Easily Mixing Concrete By Hand

This was the first time using this Steele Mixer and, yes, it's a brilliant design with a lot of advantages... I am definitely adding this to my list of favorites.
Dominate the Concrete: • Dominate The Concrete ...
Steele Mixer can be purchased at steelemixer.com/
Instagram: @steelemixer
Love tools? Check out our free tool guide! 100 Tools Every Craftsman Must Have bit.ly/EC100tools
Enjoy EC? Join Essential Craftsman Academy!
essentialcraftsman.com/academy
This is the best way to support Essential Craftsman and you get a LOT of perks as a bonus!
Hiring a contractor? PLEASE read our eBook first! Guaranteed to save you time and money! amzn.to/2v6qZ6j
Did you know we have a podcast?
KZbin bit.ly/2n4HCLG
Buy a knife from Cy Swan here: greenvalleyforge.com/
Second Channel (Podcast video, family, misc content) bit.ly/2n4HCLG
T Shirts, Hoodies, and other Merch: bit.ly/2C7JFRv
Like the music? Spotify Playlist Here spoti.fi/3NzAnTg
Amazon Affiliate Links:
9 Things to know about hiring a contractor: amzn.to/37ISVLA
Makita 18v Impact amzn.to/2R9uamN
4 ft level amzn.to/389qsQa
Utility Knife amzn.to/2RjVRJL
Palm Nailer amzn.to/2LhvTTd
Spencer Tape amzn.to/2EQWxPy
Carpenter Bags amzn.to/2XeBaC1
Belt bit.ly/2Xe5m0o
Hammer amzn.to/31y4q66
Tape Measure amzn.to/2WYg23Q
Occidental Bags amzn.to/2IAsHB4www
Skil Saw amzn.to/2UcQyLi
Video Equipment and Misc.
Main Camera amzn.to/2WG9qSC
Secondary Camera amzn.to/32tS2Vx
Microphone (for narration from office) amzn.to/2WquPnM
Wireless Microphone amzn.to/2IGpNto
Tripod amzn.to/2XOJcOd
Camera Gear Case amzn.to/2l7Msqv
Nate's Favorite Sunflower Seeds amzn.to/2MxqnyT
Nate's Watch amzn.to/2VxWorA

[@Rudevette]

I have mixed hundreds and hundreds of bags of quikrete for sonotube deck footing in my life. Wheelbarrow mixing is a real job, and getting the corners mixed in without leaving dry clumps takes effort and intention. I’m going to order one of these mixers. Plus, my wife likes to make concrete precast garden stone crafts and this will be great for her to use doing that.✌🏻

[@davidsawyer1599]

In your case this may be a wise purchase. But for the average Joe or Joan......To me I would rather have something that can be multi-purpose. This has it's place but not at my place.

[@c31979839]

@@davidsawyer1599 that's my thoughts exactly. I have a place in my shop for a wheelbarrow, but I don't have an extra spot for something that large. It also takes up room in my truck when going to a job site. Love the concept, and it'll be great for a lot of people.

[@billupstateny9151]

@@davidsawyer1599 Agree w/ David. Have mixed more concrete by hand that I care to think about. Just don't trust the mixing/agitation aspects of this tool. Minimum transit mix these days is 5 cu yards. Fortunate to have both a tractor PTO & skidsteer hydraulic Drum mixers for smaller projects. For a few bags, or small quantities from scratch (sand,Portland,aggregate) difficult to beat the wheelbarrow/hoe. Doubt many old school folks will be purchasing this invention, unless they are desperate for you tube content, or a paid recipient.🤔😎🛠👷

[@calebkz]

@@davidsawyer1599 I could see this being a great tool-rental for places like the big box stores. Doesn't make sense for a DIY-er who only mixes a couple of bags, but if it were in a tool rental place then yes! Way easier and more predictable than the wheel barrow method.

[@turboflush]

I see this as a hobby tool also. Most projects around the house.. Not to worried about the ratio being spot on.

[@0ptimusWalrus]

When I was working for my dad on the weekends during highschool, he taught me the perfect method for small, portable batches of concrete. In our case for pouring for posts in a crawl space repair...no space to mix on site. all you need is a thick tarp or plastic sheet Lay tarp/plastic flat on ground (6'x6' aprox), dump bag of crete in the center, add water and mix. Mixing can be done alone but is easier with two people, each grab two corners of the sheet and by alternating and lifting the corners you can mix the concrete quickly, from all directions, and easily see moisture content. When mixed, bring the 4 corners to the center and you can pick up the concrete in the tarp like a bundle. You could carry that and dump or use a 5 gal bucket to lift or lower it further.

