Cement mixers are a huge part of DIY and building – from simple repairs to complex structures they are an essential tool. Here is a complete guide to mixers.

What Are Cement Mixers?

Concrete mixers, as they are also known, are one of the fundamental tools of building. Why? Well, because they are used to mix cement, which is one the fundamental materials used in any kind of building. They are used to mix cement and water, with an aggregate material like gravel or sand, to form concrete. Generally they utilise a large revolving drum to do this.

How do they work?

As I mentioned before, the main feature you will notice on a mixer is usually the large revolving mixing drum. Attached to the drum you will also find a large handle or wheel, which allows you to move the mixing drum into a position where you can dump in your cement mixture, usually from a wheelbarrow or something similar. The third main feature of a typical mixer is the engine which will be attached somewhere, usually at the back. This is used to power the mixing drum and make it revolve, which in turn mixes the cement for use.

• Types of Cement Mixer

Full-size Mixers. These are just the full-size version as described above. They are often larger than is required for a small home or garden job, but full-size cement mixers are still are an essential feature in building sites and work yards around the world.

Portable Mixers. Portable mixers, as their name suggests, are designed to be transported easily around, so you can move them to and from homes and building sites without much hassle. They are smaller than full-size mixers in every way, including their drum and engine size. Many portable mixers also come with wheels attached somewhere on them, as another feature of portability.

Creter. Creter is a relatively new, patented type of concrete mixer that is extremely portable and easy to move around. It is a small, foldable package that you open up and fill with cement, water and aggregate, before picking up two of the corners and simply fold them over, creating the mixing motion that generates the cement. It is likely not to be as efficient as a motor-powered mixer but is certainly a cheaper and more portable option when it comes to getting your cement mix.

• To Buy, Or Not To Buy?

For most small DIY jobs such as fixing part of a garden wall or laying stone slabs in a driveway, purchasing even a portable cement mixer is probably too expensive for the short amount of time you will be using it. In most places you will be able to find a local company that rents or leases mixers out for temporary periods of time.

• Mixer Maintenance

After using cement mixers their insides need to be flushed thoroughly with water, to prevent any remaining cement residue from hardening into concrete, and eventually decreasing the quality of your mixer.

• Wall Mirrors – Add Stylish Reflection To Your Home Life
• Wall Clocks – Why It Is Time To Liven up your Decor
• Vacuum Bags – The Right Way To Clean Up
• Restaurant Chairs – For Comfort and Style While You Dine
• Tub Chairs – Add Some Style To Your Living Room
• Security Systems – A Guide to Securing Your Property
• Pool Cleaners – Keeping Your Pool Clean and Cool
• Kitchen Curtains – Decorate Practically And With Style
• Door Mats - Make The Right Entrance
• Honeywell Humidifier – Care and Comfort For Your Home
• Gas Heaters – A Guide to Warming Up With Gas
• Electric Cookers – Impress Even When Your Cooking Doesn't!
• Glass Shelves - Home Decor With Style And Elegance
• Glass Blocks – The Way To Decorate with Style and Chic
• Garage Floor Paint - Brighten Up Your Garage
• Garage Door Repairs – How to Fix up your Garage Door without a Hassle
• Luggage Repair - How To Repair Your Luggage Successfully
• Cement Mixers – a Solid Guide