Is it easier to mix concrete in a trash can?!

[@tobullard]

I used to work as a railroad signal man. I regularly had to mix concrete in the middle of no where to set any number of things. The easiest way I’ve ever found to mix concrete (premix bags) is with a small tarp. With two people, you empty the dry concrete in the center of the tarp, make a dent like mashed potatoes and put water in dent. Each person grabs a corner of the tarp (6x8) and you flip opposite corners of the tarp to fold the concrete onto itself. When ready, you fold the tarp in half and dump. One person can do the same thing by tying the other two corners to the truck.

[@kirkwilson5900]

I hope Michael tries this way. Sounds brilliant

[@toonybrain]

If you build a cob house, this is how you mix it - the straw, clay and, sand. 🙂

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

What if there is only one person though?

[@tobullard]

@@Bonzi_Buddy I answered that in the original post. You can tie off two corners to the truck or a fence or whatever you have available and it works exactly the same.

[@LadyEtWatch]

What a great idea...I like it

[@Siamko]

Saw an old timer show how to mix concrete in a heavy duty plastic bag. Put the bag where your gonna pour. Move to concrete mix to the bag along with water. He split it up into manageable weights in buckets. Add both parts into the on site plastic bag Roll the bag back and forth until we’ll mixed. Cut bag on top roll it over itself ending with the cut in the mold cut side down. Lift the bag edges and all the concrete dumps into the mold. Squeeze the bag like a baking piping bag to remove excess. This process allows you to control the size of the batch and eliminates wheel barrow and shovel work.

[@kenwelch198]

My Dad used to use a heavy duty contractor bag for mixing concrete. As long as you don't get crazy rolling it around it works great!

[@Mommy3163]

My son said "Mom, try using a trash bag". Immediately I was like.."Ummm.. What"?!?! He said "when you're up on a mountain working you use what you got. Black trash bags are perfect". I tried it for my pavers and it was MIND BLOWING! Easy to mix, easy to pour and SO much easier on my "Mom Arms"! Try it! You won't be disappointed 😊

[@IVespidI]

I like mixing in a heavy black trash bag. Dump in the concrete, mix in the water, twist up the end of the bag and roll it around a few times. Works great.

[@BRpunkRock]

An 18-in Wood-Handle Mortar Hoe and plastic mixing tub are my preferred tools.

[@iamram93]

An easier method - get a heavy duty low speed mixing drill with a mixing attachment (shaped like an egg beater) . 5 gallon bucket. And mix it where you’re tipping it with the required water. You can even put it on a trolley if you need to move it somewhere.

[@nattyw495]

We do this also but we put the bucket on a dolley before we mix it..good minds think alike..lol

[@antiisocial]

Seems like it would just be easier to mix it in a wheelbarrow? A wheelbarrow has a wheel and once you roll it to where you want it, you can scoop it out with an ice scoop or a small shovel. Edit: Depending on what you doing, you don't have to mix a full bag at once. Just do half.

[@threeriversforge1997]

It's not a bad idea, except that it relies too much on the human to mix. As one of those older guys having troubles, my first thought was that the thing only needed a cradle of 2x4's that set on the ground. With 4 casters to hold the can at a decent angle, you could then rotate the can all day long without you having to support the weight. You'd need a fifth caster at the bottom so the can didn't simply slide down the cradle, of course. It could work almost like a hand truck, with the cradles standing up so you could then roll the can around to wherever you needed to dump the concrete. Of course, by the time you go through all this rigamarole, you might as well just buy a small mixer and a whatnot.

[@daniel5927]

What? No bucket scraper!? 😆 As a disabled individual, I appreciate your effort to try different methods of mixing concrete that might be beneficial to others.

[@wheelerdealer2105]

Put the water in first. It mixes a lot easier.

[@whocares6698]

Maybe a smaller trash can or other bucket? Thanks for trying

[@jomangeee]

thats just creating a problem when non exist

[@paddymarcotte674]

Would love to see you try one of the Cement Mixing Bags next. That's what looks easiest to me but haven't had a chance to try it. I'm curious about how "reusable" those bags really are, too.

[@gsilcoful]

Looking forward to the tests.

[@y002cjw]

I have often used a paint bucket. Insert ingredients. Put lid back on and give it a good roll/shake. Sorted. Great for small jobs. Easier clean up too.

[@harrykim4513]

maybe try a skateboard wheels turned upside down wedged and tilted up at an angle, or a lazy suzan or hang it off a bungee cord or rope.?

[@jhartwells]

You could do the same thing with a smaller quantity using like a cup measuring cup into a 5 gallon bucket. This way it could actually be done while seated

[@bellasue02]

That's my style

[@pepsilove6306]

if you dont mild alil bit of a mess on the yard, we poked a hole in the bottom of our trash can, and ran piece of really long repair into the ground at an angle with a little plate on the end to hold the can up in the air alil, when put long bolts on the side of the can like a old ship wheel, allows u to turn it in place much faster with less work. but it can make tiny mess every time you lift the can off the pole.