[@markshipley560]

Fastest, cheapest and most compact. That's how I've done it for the last 25 years. we learned from power company linemen. I've heard it's also how army cooks mixed cake mix etc. when cooking for hundreds

[@thomasbarlow4223]

And my friends this is why I love KZbin... thank you I will use that one day

[@daveowen4009]

Excellent description.

[@daveowen4009]

I just spent 5 mins making a comment similar to yours...should have scrolled down

[@RON-dl9qr]

I am a concrete contactor and hate bag mix jobs of any type. BUT sometimes I have to do it. I actually bought years ago what I called a hammock. Heavy pvc plastic with handles on the corners. Does what is described here. HOWEVER I just want to know how many bags this will mix at a time. IF 3 I will be buying one. For DIY use the tarp, heavy plastic method. To all DIY use the amount of water the directions say. extra water reduces psi quickly. PRO TIP: TAP form boards with hammer to get out air. I put a 2x4 against my forms and hit that with a chipper

[@jeremyhuggins8796]

That's a pretty neat little invention, but I can mix two 80lb bags in my wheelbarrow with a mortar hoe in short order. A round shovel, not a spade gets it out pretty easy after dumping.

[@SummerOf1970]

Drill, paddle, 5gal bucket. Add water and then concrete. Easy for small amounts. Way cheaper than $300 bucks.

[@stevenleiler9034]

That's the way I've been doing it for years. And a 6 year old could do it as well

[@joanferreira3896]

3 or 4 mil garbage bag and rock it around.

[@huesudowoodo]

yup

[@44R0Ndin]

This does what that drill doesn't, which is "work without electricity".

[@Industrialitis]

@@joanferreira3896 Do it in a tarp too.

[@brianpearl7504]

I mix a ton of concrete by hand and I've found what works best for us is a cordless Milwaukee heavy duty drill with paddle bit from Home Depot and a 5 gallon bucket. Add water first and mix. It's easy on the back and mixes up concrete lightning fast with little effort.

[@dgarc012]

I burnt a drill doing that.

[@billupstateny9151]

@@dgarc012 You have the incorrect drill motor. Have had a low speed, gear reduction, D handle Milwaukee & a porter cable 3/4 in units for more than 40 years. They are about 500 rpm & mix as well today s when they were purchased. They have mixed every type of epoxy, adhesive, paint, coatings, Petroleum & cementitious based product on the market.🤔😎👀👷

[@brianpearl7504]

@@billupstateny9151 Yep, you need a heavy duty drill. We're been using ours for years

[@thanos9846]

I recently did the same thing for pre-bagged non-shrink grout. 20yr old corded DeWalt drill with handle and a drywall mix paddle. Worked like a champ.

[@csn583]

Some of Festool's products are more style and features than substance, but I'd recommend their T18 to anybody. I mixed an entire 3'Hx14' retaining wall of concrete with that thing and an egg-beater mixer and it powered right through it. (2nd battery fully charged in the time it took to drain the first.) Last year I built a panel lift to carry ply and DensDeck roofing underlayment (64lb/sheet) 10' up to my roof. Pulley and cable driven, and that same drill motor could lift two sheets at a time, though I usually stuck to one to go easier on it. Point being, don't underestimate a modern, good quality cordless!

[@psidvicious]

This looks like a prototype to improve on. I would consider lengthening one set of the A-frame legs so it could be tilted up to an elevation suitable to tip into a wheel barrow for short transport.

[@SAIGORILLA]

you’re so great. you gave it an honest and quick, then thoughtful and opened minded review. like a stand up-human would

[@mikemeyering3258]

"Rocking the baby", mixing in the middle of a tarp, agitated by 2 people holding the corners works very well.

[@slamrock17]

This! I am glad to see this comment.

[@neilestenson6595]

The tarp method is the most efficient way I've every found to mix, transport and pour small quantities of concrete.

[@sshlept8070]

Or line a wheelbarrow with plastic for smaller batches. Same process.

[@RobbieCallihan]

Yes, very fast, but more work and hard to not throw mud on yourselves. Plus you need 2 people.

[@hlboerr]

it's still a two people job

[@jmconcretecoloradosprings]

This is why my first video posted was about mixing concrete by hand. It takes skill and many DIY's do it that way Sure is nice to see someone of your experience post a video doing this kind of work. Great video!

[@leroygutierrez3948]

Today I will never forget as the first time I disagreed with this gentleman the wheel barrow is definitely better 💪🏽

[@adobemastr]

I have disagreed with Scott on several things. This is yet another one.

