If you’ve ever worked with concrete you understand the importance of getting the mixture just perfect. It may not be such a big deal if you’re simply laying a path from your back door to your garden shed, but when you are working with larger projects or structural work, the perfect balance of homogenous concrete can make all the difference. It’s also vital to make sure there are no air pockets deep within the concrete mix. Even a small air pocket can result in serious damage. Over time, the air can expand and contract, depending on the air temperature and cracks can appear. If you have any experience with concrete, you know that one little crack will get bigger and this can compromise the structural integrity of whatever the concrete is supporting.
One way to ensure there are no air bubbles or pockets in your concrete is to use a concrete vibrator. As the name suggests, a concrete vibrato will vibrate or shake the concrete. This shaking motion in the wet concrete will force the air bubbles up and out so you get a nice solid foundation, post or whatever structural project you are working on. It will also continue to mix the concrete ensuring you get a nice, even, air free supporting structure. The best concrete vibrator will ensure any project you work on will be built to last.
The Best Concrete Vibrator
1Chicago Electric 3/4 HP Concrete Vibrator
For a small concrete vibrator, you can’t go past this Chicago Electric 3/4 HP Concrete Vibrator. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to use without wearing you out and you can take it with you anywhere you need to work. 13,000 vibrations per minute work well at homogenizing the concrete and getting those air bubbles out so you will end up with perfectly worked concrete every time.
This concrete vibrator also has a variable speed and is perfect for all those small handyman jobs, and even some large landscaping jobs where you need to lay concrete or construct concrete posts or support beams. Be sure to also check out our guide to the best measuring wheels for more useful tools like this.
Lightweight and compact design for all day use
13,000 vibrations per minute
Lock-on button
110V, 580 watts
Remove air bubbles and level concrete.
Ideal for construction, patching, and other repair jobs
- BrandChicago Electric
- Model34923
- Weight16 Pounds
2DEWALT DCE531B 20V MAX Pencil Concrete Vibrator
DEWALT offers you power you can rely on with this cordless concrete vibrator. Its shaft may not look tough, but with 14,000 vibrations per minute, it can take on any job you need it to. You can fix anything from a sidewalk repair to setting the footing for streetlights. For the home handyman you can start planning those extensions to your home or patio because this flexible, reliable shaft works faster than many other models. The 4 foot shaft also makes DEWALT DCE531B 20V MAX Pencil Vibrator easier to use on some of the bigger projects you have in mind.
What you’ll really love is that this concrete vibrator is light in weight making it so much easier to use. You will see the air bubbles come to the surface as you work and your only worry will be the next project you want to use it on. For more amazing power tools like this, check out our guide to the best cordless impact wrenches.
4 foot long flexible shaft for easy use and long reach
1/8″ diameter vibrator for maximum consolidation power
14,000 vibrations per minute
Flexible, reliable shaft works fast
Maximum consolidation efficiency
Battery & charger sold separately
- BrandDEWALT
- ModelDCE531B
- Weight8 Pounds
3WEN 56035T 7 HP 4500-Pound Compaction Force Plate Compactor
This WEN 56035T 7 HP 4500-Pound Compaction Force Plate Compactor is the ultimate tool for the serious concreter. It features a powerful 212cc engine that will ensure all the compounds, cement and aggregates you have in the wet cement form a solid, compacted foundation so you can be sure your latest concreting project will last. You can use this cement vibrator for walkways, driveways, foundations for smaller buildings and any repair work in your neighborhood. It has ha unique swing-over handle so you can move it around with ease and lift handles at the plate make it easy to transport from job to job.
Whether you are in construction or landscaping, this is the concrete vibrator that will never let you down. It’s also perfect for use around the home. Be sure to also check out our guide to the drill presses for more amazing tools like this.
Powerful 212cc engine
4,496lbs of force at 5,400 blows per minute
Unique swing-over handle for extra maneuverability
Vibration isolators reduce vibration extending engine life
Easily transportable
Gas powered
- BrandWEN
- Model56035T
- Weight207 Pounds
4Stark 2.0HP Gas Vibration Industrial Plate Compactor
Lay concrete like a boss with this Stark 2.0HP Gas Vibration Compaction Force Industrial Plate Compactor. This gives you all the power your need to ensure your concrete will stand the test of time. It has a 2.0 horse power engine with a 2.000 pound impact force.
This model is perfect for the busy homeowner and the professional contractor who doesn’t like to waste daylight and this concrete vibrator has the ability to compact an area of up to 2691 feet per hour of operation. This makes it perfect for all of those landscaping projects and for all those odd jobs that will give the front of your home a street appeal that will be the envy of your neighbors. Our guide to the best angle grinders features more useful tools for your workshop.
