses a long straight edge attached to a sturdy frame with a 37.7 cc motor. The versatile Tomahawk Cable Whip Backpack has padded carrying straps for easy maneuvering around the job site and uses a reliable Honda engine to generate 12,000 vibrations per minute. finally, we selected a much smaller vibrator, the Yjingrui Hand-Held, which is designed to be used as a trowel, and is best suited to small formwork and repair jobs.
December 11, 2018:
Added both the DeWalt DCE531B for its speed and lightweight design. The Seeutek Electric and Portable models offer efficient operation that is ideal for patching and repair jobs. Additionally, both the Seeutek Portable and Oztec Electric are crafted with protective roll cages for withstanding potential drops and impacts.
4. Durofix DXP Cordless
5. Cormac Base Mounted
6. Makita XRV01T
7. Yjingrui Hand-Held
8. Seeutek Electric
9. Oztec Electric
10. Zhenli ZX-35
Starting his career in the building industry, Chris built and managed a plumbing and heating company in northern England. After 13 years, seeking a more fulfilling lifestyle, he moved to southeast Asia, eventually settling in Vietnam, where he teaches writing and comprehension at a number of international universities. Drawing on his previous experience, and his passion for kitesurfing and windsurfing, Chris is knowledgeable in all things water related both recreationally and within the construction industry.