[@EdwardT9]

The real test is how tiring is it to do 10 bags. I did 10 30kg bags in a wheel barrow with a shovel and hoe and it was exhausting.

[@leroygutierrez3948]

@@EdwardT9 right !!!! My wife just recently did 96 80lb bags in a wheel barrow for a side walk for our sons wheel chair 💪🏽 My wife is 113lbs

[@EdwardT9]

@@leroygutierrez3948 good for her! How long did it take? 10 bags took me about 2 hours. It’s a good work out for sure but took time.

[@leroygutierrez3948]

@@EdwardT9 5hours or so Maybe 6

[@CharlesReiche]

Now add wheels and a handle so that I can pour concrete where my hose doesn't reach. This would be an excellent rental tool at every Home Depot or Lowes in the country.

[@kookiedabear]

For $300 you can get a decent auto mixer (with wheels) that processes more than a small 60lb bag at a time.

[@toadbascom4978]

@@kookiedabear Yeah, but something unpowered for the rental market is useful. A lot of people only want to do a few bags, and something they can rent for $20 once is a lot easier to deal with.

[@randymcarn]

I was looking at it wondering why it doesn't have at least two wheels and why the two handles aren't connected together for easy transport.

[@wim0104]

you mean... turn it into a wheelbarrow?

[@sdawg58]

@@randymcarn It's a construction worker's nightmare. Should be nicknamed the back breaker, if the shovelworking the concrete doesn't break your back moving it around sure will.

[@GreatDogs]

...' Occasionally, the wheel barrow tips over "... I love this guy! ..you mean its not just me? Keep up the no nonsense great content!

[@tylermundy7985]

I can see the progress you've made on the spec house in the background - I'm excited to see the rest of the episodes in that series!

[@stevejensen3471]

I've just always mixed mine right in the form - works like a charm!

[@jasonmoss6598]

This looks like the “Breadmaker” of the concrete world. You use it once, it sits in your shop and then you sell it at a yard sale.

[@repetemyname842]

JM: Haha, I used mine twice back in the 90s, the neighbor girl bought it at my yard sale when I moved.

[@Inkling777]

No, this is not a breadmaker. I considered and rejected getting a breadmaker because I realized I could buy bread cheaper and easier than I could make it. I have made enough concrete in a wheelbarrow to know this is a labor saver. The cost of the Sackcrete is the same, but this is much easier and faster. I just hope the inventor has a lawyer eager to sue Harbor Freight when it brings out its China-made rip-off.

[@RobertBarth1]

@@Inkling777 Why would you buy this when you can buy an electric mixer FOR LESS that can mix 2-3x as much at a time?

[@cowboybuilder]

Yes, because like exercise gear we all need another way to make concrete. Why would you spend money to buy another gadget when you already have a wheelbarrow on site. Just perhaps it could be suitable for someone with low strength that is a home DIY'er.... but even then you could mix small amounts in a basic bucket.

[@adobemastr]

@@cowboybuilder Not to mention it costs $300. That is way over priced in my book for what you’re getting.

[@tycox8704]

I don’t see DIYers and other occasional users owning one. It’s a one trick pony. A wheelbarrow has much more utility.

[@hlboerr]

a wheelbarrow doesn't mix concrete, you and a shovel do.

[@duncdunc76]

@@hlboerr Aint that the truth. For anyone needing to mix small batches often man this will save some aches and pains.

[@89Ayten]

@@hlboerr but a wheel barrow has a million other uses, whereas this thing takes up a bit of space. So if youre only mixing a few bags once youre better off enduring the suck and just mixing it in the barrow

[@jamesford8315]

@@hlboerr I don't use a shovel, I get the backyard hoe to mix the concrete.

[@watcherofwatchers]

I refuse to mix concrete in my wheelbarrow. Sure, it works, but it also sucks.

[@outlandishprofessor]

I've been looking forward to your review of this ever since I listened to the EC2 podcast about it. Thanks!

[@johnr1350]

This looks great! Huge improvement over the mortar pan and spade method and seems to be much easier on the back.

