The city has flagged my sidewalk slab for replacement because it's raised about an inch at the joint. I'm looking to save some cash on the $400 replacement fee by grinding it down myself. I'm considering renting a Makita angle grinder and need to choose between the RIDGID 4.5 in. V-Tech Multipurpose Grinding Wheel and the RIDGID 4.5 in. Turbo Cup Wheel. Any advice on the best approach?
2 Answers
You might want to think this through a bit more. Concrete that's 30 years old can be pretty tough, and grinding it successfully could take more time and effort than you anticipate. Renting the tools is one thing, but after you factor in the grinding wheels and safety gear, you’re not saving as much as you think. Hire the pros if you want it done right!
Honestly, I think trying to grind it might not be your best bet. Besides renting the grinder, you’ll need a diamond cup blade, and they can get pricey—around $100 each, and you might need a couple depending on how tough the concrete is. Plus, grinding creates a lot of dust, so you'll need a mask to protect yourself. If you're inexperienced, the savings might not be worth the hassle. The city’s price isn’t bad for what they're offering to do, considering all the work you’d have to put in yourself.
I hear you! I didn’t realize that a small section would use more than one wheel. I guess going the chisel route first seems like a lot of effort, and probably won’t save much money either.
True! And if the slab is coming up, grinding is just a short-term fix. The city workers can deal with the root issue when they replace it. I think $400 is actually pretty fair for that kind of work.