Tools and equipment
Audio for slide 1 (mp3 |6|KB)
The tools and equipment needed to prepare the subfloor and install an underlayment include ordinary hand tools as well as some more specialised tools.
Below are some lists of the main tools used, grouped according to the stage they relate to during the overall installation process.
Note that not all of these tools are used in every job - some of them apply only to concrete or timber floors.
Below are some lists of the main tools used, grouped according to the stage they relate to during the overall installation process.
Note that not all of these tools are used in every job - some of them apply only to concrete or timber floors.
Audio for slide 2 (mp3 |6|KB)
Preparing subfloors
| Broom and handbroom - for sweeping up particles and rubbish. |  |
| Straight edge - for checking planeness and smoothness. |  |
| Tape measure - for measuring dimensions and deviations in the floor. |  |
| Industrial vacuum cleaner - for vacuuming up dust and small particles. |  |
| Floor scraper - for removing dags, blobs of cornice plaster, etc. |  |
| Concrete grinder, scarifier, shot blaster, hand-held angle grinder - for removing ridges and contaminants by taking off the subfloor surface. |  |
| Drum sander, belt sander, orbital sander - for removing high spots, contaminants and surface coatings in a timber floor by sanding down to bare timber. |  |
Audio for slide 3 (mp3 |6|KB)
Installing a liquid moisture membrane
| Paint brush and roller - for applying the liquid moisture membrane. |  |
| Backpack sprayer - alternative method of applying the membrane. |  |
Audio for slide 4 (mp3 |6|KB)
Applying a patching compound
| Trowel and putty knife - for applying cement-based patching compounds. |  |
| Bucket - for mixing the patching compound with water. |  |
Audio for slide 5 (mp3 |6|KB)
Applying a levelling compound
| Water gauging bucket - for measuring out the exact amount of water required per bag of topping compound. |  |
| Mixing paddle and heavy-duty drill - for mechanically mixing the topping. |  |
| Mixing and cleaning buckets - for holding the topping compound and water while they are being mixed and for cleaning up. |  |
| Trowels - for spreading the underlayment in a kneeling position. |  |
| Thickness spreader - for spreading the underlayment in a standing position. |  |
| Smoother - for achieving a feather edge and touching up the underlayment. |  |
| Spiked roller - for 'de-aerating' (removing air bubbles) from the underlayment. |  |
| Spiked shoes - for wearing while using the spiked roller. |  |
Learning activity
Audio 6 (mp3 |6|KB)Which of these tools do you use at work when you're preparing subfloors and installing underlayments?
Make up a list and compare it with other learners in your group.
Are there any tools you use that aren't listed here?
Name the tools and provide a brief description of what you use them for.
If you are studying this unit by flexible delivery, you could also take digital photos of the tools.
Share your answers with your trainer and other learners in your group via email or a social networking site.
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