[@texasplumr]

I like this idea! Around the house most of my projects that require cement are usually small and only require a few bags. I'm also thinking that mixing mortar in it might be ideal since I can't lay brick fast enough to keep it from drying out some, anyway. I may order one if for no other reason than to keep my wife from getting pissy when I use MY wheelbarrow to mix cement in. I know what you're thinking: "Why don't you just buy two?" I did, I had her pick it out from the vast selection at Home Depot. Two wheels, plastic tub so it's lightweight, but she left it outside year round like I do with mine, it has a steel tub. It appears that plastic doesn't care for UV rays very much and it cracks. I know that I failed to mention that I built her her very own 20' X 12' storage building specifically for her gardening supplies and implements of destruction 10 years ago that is even climate controlled. It even has a ramp so it's easy to roll MY dolly in or even her wheelbarrow. Don't get me wrong, I love my wife and would be lost without her. But after all of these years it's still funny to think about this kind of stuff and have a good laugh. The things that frustrated me as a young man no longer frustrate me.

[@sshlept8070]

I really recommend a roll of thick mil. plastic. Just cut out a square big enough to line your wheelbarrow and then some. To mix, just grab twp corners and rock it back and forth in the plastic, alternate corners a couple times, and its mixed surprisingly quick. When you're done just ball up the plastic and toss it. And old boss of mine taught me that when I used to mix mortor for chinking log homes.

[@oldb-1kenobi]

I'm just a small home owner but I have hand mixed all my concrete (5 gallon bucket and a big paint stir stick) for the odd 35 or 40 fence post holes and other small projects that needed it. Wish I had this back then, looks easy and efficient and sure would have saved a lot of time and sore shoulders. Thank you for profiling this cool product.

[@LewisJD33911]

Scott, we love you. This is a heroic video.

[@cole141000]

For me, mixing in a bucket with a 3/4” drill still works better than this. Faster, easy to haul around and you can keep buckets on relay while someone else carries them.

[@cavemanvi]

This a million times over. 5 gals are close to free if you know a couple of restaurant owners.

[@Industrialitis]

I always enjoyed doing it in a bus tub with a flat shovel, easy to see what your mix looks like as you go too.

[@sagerjoshua]

That's right Refuge Kids, try a narrow bucket and a spiral fishing rod holder. Add the water first and it's easy enough for a small cordless drill.

[@shandagirl8084]

This product is the fastest when you have no power or gas.

[@banjominer9682]

yep

[@mrkrause3]

How about rigging up a exercise bike on that thing like Mary Ann on Gilligan’s island?

[@mat399bmx]

YES

[@psidvicious]

I always preferred Maryann too and it’s actually not a bad idea. The legs are much more powerful and efficient than the arms. You could employ some gearing - First gear gets the batch going. Switch to second for more thorough mixing and finally third gear to finish it (or whatever gearing works most effectively). Employ a tilting drum to transfer to wheelbarrows for short transport.

[@kristoferjsommer]

Yeah! Doing a job with a little kiddo. What a great time. And for little jobs this looks great

[@Venge94]

that seems like a great idea, ive mixed many many wheelbarrows on concrete and everytime it just sucks, its back breaking, dusty and exhausting work, i like this idea.

[@ianfleischhacker6154]

Finally! A video with content I'm qualified to give a reasonable go at!

[@Badger1776]

No offense to the guy who invented this Bc it’s a good idea but after watching this I think I’d still rather mix in a wheelbarrow.

[@dickbutt7854]

Same. Looks more backbreaking than anything

[@cooldog60]

Not me, Wheelbarrow is a pain in the ass.

[@cooldog60]

@Jose Curtis In a concrete truck you can mix 20 yards.

[@sdawg58]

@@cooldog60 Have fun lugging this invention around the work site without wheels on it and then carrying shovels of concrete to the location of where you need the concrete... A wheelbarrow mixing is a slight pain but at least you can pour the concrete and move it from one area to the next with ease.

[@cooldog60]

@@sdawg58 I like having fun!

[@kendavis8046]

Once again you have demonstrated something useful!

[@EEKS4]

Keep it up Essential Craftsman!

[@samuraisystemsllc]

Seriously, $300. It probably cost a lot to make the injection molds, etc, but I can buy a harbor freight concrete mixer and a generator to power it for the same price with a decent sale. And it'll pour. The second he used a shovel to move the concrete to the hole, I was out. Even the tarp method is better as long as you have two people, and doesn't take up any space in the shed.

[@tzenophile]

yes. Not to mention how many wheelbarrows you can get for 300USD.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

Concrete mixer is $229 so you would probably spend a bit more on it and the generator. Plus it's a lot hard to move those things around. I don't think I would pay $300 for this either but it has a few advantages.

[@samuraisystemsllc]

I did say "with a decent sale", but I hear what you are saying. I just can't believe they didn't make the stand 6 inches taller, and the handles a foot longer. Really seems like they should've workshopped it a bit more before going to market.

