How to repair a trip hazard or an uneven raised concrete sidewalk or slab

[@sarag1158]

we just got letters from the city on my street. You just saved me like 1400 bucks. I have a plug-in angle grinder from harbor freight and I was thinking about filling the low spots with some self-leveling concrete.

[@sofexpert]

Hope it worked out for you.

[@froglobster]

I like your Grateful logo ! Saw them with Santana at Tacoma Dome a few decades back

[@johnmartin5153]

I used a Hercules diamond grinder and it didn’t work at all for me. Ended up using a crack chaser and it made quick work of it

[@pinoy0125]

Best DIY video about grinding uneven sidewalk. Thanks bud. I almost thought of hiring a handyman until I saw this video

[@sofexpert]

Glad it helped

[@fhlx22]

TY. Finally someone showing the simple method.Wet surface solves dust and grind down. TY

[@karmicselling4252]

Wet grinding produces concrete slurry which is an environment hazard and needs to be disposed of in the correct manner. If wet grinding is done with a corded electric angle grinder, certain precautions must be taken to minimise the chance of the operator getting an electric shock.

[@monteroc8990]

No worries about the kids. They will always remember the day...daddy cut concrete with diamonds, priceless. Great job

[@KeepMoving4wrd]

Yours is DEFINITELY the EASIEST way to fix it. I can grind! Thanks from a single mother.

[@sofexpert]

God bless all the mothers! 🙏😎

[@mariadelia7945]

Nice solution to try. Kids now know diamonds are the hardest substance on earth...not just seeing it and reading it in a book but real time seeing it being used...Application always best way to learn.

[@mrnonpc9885]

Good job. I need to do this too after watching an Amazon delivery driver on a Ring video nearly fall on his face from tripping over my raised concrete.

[@pjwoo276]

work work work, never ends. but the part that brings a smile is the beautiful voice of never ending kids questions.... Daddy, what's this, what's that Daddy ? And also precious, the days when relatively simple answers are enough to resolve a childs curiosity.

[@diggingmystyle]

This is the best way to solve this problem. Cities do it all the time when roots lift sidewalks.

[@froglobster]

Thank you for sharing this. I’ve had this issue for a few years and contractors wanna charge me arm n leg but I got Home Depot 10 minutes away and have 3 angle grinders all power corded lol!

[@sofexpert]

Proud of you!

[@vinced2514]

3 angle grinders... 'cause changing disks is just too time consuming. At least that's why "I" have 3! Is it possible to have too many tools? I doubt that I'll ever know. 😉

[@froglobster]

@@vinced2514 5 now, cutting, grinding,sanding ,wire cup, and a spare.

[@tommason5689]

I just got a notice from city. This video gave me confidence I can do this myself with minimal dust. Found $10 grinder on Harbor freight. Will try this myself. Thanks for the video!!

[@tommason5689]

Well, I tried this today on 1/2 - 3/4 in bump with $10 Harbor Freight grinder and the grinder blade you recommended from Amazon. It turns out, in my case, it took at least 30min of grinding time to get it down to about half. So I guess it all depends on how hard your slab is. Unfortunately in my case, it is much harder than yours as it definitely did NOT cut through like "butter" as you mentioned in your video. I quit after 30min due to hot weather and the dust it created. i have to finish it up when it gets cool enough. In hind sight, I should have just hired the city to do the job for $155. Oh, well, at least, I got the cheap grinder that works reliably just in case I need it again in the future for something else.

[@davidoconnell4433]

Thanks for the tip. I have Ryobi tools and I just might expand my line.

[@tracystjohn1957]

Thanks for posting the video. It really helped me out and saved me a ton of money.

[@KarenPfeifer]

Thanks so much for this video. It went exactly like your film and I saved so much money. This was pretty hard work as I had 5 cracks to level but doable in a half day.

[@sofexpert]

Glad it helped!

[@datadude1819]

I love these kids, A correct Frisbee!!!! Finally!! 👊😎

[@kcwyo]

This is what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@dalehammond1704]

"cuts through the butter like concrete" Thanks for this video, I have to do this myself.

[@sofexpert]

Brings smile every time

[@Sus-banana]

My friend died by using the angle grinder

[@Jallelab99141]

@@Sus-banana how?

[@Semiam1]

In the North this will help prevent sudden stops when using a snowblower

[@brianc9642]

That’s what got me watching it.

[@johnnyberning]

Exactly why I'm doing this.....and some tool applications (like this one) are always better in cordless form!

[@johnnyberning]

Sorry.....I meant corded form. Cordless sanders and grinders are almost always inferior to their corded counterparts!

[@lorddabber3016]

Yes! Too late now as winter is here - but will do this come next spring!

[@MAGAman-uy7wh]

Thanks a lot , I have the exact same situation and have been wonder what the best solution would be. My grinder is corded so I won't have the battery drain issue.

[@sofexpert]

Glad I could help

[@texasdiymama]

Such a helpful video! I need to do this so now I know! Thank you for sharing!

[@sofexpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ladweeb1798]

Thanks for the video, you I inspired me to give this a try!

[@davidater9]

That was faster than I thought it would be.