[@johntzeimet]

I am really interested in how the dry ones come out because it seems so much easier.

[@billmthacker]

Put yhe lid on it and kick it down a hill😂😂

[@bellasue02]

Yeah after the hurricane when I replaced my fence I had to load and I load 80lb bags at home depot. All the employees were helping the big contractors. Haven't want to do anything with concrete scence

[@multimossad]

I remember an advertisement like 20 years ago about a plastic bucket with spirals inside similar like those of an electric cement mixer , the bucket had an hermetic lid and after filling you just put the lid and rolled it on the ground , I guess it wasnt very popular because I hadnt seeing it again.

[@leahrowe847]

I swear most of those ideas, & even the dry pour, get shot down by so-called professionals in the industry for fear the DIY warriors will replace them. Have you read the comments on every dry pour video trying to debunk the process, not to mention the totally biased videos of Wet pour individuals doing it absolutely wrong on purpose, trying to influence people against it. Why not live & let live... Bc we all know there will always be people who don't wanna do themselves, can't physically do it themselves, don't have time to do it themselves, ect. Let the process evolve organically, or do like Michael is doing is be unbiased!!

[@MrJohnweez]

Excited for the tests!

[@Burns64363]

Yes .. use that rubber made one .. I irks so good add half water first , Toss one bag and the add the other half

[@DesertRider250r]

stick a paddle on a big drill like your mixing thinset and you can probably spin 2 or 3 bags at a time faster than you just did one

[@samelloit602]

On a 8x8 slab if I saw 8 inches from the end , lay my downspout in the void, will I be able to rebar and cement the piece I took out back into place without issues ? By the way everyone I know I send them to Michael Builds for ideas and tips.

[@ColonelSandersLite]

@5:52 "I suppose it has it's place" The place I see for this - You're doing a small DIY project, you don't have a wheelbarrow, and there are reasons you don't want to get one at the moment. That being said, the tarp method is probably better. Just IMHO though.

[@davidhorizon8401]

Maybe if you built a holder with some wheels so it would be easier to turn. But really, without some inside paddles, I don't think so.

[@badmotherhumper]

ya, my thougt to with the paddles, but at that point, just use a mixer. Harbor frieght cheap o or a big box rental

[@keithosterkamp6207]

It would be helpful to have a sheet of plywood on the ground to help Lower the resistance caused by the bottom edge of the can cutting into the dirt. It your doing a lot of concrete you could repurpose an inexpensive piano dolly turned upside down and move the wheels closer together to perch the can onto. You can elevate one end with a 4x4 or something larger to keep the material in the bottom end. You will need to fashion some kind of stop at the bottom so it doesn’t slip out of the cradle. A couple shorter pieces of 2x4 made into a L shape and attached to the piano dolly with an inexpensive fixed caster facing the barrel bottom would also lower turning resistance. Place it close to the intended pad and It could be shoveled out when ready.

[@LadyEtWatch]

Is there a diagram of this somewhere? Thankyou in advance❤

[@descargaelbano]

Maybe it would have been a lot easier rolling a drum back and forth on a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood instead of grass and dirt?

[@kirkwilson5900]

His poor grass. That'll be fun to mow in a few weeks with bits n pieces of crete n rocks. On a canvas tarp at least come on Mr Michael teach us easy ways to keep clean ish too ❤

[@jamesmcfeely6592]

Maybe rivet some fins help mix

[@neffk]

Would a plastic trash can work better? One with a radius at the bottom corner, instead of the sharp transition on that metal can. Anyway, thanks for the video.

[@jamespearson3216]

As someone who has fought with his yard and getting a good lawn going, this broke my heart that you did it on your grass. :(

[@Kineth1]

even better, he's going to leave it there for a few weeks

[@LamMa-dj6hh]

My bac is hurting watching this

[@notcherbane3218]

I think the trash can idea has a possibilities but I believe you would have to break it into half bags instead of a full bag, And if you could put a lid on it where it would be watertight then I think it would work pretty easy half a bag in what water you think you need put the lid on tight to where it won't come off and then roll it around that way, ? What do you think ?

[@toonybrain]

I had the same thought: lid on, then roll that baby across the yard with your foot. 😁

[@LokiScarletWasHere]

Hmmmmmm... This and the price for a bag of the stuff has me tempted to try pouring some myself. Though probably not with that trash can.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

I think your better off one sack at a time in a wheelbarrow. Just part out the sack in a bucket to the wheelbarrow a few times. But what about a big smooth sided bucket or a 5 gal bucket in 2 3 batches and use one of those paint / mortor mixers on a drill.