[@Mrcaffinebean]

@@samuraisystemsllc yeah the ability to pour it would be a big improvement. although honestly I’m not sure that anyone mixes concrete enough to be one of these but not enough to need a real concrete mixer. It's kind of in the grey zone of a slight improvement. Then again I though touchscreen phones would never replace the blackberry so what do I know lol

[@wecx2375]

Yeah, it's stupid not to leverage electricity

[@MohsinExperiments]

That is very good and unique method. I want to try that.

[@anttiroppola4414]

But nowhere near as hazardous as AvE's Deere.

[@merlinsatrom9142]

I had seen the guy from Specific Love Creations use this and now that you are showing it to us as well, it seems like a brilliant reasonable easy tool. Thanks Scott! That me Steve for inventing it!

[@chrisinjax1648]

Awesome video and awesome product. Thank you for sharing.

[@4920539442940204]

I recently used an electric Mikita power drill with a cheap paint mixing wand in 5 gallon buckets and I’m now sold in that, however, I appreciate this review because you are teaching me a lot.

[@DaDaDo661]

A big hammer type drill or a normal drill? I can't see a normal drill bring able to mix a full bag of concrete without burning out

[@duncdunc76]

Pretty Awesome👍 Another plus is that it looks pretty light and portable compared to hauling a powered mixer around if your one of those do it all guys out of just your pick up truck. I have mixed way more concrete in a wheel barrow then I care to remember and I can say from the demo it looks to be quite handy.

[@davidb5978]

Easy enough that the little ones could help out Dad on his next big project.

[@mikewendell4748]

much love to you thanks for all your awesome videos

[@alchamone8133]

Great channel your construction knowledge is huge thanks for sharing it with us 👍🙏

[@jrk1666]

rarely one sees such an elegant solution

[@PhotonFlightTeam]

saw it first time on one of the Podcasts. thought then, and do now.....that backpacking that great tool into some quiet solitary workplace would be the perfect use

[@tatescharnberg1205]

Im calling them today, i like it!

[@stephendaniel168]

You know a lot of people are very vocal against this product but as a civil engineer I love this product and may buy one.

[@jamescole1786]

Love that Steel 60# quick crate cc mixer. Might need a (optional) wheel kit to move around uneven ground. Wheels (no flat) same size as regular wheel barrow. Very fine tool for us older handy men. Love yur comment using this with grandkids! Love yur videos!🙂👍👍👍

[@dexter255]

Thank you Sir for sharing knowledge! Build on my friends!

[@luket9128]

Pretty neat tool. In addition to having a second latch, it also would be more usable of the legs were adjustable, ro account for sloping ground.

[@brucebivens1199]

You're like the instruction book I wish I had with every tool

[@dwindi0406]

If there was a lever attached to one of the handles on a bearing, you could do the rocking from an ergonomic standing position. Just a design suggestion.

[@francois1473]

couple of screws and a bit of a 2x4 and your ready to go it seems. The length of these handles seems to be a packing design, any longer and the box would need to be bigger I guess.

[@dickbutt7854]

Or gearing on a crank. At that point hook a motor up to it. It quickly becomes every other concrete mixer. I think he was trying to KISS

[@user-ss2ly1ir6j]

Very good point

[@user-ss2ly1ir6j]

@Steve L Needs to be bigger too. One bag at a time sucks. Also, $300?? Nah

[@mihacurk]

@@user-ss2ly1ir6j and how much is a conventional mixer? Sure it is costier than a wheelbarrow, but if I was looking to buy a dedicated tool for a DIY purpose I would go for this over the standard mixer.

[@mikecarter3883]

Excellent content as always.

[@eugenedewet1157]

Simply Brilliant

[@ownyourworld]

This guy is great.Real old school do it right first time tradesman.

[@kevinh.2047]

Looks like it’s almost high enough to pour everything right out of the side and skip the shoveling.

[@Adamsadventures83]

I could be wrong but it looked like it had a limit on how far it could swing, which I'd suggest getting rid of for that reason. Plus you should be able to do 2 bags at once if you wanted. Only other issue I see with it is both handles being on one side. Put one on each side and make them about 4-6 inches longer so you can use them to dump the concrete in a post hole etc.

[@Inkling777]

I agree. The ability to pour into a form would be a major plus. That might be accomplished by having an angled extension to the base. The same idea could be used to give it wheels. On one side that base allows tilting and pouring without falling over. On the other it has large wheels, which allow it to be tilted and rolled about.