Perfect for the homeowner or professional contractor
Convenient fold up transport wheels
Recoil ignition for easy, consistent starting
2.0 HP engine and 2,000lb Impact force
Up to 2691 ft. per hour compaction
Gas powered
- BrandStark USA
- Weight134 Pounds
5Seeutek Hand Held 1 HP 750W Concrete Vibrator
This electric concrete vibrator from Seeutek is a dream come true for the homeowner who wants to finish his weekend projects fast. With 13,000 vibrations per minute, Seeutek Hand Held 1 HP 750W Concrete Vibrator works quickly and effectively at getting out those air bubbles, ensuring you have excellent concrete consolidation. The extra-long, flexible shaft is steel woven so it won’t break under normal and even tougher conditions and it also works longer without overheating so you won’t be stopping until the work is complete.
The handle of this electric concrete vibrator has been ergonomically designed with a lock-on button so you can turn it on and leave it on until it’s time to pack up your tools and start enjoying the rest of your weekend. For more high-quality tools like this, check out our guide to the best hammer drills.
13,000 vibrations per minute
4.9 ft. long, steel woven shaft
Works longer without overheating
Metal screw thread for a secure connection
Flexible shaft can get consolidate hard to reach areas.
Perfect for smaller projects
- BrandSeeutek
- ModelSY-BZ-024
- Weight15.75 Pounds
Concrete Vibrator Buying Guide
How We Chose Our Selection Of Concrete Vibrators
Reviews – Regardless of whether you need a concrete vibrator for concrete projects around the home, or in a professional capacity, downtime can be annoying and costly. That's why we use reviews to determine a product’s quality and efficiency of use. We checked the reviews for the concrete vibrators in our selection to see which ones performed well and help the operator get the job done fast. These are independent and honest reviews from people who have actually used these machines so they are in the best position to offer information on the pros and cons of the concrete vibrators we have selected.
Price – You really can't put a price on security and a concrete constriction that has not been properly consolidated can be downright dangerous and can compromise the integrity of whatever structure you've applied the concrete to. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to rush out and buy the most expensive one. We've chosen a selection of concrete vibrators in different price brackets that will appeal to professional contractors and homeowners alike. There are models in our selection that are very high end. These are great for professionals and those who can afford the best. There are also better priced options for the casual users like homeowners who find the occasional home maintenance or improvement project.
Features To Look For In Concrete Vibrators
Vibration Rate – The vibration rate is an important feature to look for in a concrete vibrator, but it is not the most important one. You need a good VPM or vibrations per minute rate which is why the average VPM for a concrete vibrator is around 12,000 – 14,000. The shaking forces air bubbles up and out, while at the same time it compresses and consolidates the concrete so that it is stronger and will last longer. In short, though, the more VPM, the faster the concrete vibrator can work.
Vibration Range – The vibration range of a concrete vibrator exceeds the length of the shaft. The vibration range is similar to throwing a rock in a pond. The ripples go a lot further than the actual rock. The same applies for the vibration range. The shaft may measure 4ft, but the vibration range may be a considerable amount more. Many concrete vibrators have a range of about a 5 ft. radius from the vibration center. Similarly, for a plate style concrete vibrator, you don't just want the vibrations on the surface or under the plate. Check the manufacturer’s specification for the vibration range.
Vibration Strength – The strength of the concrete vibrator you need will depend on what you are using it for. If you are attempting to dislodge some materials or you want to ensure the concrete gets right into the corners of a construction project, then strength is a necessity. You will also need to know the strength in relation to the thickness and density of your wet concrete to get the right level of consolidation.
Some Quick Tips On Using A Concrete Vibrator
- If you have a shaft style vibrator, always insert it into the concrete vertically before turning on the machine.
- Avoid excessively bending the vibrator during use as this will wear it out a lot faster.
- Stop the vibration process as soon as air bubbles are no longer escaping from the surface and it has a nice, smooth look to it.
- Use a smaller, lighter vibrator for small, simple jobs. Keep the larger, more powerful ones for professional jobs.
- Never force a concrete vibrator tip into the concrete. The resistance you are experiencing could be the rebar (steel reinforcement bars or mesh).
- Don't use a concrete vibrator as a concrete placement tool. You can end up with uneven or inconsistent surfaces, as well as other problems that can end up with serious issues over time.
Before you start your next home improvement project with concrete features, you should seriously consider using a concrete vibrator to give your concrete an even consistency, great consolidation and no air bubbles. As we mentioned earlier, air bubbles that set in a concrete structure or walkway can cause a lot of problems in the future with cracks, holes and other problems. Get the job done like a professional with a concrete vibrator and you won't have to worry about future problems.