[@joedogmckeel]

The only thing I saw that would make the "quality control' test a little easier is have the 48 hour up front and the 4 weeks in the back. That way you could do the test. Clean up the mess, then have a clear view of next test without anything in front of it.

[@dayinthelifeofmycat]

I'd like to know why the home improvement stores don't sell concrete in 20 or 30 lb. bags so that people with bad backs or weaklings like me can handle them better!

[@andylimb]

It would make sense but most concrete calculators for bagged goods are based upon 60 and 80 pound sacks. Industry standard strength is also based upon sacks per yard.

[@daniel5927]

Having severe arthritis and osteoporosis, I agree with your statement 100%.

[@davidhorizon8401]

@@andylimb Yes but I can do the math. That is not the problem. Picking up 80 lbs when I am 60 with a bad back is.

[@rogermccaslin5963]

Probably a few reasons. Industry standards (not to say they can't be broken). Economy of scale and small packaging would make the concrete much more expensive. The market for 20 lb. bags is probably miniscule compared to larger bags. The last reason is they don't care about weaklings and bad backs. 😁

[@robcschweitzer]

Soooooo, true! I just poured two A/C pads. 22 bags of 50 lbs… days of sore muscles and back.

[@MajorGRecording]

I was just searching through your videos to see if you have done anything with aircrete yet and didn't find anything. Maybe that could be your next experiment???

[@krickette5569]

If the trash can/barrel had wheels it might work better?

[@leahrowe847]

I think that'd make rolling it in a circle & mixing harder 🤔 I was thinking a smaller (not so deep) trash can or maybe a metal washtub... 🤔 It's too bad the stuff is so labor intensive for those of us with physical limitations!!

[@krickette5569]

@@leahrowe847 Have you ever heard of hypertufa? That might be something you would enjoy and looks much the same.

[@andydroid9782]

I can't believe your yard would even like you. Lol.

[@darrylparker8088]

I used a 4 x 6 tarp…. very easy 1 person or 2

[@kstofkos]

I dump 2 80lb bags in a large wheelbarrow then use a short D handle flat shovel and mix it like I am rowing a canoe.

[@dawncornwall6268]

You need a sand patch for your concrete experiments. Also, mixing concrete can’t be eloquent. Concrete is mute. 😂

[@sharrykitz9231]

A little carpentry and some caster wheels and you could turn it in place like a regular mixer.

[@CF_Sapper]

This is what I was thinking, maybe not easier but a potential way to make a home made mixer.

[@sharrykitz9231]

@@CF_Sapper depends on the size and needs of your property whether that is a efficient use of time and space.

[@CF_Sapper]

@@sharrykitz9231 Oh Defiantly, and materials laying around. you could probably get a very simple version using a small 4 wheeled car flipped upside down titled up and a few modifications, to a very complex welded steel frame and a old treadmill motor. the small home depot ones are not terribly expensive and there is the option to rent one, or use a wheel barrow and a shovel, home depot buckets and a drill attachment. or pay someone to do it, there is no one answer to fit all just more options.

[@sharrykitz9231]

@@CF_Sapper I’ve rented those before. If I don’t buy one though it will be a larger tow behind for my needs. We just started building on our rural property and I have a ton of concrete jobs to work on. I’m big into low maintenance fencing around the working area so my dogs can run free while I’m working in the yard so I’m going to make concrete fence posts as well as raised beds. “Man about tools” has a lovely design they scales up or down or out for your needs. All concrete so it’s permanent. You should check him out.

[@CF_Sapper]

@@sharrykitz9231 funny you mention that I am looking at taking One of the mid size ones who fame is rusted out but the motor and concrete "bucket" part are still good, and turning it into a small pull behind for yard work complete with a water tank, small electric water pump and storage for concrete bags. I've got most of the stuff laying around already. But I will definitely check out man about tools!

[@Pallidus_Rider]

I just use a morter tub and my Dad's 50+ year old garden rake

[@dozenfaun]

maybe for disabled peoples, rather than rolling it in the air they can tilt the trash can on a long low bench, concrete wall, etc to support the weight and just roll on it at angle

[@R900DZ]

Using a mixing drill will make it easier

[@marielynn5234]

Hi Michael! ❤ As usual I'm intrigued and can't wait to see how this trash can concrete mix works! I WOULD LOVE for you to perfect this me method and build some kind of roller cart where the trash can could spin with a hand crank and then rolled into place dump and pour. Lol but that sounds like a tremendous amount of work and money too 😅

[@LadyEtWatch]

Not if ya plan on doin a bunch...

[@johnhamilton9229]

You always need to be in good “form”. 👊

[@dalespringerwilson4233]

Before i watch... NO.... Im old... ❤

[@jamesmatheson5115]

Dry ready mix concrete must be cheap in America, because I have always found it to be cheaper to mix my own raw materials, only time I would use a ready mix is if I needed a small amount.