[@kevinh.2047]

Right. Maybe just throw a couple scrap pieces of lumber under one side or something. I would think shoveling would accelerate the wear on the plastic too.

[@lukechilds1691]

Hey I love you videos on logging too keep up the excellent videos on everything 💗

[@chindodawg]

Looks like it works well. My quick thoughts on possible refinement would be a slightly taller stand and the addition of wheels. This would facilitate bringing the mix to the work and having enough clearance to ,in many cases, allow pouring directly into the form without shovelling the entire batch.

[@ewingsharp8916]

Purchased one after listening to your podcast with the owner Nice piece of kit

[@steelemixer3278]

Thanks for that comment! We Would love a testimonials and pictures for my website and social media🤙🏼

[@bradsburgess4806]

Wow,I can really see thatScott was impressed,he did a proper analysis of the Mixer.👍👍👍😏

[@nickrnmaui]

I'll take a mud pan for that amount over that contraption. Plus a wheel barrow fires multiple jobs. That looks very bulky to store and travel with in the truck.

[@skylersteele9942]

Just wait till we make our wheelbarrow attachment 🤙

[@nickrnmaui]

@@skylersteele9942 awesome. Because you still need to get the the bags to the work area. It's a good tool.

[@JChamberlin]

The Steele Mixer seems like a clever device, but I don't see me retiring my wheelbarrow anytime soon. Besides using it to mix concrete, a wheelbarrow makes moving gravel, sand, dirt, etc really easy. The humble wheelbarrow is a fantastic multitasking tool.

[@-_James_-]

You could use this for mixing cocktails. :D

[@tzenophile]

@@-_James_- the best tool for mixing cocktails is a 2-litre soda bottle. And a funnel. Pour, screw cap back on, shake. For concrete, maybe not.

[@Sfyre]

Just a couple of possible improvements to consider: reduce the handles from 2 to 1, put it in the center to allow the bin to tip further, then increase the height so it can be dumped directly out to the job.

[@MikeBramm]

Seems like a pretty good idea for small jobs. On the edge that's closest to the ground when finished mixing and tilted over, it would be nice if that edge were a slight "V" shape instead of flat. The "V" shaped edge would allow you to better aim the concrete when pouring/pulling it into a hole.

[@michellemiller8880]

Love it!!!

[@Ralphy425]

Use a small tarp. Dump the bags of sackrete and portioned water on it. Roll the mix by alternately lifting the corners. 2 people can mix 4 60 lb bags in less than 5 min. Faster, easier, cheaper.

[@tricky6744]

We always used a tarp like that. It is a lot easier to pour in the hole as well. A tarp doesn't take up much space either.

[@daphlavor]

Can use a trash bag as well, just mix smaller amounts, great for posts, some have said just dump it in the hole and water, I’ve never tried that way.

[@rpnp2]

@@daphlavor Yeah I used those heavy duty trashbags at costco for this several times

[@alumidiaz4873]

Also a great solution for people with back issues, limited mobility, and/ or disability but who want or need to get on the tools. Such a good idea.

[@brianpoi5117]

Except for the fact that a bag of concrete is 60-90 pounds, probably too much for a person with back issues to lift safely.

[@alumidiaz4873]

@@brianpoi5117 Hmmm, very good point. Perhaps just those on worker comp claims then?? :)

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

"there's not a 6 year old in my circle of acquaintance that can mix sackrete in a wheelbarrow"

[@jackgreen412]

I can mix in a wheelbarrow but invariably there are dry pockets. Then I get it too wet. Oh well, it gets done. Years ago we were building a 22x32 garage. We formed it and paid a finisher 35 cents a square foot. Money well spent.

[@vitalrights7390]

Why not just measure the water with a bucket and use same amount of water each time? Usually the concrete bag suggest how much water to use per bag - depends a bit on how wet you want the mix and humidity, etc The plastic mixing bags are similar to this and work very well also or probly cheaper and easier to store :) Keep up the good works.

[@berryreading4809]

But a 6 year old can reach a $15 mud tub 😁 if you're on flat ground you can get close enough to dump the last half of the batch in by lifting the tub... the 6 year old will have to shovel all of it out 😆 plus a 24x36x8 tub will also hold 160 or 180lb of concrete easily 🤷‍♂️

[@colonelJ77]

@@vitalrights7390 that would require an iq above 80

[@saulgoodman2018]

A 6 year old cannot pull and push 60 pounds.