[@karmicselling4252]

Thanks for the video. I hope you don't mind me making a few comments. 1/ You are using a Diamond GRINDING DISK. It is not a BLADE! A blade is a completely different disk. A blade cuts the concrete. A grinding disk just grinds it down. You could have used a diamond blade to cut a nice shallow even edge first. And then used the diamond grinding disk to smooth the surface to a more even finish. Using a blade first means a lot less time spent grinding. Less dust and less wear and tear for both your angle grinder and your grinding disk. 2/ Wetting down the surface will reduce the dust being generated. It also keeps to temperature of the disks lower. However, it is necessary to use the appropriate disks in this instance. Some disks are only rated for dry use. 3/ You are using a Cordless (ie Battery powered) angle grinder. Using cordless grinders on wet surfaces is generally safe. However, Electric angle grinders should always be connected to circuits protected by Residual Current Devices (ie Safety Switches), especially when being used to cut or grind wet surfaces. (Never use an electric angle grinder in the rain though!) 4/ Your approach is effective working with small areas. Always make sure to use appropriate PPE including, eye protection, ear protection, P2 respirator mask, and appropriate clothing, gloves and footwear. Angle grinders are dangerous tools at the best of times so always take extra caution when using them. And never use them in the vicinity of other people ... especially children. Cheers from the Land Down Under.

[@sofexpert]

Thanks, very insightful.

[@joshdoohen]

Yeah the Blade would ONLY be needed if you have a very large 2 inch+ raise in the concrete. A blade woujld NOT be used in all situations.

[@NOne-yt1tj]

Well done!

[@JRS-iq9pz]

That's very nice. I wonder if you could use a chisel to round off the edge.

[@sofexpert]

I don't recommend a chisel for this as it will more likely result in an uneven and unsightly edge.

[@chrisbrown9071]

I tried w/ a chisel & all it did was break big uneven chunks out & made my problem even more difficult to remedy. Longfloat is absolutely correct on “an uneven & unsightly edge”

[@karmicselling4252]

The appropriate chisel could be used to round off the edge. Just need to go very slowly and chisel off the sharp edges in a very fine manner. Then employ an angle grinder to finish off the whole edge to produce a smooth result. This method may end up taking less time and would certainly produce less dust.

[@microkool]

Thanks for the video! I need to fix a similar trip hazard and I was wondering if you have the link or the brand of the discs you got. I've seen a couple of videos here and they seem to struggle a lot more on theirs. Thanks!

[@sofexpert]

The diamond discs that I used https:/amzn.to/3xKUsyv

[@sofexpert]

Diamond grinder discs that I used amzn.to/3xKUsyv

[@beckyw2459]

You are awesome!

[@CaffeineJogger]

GREAT JOB

[@stillme9171]

I burned out a plug in Ryobi grinder doing this.

[@ponsaravanan]

Good job

[@MrRight-MAGA-KAG]

Thanks dad :)

[@ebonycarter76]

Amazing product

[@sirjohnahayfalcon]

I ran into this ended up adding concrete not the prettiest but no more hazard

[@belfernandes1]

Can I rent this tool at Home Depot or similar and just buy the blades?

[@dakolbycrittenden-brown229]

You sure can. be sure to grab a 7inch grinder that would probably be corded. Be sure to take your time as using grinders are pretty dangerous In the hands of a novice.

[@sofexpert]

Avoid the 7 inch grinder if it's your first time grinding anything. They are pretty powerful and intimidating.

[@christophermattheis1998]

What if its 3 inches?

[@yanezpb7109]

Where are you located I own a business doing this on larger scale trip hazards I can get a 3 inch thick cut done in less than 2 hours

[@christophermattheis1998]

Verona nj.

[@e.p.t.2358]

My city repairs them by busting out the old concrete and re-pouring.

[@DrewReynolds]

Probably the better long-term solution. The pad settlement usually means the base under it needs to be redone to stop it completely or roots need to be cut etc. All things that are easier to do if you just remove the pad and repour.

[@godkung1]

These blades are only for grinding? Do they cut concrete, too?

[@sofexpert]

Only grinding. The blade is pretty think, so not good for cutting

[@LaserMade84]

Cuts through the butter like concrete! lol

[@sofexpert]

Haha

[@The_DC_Kid]

You mean to say your little battery-operated toy runs only 5 minutes on a charge? I'm shocked. Here's a tip for working on a surface that's at ground level: if you get on your knees you'll have much better control and leverage and the finished surface will be less irregular. There are logical reasons flooring installers do their job while on their knees.

[@sofexpert]

Definitely will keep in mind next time!

[@al100ad]

Just wear a dust mask and eye protection.

[@luckyparsi]

This is what i beed to do. Concrete guy asking 150$. How odd does it look on the grinded area vs original.

[@MrDIY-jk5ge]

If you keep your hand and arm movement slow and sturdy and get the grinding area straight, it looks decent. Actually it looks smoother than the professionally ground sidewalks as they use rotary chisels I think.

[@MrDIY-jk5ge]

Also, ensure that the diamond blade stays on the raised side and doesn't bite into the other side as it will leave a mark

[@froglobster]

@@MrDIY-jk5ge good point thanks for that input I gotta do the same task

[@juez4733]

The cheapest quote I got is $750, which is to remove and re-pour the concrete.

[@sofexpert]

May not be a bad thing if you got money :)

[@Val2073]

A better solution is to raise the concrete using spray foam cans. Hammer drill the insertions points and use foam spray cans to lift it to level. Its very easy and actually fixes it by leveling it and not just mask's the problem. They sell the polyurethane cans (Great Stuff Cracks & Gap) for $3 at Home Depot.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

I tried that and it didn't work.

[@sofexpert]

This requires more skill than one would think. Also, could create a hard to clean mess.

[@JohnAnderson-kt4mb]

Be careful, that little amount of grinding there will absolutely burn that ryobi up!

[@sofexpert]

That should not be a problem as it has a brushless motor.

[@mikehorowitz7113]

😅😂