Red Seal Concrete Finisher Practice Exam

What tool is typically used for cutting control joints in concrete?

1. Axe

2. Shovel

3. Concrete saw

4. Chisel

The correct answer is: Concrete saw

The tool most commonly used for cutting control joints in concrete is a concrete saw. This specialized saw is designed to make precise cuts in hardened concrete to create control joints, which help manage the natural cracking that can occur as the concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes. Concrete saws can vary in type, including handheld saws and larger, walk-behind models. They usually utilize diamond blades, which are ideal for cutting through tough concrete materials with minimal effort. The ability to make clean, straight cuts is crucial for the effectiveness of control joints, which should be placed correctly to ensure that cracks occur in a controlled manner rather than randomly throughout the slab. While an axe, shovel, and chisel can be used for various tasks in and around concrete work, they are not ideal for cutting control joints. An axe is suited for chopping wood, a shovel is for moving materials, and a chisel, although useful for small details or adjustments, does not provide the precision or efficiency needed for cutting control joints in larger concrete surfaces.