[@himself2]

Great concept, 10 out of 10

[@peehandshihtzu]

I'm spoiled I have a mixer. The thing about a mixer is they only seem good for one thing and take up some space. While it does take up some space I discovered that sandwiching some hardware cloth between two appropriate diameter floor tom rims and adding some set screws made the ultimate soil sifter. As a gardener I have found this addition to be fantastic as well as just mixing my own bulk raw components to create custom soils. The concrete mixer is an indispensable tool in my shed for sure. I've also used it to coil wire past a blade to strip it for recycling. Worked nicely. :)

[@chuckgabriel4507]

I like it. A good 2.0 version might include a way to elevate or tilt so that it can pour out. Maybe an offset or removable handle too.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Looks awesome, I might have to try it!

[@cowboybuilder]

Yes, do the next floor pad with it and tell us how you go, make a video for the guys.

[@lieutenant805]

looks like a pair of swingin nuts but to each his own.

[@gzus1482]

@@lieutenant805 You see what you want to see, but to each his own. 😂😂😂

[@mikemerc74]

You know when a concrete specialist gives a positive comment on a product in his field you know it’s worth giving it a try

[@didisaythat4230]

Says everyone that watches Mike Day's channel.

[@daveowen4009]

Try the tarp method out. Best way I've found to mix concrete. Pretty sure there's some videos out on that. Only down side is takes 2 people. Mix a bag in 15 seconds drag tarp and shape a pour spout right into form super fast. Little messy though.

[@mrkrause3]

Love America products/ingenuity! Thanks for promoting them!

[@kyleallen1835]

That’s an amazing tool

[@alasdairmunro1953]

What a neat idea! 👍🏼👍🏼😀

[@andrewkeeton3627]

Heavy duty contractor bag, same concept. Works pretty good

[@karenstokes2582]

the littlest harbor freight mixer works great.....I dragged it up to some pier holes on a hillside and dragged up a cord (i know with battery tools no one does this anymore but I did it for 50 years and you don't need the heavy cords) set it up to dump right into the hole..great....took an old guy two days to haul up 9 bags but the mixer made it doable at all...

[@troymcg]

When mixing by hand, nothing beats forming a cone on plywood with the dry mix, adding water to the center, waiting 5 minutes, then a quick turn with the shovel. Easiest way to scoop up the concrete when ti is mixed.

[@assessor1276]

Now THAT is cool! SUGGESTION: fill the water to the correct level and then empty the water back into a pail - now mark the level on the side of the pail. Now you have a calibrated pail marked with the amount of water suitable for one bag of Sakrete - and that would allow you to double the quantity and do two, or more bags in a batch.

[@bemckinn1985]

It definetly looks cool! I can say for a fact I won't be spending to close to $300 they want for one but I do agree with a previous comment that it would be a great addition to any tool rental place.

[@cayde7469]

I’m kinda sad that the spec house is getting so close to being done. Great work so far, I look forward to the next video and podcast.

[@GuitarWithJamie]

Love this method! Great video. Thanks! Watch how far your body is from the unit while you’re shoveling at 3:57. If that was me, I could see that hurting my back eventually. Have a good day, take care.

[@thecainer64]

That's pretty cool

[@lukula2934]

Been using a heavy duty drill and mixer head in a 5 gallon buckets for decades. Perfect for 60lb. bags. Very quick, can fill a 4ft. x 12 in. sono tube in minutes. Also, pro tip, add a 3/4 shovel of portland to each 60# mix. Greatly improves strength. Problem with premixed concretes/cements in bags is the portland breaks down when sitting for a long time dry or quickly if the slightest moisture gets in.

[@Everfalling]

There used to be this heavy duty plastic bag called The Cement Solution where you just poured in the mix and water, bunched up the top, and kinda rolled the bag side to side on the ground. there's a video demo online that shows a guy mixing a bag in a minute from start to finish. i've done it with a heavy duty trash bag and it works great. only really good for small batches since it only handles one bag at a time.

[@joe86johnson]

This mixer reminds me of some of the kitchen items you get for older people so they can maintain their independence a bit longer. As long as I'm healthy enough to have any business mixing concrete myself, I don't think one of these things will be on the job site. Thanks for letting us know what's available though, just in case.

[@eddiexoc8430]

Great video

[@TwilightRage2099]

It's almost identical, in function and form, to an old world butter churner. I remember seeing ones that were formatted like this, though smaller of course, that worked by people kicking it as they walked past to keep it rocking and mixing.

[@KurtMGibbs]

I agree, it's a cool design. However, the $297 price tag seems way too much for something that serves only one purpose, as opposed to a wheelbarrow. I can buy 3 double-wheeled wheel barrows (no worries about tipping) for the price of one Steele Mixer.