[@alan-qd3vb]

I don't really think its that cheap but most are doing smaller jobs so its the best option for them if you have a mixer and bring in enough sand and gravel its still likely cheaper to just buy the portland cement and mix your own depending on how much the gravel and sand cost you to get delivered.

[@earlyriser8998]

@@alan-qd3vb absolutely right.....to source materials for a job like Michael did would be a huge pain....1 bag per form is so much more convenient

[@thisoldproperty]

Man, your lawn must take a beating.

[@beanieweenie9543]

I swear the more people try to make things easier the more just make harder and more complicated. It doesn’t get any easier than a cement mixing tub or wheelbarrow and mixing hoe.

[@JacobShepherdEngineer]

I was going to say, balancing 60 pounds of concrete on a barrels edge while turning it doesn't sound very easy.

[@jimmycheek-r2v]

now you know why they invented concrete/cement mixers!!!

[@ohiofarmer5918]

I had a bathroom from hell that I had to reinforce the outside wall and new treated plate that I had already affixed in place to the wood stud wall we needed strength because of years of poor construction in the first place. I was sick at the time with a disease that gave me a 20 percent chance of a five year survival. It had to go in a single pour and thirty eight bags of eighty pounders had to leave the truck bed, in the mixer, out of the mixer I to two buckets, up three steps and another 20 foot carry into the bathroom to pour into a skinny top of the form. The last three bags I was crying it hurt so bad. Sixty years old and just too mean to die .it's twelve years later Bath turned out nice with an all tile shower pan and even the ceiling has tile . Never again Anyway, a hardware store sold me their twin wheel mixer that is a glorified wheelbarrow mixer hybrid. Throw it in, mix and dump. You could actually mix it right where you pour. Game changer

[@marytramp5678]

MIcheal i LOVE Love love your channel and have earmarked so many of your projects to try out.. But I refuse to shop a Home Depot. Just a personal thing, but i find that a store that supports the trashing of America doesn't deserve my business. goes against my beliefs. I know that you are sponsored by rapid set and it I have nothing against them per say, but would quickrete do the same thing as rapid set as they are basically the same thing?

[@Xonikz]

😂, this is way more effort over all.

[@albertozelaya9391]

All ideas are welcome

[@Tragonftw]

👍

[@randycrager4074]

Nah, I'll stick with my mixing pan and either a shovel or a rake. Much faster and more thorough.

[@anthonyroberts9034]

Two minutes in a wheelbarrow seems much simpler.

[@kwats6510]

The first question we have to ask ourselves is…. CAN this work? …..can? Anybody?? Never mind

[@finders-keepers1518]

I honestly think a wheel barrow and hoe would be easier.

[@mathew00]

The whole premise of the video is how to help people who are disabled or potentially have health problems and can't pick the bag up. How are you going to get the bag in a wheelbarrow if you can't pick it up.

[@finders-keepers1518]

@@mathew00 if you think a disabled person could do what's in this video then you've lost your marbles. Besides....you can literally tip it over just like the can and put the material in it. Prop it up and mix like a human being instead of being bent over the whole time.

[@mathew00]

There are all levels of disabled. It sounds like you have a picture of your mind of what a disabled person looks like. I don't recommend that because disabled comes in all shapes and sizes. For example. A person with one arm might be able to do what is shown in the video easier then trying to lift one of those bags of concrete up to a wheelbarrow. Many disabled people don't want physical help, they just want a solution to do the job themselves.

[@finders-keepers1518]

@@mathew00 right....for the 5% of the whatever percent are "disabled" this perfect. The majority will be better off and hurting less after using a wheel barrow.

[@Jack-ht3di]

Buy yourself a good wheelbarrow and a hoe; save yourself a lot of hassle and easily mix perfect, small batches of concrete.

[@SaltyDooDoo]

It doesn't look too easy to roll/mix if it's for old/disabled people. 😂

[@dennisschickling2249]

Nice. Thanks. #STAYSAFE #PHILLYPHILLY

[@williambledsoe5645]

No

[@KMNixon]

Didn't care for the trashcan method? You're such a NIMBY. jk 😜

[@azr6917]

Mix concrete not cement bozo

[@jeromegarcia5396]

🤣🤣🤣 Elderly don't mix cement 🤭🤭 if they do they will pay for it be they should be old enough to understand reality...

[@leahrowe847]

Stereotype much...

[@jeromegarcia5396]

@@leahrowe847 I'm old @ucker 🤷🤷🤷 I got ball hair older than you, so I'm exempt from your feelings actually Karen

[@alvaradoramos2838]

I finding it better way mix by goin to home depo an get 3 mexicans

[@350speedfreak]

Looking forward to the tests