[@themarkfunction]

Since we're talking about concrete, would love to see a video with your thoughts on polyurethane products like Sika for post holes and similar.

[@andrewmantle7627]

Too expensive and soft. I work in a store that sells it and I've had lots of people laugh at the $ for each post.

[@DrDjones]

Really opens up the possibilities for the regular person. I would probably just spritz it when mixing a little to keep the dust down.

[@cavemanvi]

Dumbest doctor ever. Good luck spraying down a cloud of powder

[@rranger1014]

Very interesting!

[@carterhoule1276]

I'm a deck building contractor and last week we hand mixed and poured 2 yards of concrete between 2 guys in one 8 hour day. You know what we used to mix it? A sheet of tyvek or housewrap. We jokingly call it the crete sheet but its hands down the cheapest and best way to hand mix concrete. You take a sheet of pretty much anything, tyvek being the best we've ever used, and two guys just lift the corners of the sheet and you literally just fold the concrete in on itself. Another bonus of this method, once its mixed its ready for transport. Just crack as bag, add water as needed, get that crete good and mixed and walk the whole unit over to where you need. You will never hand mix concrete another way, I shit you not it is as fast as a stand alone mixer.

[@jesseison-bowman3964]

I love concrete and all things concrete related!!!

[@annettesurfer]

I prefer wheelbarrows but I've been considering trying the Rubbermaid Brute method. The cheap Home Depot electric concrete mixer I bought required the drum to be moving before dumping in the mix, which I thought was dumb so I just got rid of it. Perhaps they thought along the lines of shovel at a time of sand, cement, and stones.

[@idgtprodigy4075]

So cool

[@gqp3215]

Well driller 35 years, Md. Have mixed with electric boat motor and trash pump, barrels fabricated, tremie pipe down annulus of well. Had diaphragm tash pump, mono I never got working. Left all and 22w Bucyrus Erie in Hiati mountains near Dominican Republic

[@user-fx4qz8pt3w]

We use a 6'x6' tarp, pour the bag of concrete onto it, 2 guys hold the corners of the tarp and add the water. Slosh it back and forth a little and pour it directly into the sonotubes or forms. The quickest way I know of to mix and pour bagged concrete.

[@mysticalglowtv1796]

Just some observations: It would be great to be able to pour it directly out. It would be better to not be limited to only one bag. It would be much better to be able to wheel it to the intended pour site. If the wheelbarrow wasn't already invented I say invent one but in this case I really think that this is a case of reinventing the wheel. Love the channel. Keep up the good work.

[@shagbark5419]

Needs to be higher and the shoot longer so you can just dump it out and maybe on wheels . I prefer to mix more bags at once I'll stick with the wheelbarrow

[@MaxRenke]

people really like to armchair quarterback everything these days

[@markmaker2488]

I agree, needs to be a hybrid of wheelbarrow and his contraption plus add the extra features you suggested and I’d definitely get one

[@MrJramirex]

@@MaxRenke in this case this isn't armchair quarterbacking. It's giving suggestions, and his suggestion is valid. Mobility and the ability to dump straight out of it is why wheelbarrows are used to mix concrete.

[@davewood406]

Yeah, I can see this mounted in a frame similar to 2 wheeled wheelbarrows for stability while you're mixing, that gives you the opportunity to lock the thing over then tip it like a regular wheelbarrow. Removing the requirement to shovel the mix out is a significant improvement(but the option is still there). Plus it would be easier to move around.

[@MaxRenke]

@@MrJramirex it literally is because you're responding to EC's video, not the designer. and it's pretty arrogant to think that you can improve the guys product like that.

[@johnleven8907]

Some things seem very original, not because nobody thought of it before, but because nobody thought it was worth it. Often times, they were right.

[@EM-fi2qg]

Great idea! I'll just throw out my advice here. As this invention progresses, hopefully he will make the wooden arms longer for us taller guys. It makes me think of when I mix thinset with the paddle mixer, my spine is just about done. Hunching over like that destroys my back to where I'm a mess all day. Either way, I would love to try this. 👍🇺🇲

[@davidtaylor4053]

Yes. Maybe o ly one handle also. Frame could be a little taller also.

[@workin4alivin585]

Just slip a couple scrap pieces of pipe/tubing over the wooden handles. Presto! Extensions!

[@BeasoreBilly]

I don’t do enough small concrete to buy one of these but if I did, the first thing I’d do is make longer, easy to remove/retractable handles.

[@workin4alivin585]

Put a piece of pipe/tubing over the handles to make them longer.