Tools and General Equipment Hire decisions begin with the task, not the badge on the machine.
01 / Common tool groups in hire fleets
Concrete and demolition tools are the core of many hire fleets. They include rotary hammers, demolition hammers and jackhammers (electric, pneumatic or hydraulic), concrete saws and floor saws, core drills with diamond bits, floor grinders and scabblers for surface preparation, and concrete vibrators and power trowels for placing and finishing. Wet and dry vacuums, dust extractors and air scrubbers support dust control. These tools are often expensive to buy and maintain, making hire attractive for occasional users.
General equipment extends to ladders, trestles and mobile scaffold towers, pressure washers, carpet and floor care machines, heaters, fans and dehumidifiers for drying, tile saws, post hole diggers, log splitters and garden equipment such as mulchers and stump grinders. Many hire outlets also supply hand tools, nail guns, air compressors, generators and extension leads. Knowing exactly what the job needs, including blade sizes and power supply, helps avoid a second trip back to the hire yard.
02 / Silica dust and health risks
Cutting, grinding, drilling or chasing concrete, brick, tiles and stone can generate respirable crystalline silica dust, which can cause silicosis and other serious lung diseases. Australian work health and safety laws impose duties to manage silica exposure, including exposure standards, and regulations have been strengthened in recent years, including a ban on the use of engineered stone from mid-2024. Anyone hiring tools for these tasks should understand and apply controls, not simply wear a dust mask.
Effective controls include water suppression, on-tool extraction connected to a suitable vacuum, and respiratory protective equipment appropriate to the exposure. Many hire companies can supply tools with water feeds or dust shrouds, and vacuums rated for hazardous dust. Ask the supplier which controls are available with the tool you are hiring, and plan the work area to limit exposure for others nearby. Check with your state regulator for current requirements for your task.
03 / Choosing the right tool size and power source
Tool size affects productivity and fatigue. A heavy demolition hammer breaks concrete quickly but is tiring to use overhead or on walls, where a lighter hammer or rotary hammer is better. Concrete saws come in different blade diameters, setting the maximum cutting depth, while core drills need the right bit size and stand for the hole diameter and depth. Floor grinders vary in width and weight, affecting speed and finish quality. Describe the task in detail to the supplier, including thickness, material and access.
Power source matters too. Electric tools need suitable power supply, sometimes three-phase for large grinders or saws. Petrol tools such as concrete saws produce carbon monoxide, making them unsuitable for enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation. Pneumatic tools require an air compressor of adequate capacity. Battery tools are increasingly available and remove cords, but battery life should be considered for longer tasks.
04 / Electrical safety, inspection and training
Electrical tools and leads used on construction sites are generally required to be inspected and tested at set intervals, commonly referred to as test and tag, in line with Australian Standards and state rules. Hire companies usually supply tools with current test tags, and many sites check tags on entry. Residual current devices protect users from electric shock, and are typically required on construction sites. Check the tag date on arrival and do not use tools with damaged cords or plugs.
Many tools require training or familiarisation, even when no licence is needed. Concrete saws, demolition hammers and floor grinders carry risks of kickback, vibration and noise. Ask the supplier for operating instructions and personal protective equipment recommendations, such as hearing protection, eye protection, gloves and respiratory protection. Hand-arm vibration from hammers and grinders can cause long-term injuries, so limit exposure time and rotate tasks.
05 / Hire terms, consumables and hidden costs
Tool hire is often priced by the hour, half day, day or week, with weekend rates sometimes available. Consumables such as diamond blades, core bits, grinding segments and chisels are commonly charged based on wear, measured by blade depth or segment height before and after hire. Ask how wear is measured and charged, since it can exceed the hire rate on hard materials. Cleaning fees apply if tools are returned dirty, particularly after concrete or paint work.
Other costs can include damage waiver, fuel, delivery, late returns and lost accessories. Check what accessories are included, such as water tanks, hoses, dust shrouds and keys. A reputable hire outlet maintains tools regularly, provides current test tags, explains operation and safety, and offers a clear breakdown of wear charges. For trades and contractors hiring frequently, an account with a local supplier can simplify billing and access to tools.
Field checklist
- Describe the material, thickness and access to get the right tool size.
- Plan silica dust controls such as water suppression or on-tool extraction.
- Check electrical test tags and RCD protection on arrival.
- Avoid petrol tools in enclosed spaces without adequate ventilation.
- Ask how blade, bit and segment wear is measured and charged.
- Confirm accessories, cleaning fees and return times.
Frequently asked questions
What tool do I need to break up a concrete slab?
For a thin slab, a heavy electric demolition hammer or jackhammer is often suitable. For thicker or reinforced slabs, a larger jackhammer, pneumatic breaker or excavator-mounted hammer may be better. Saw cutting the slab into sections first can make breaking easier and reduce damage to surrounding areas. Plan dust controls, since breaking concrete can generate silica dust.
Are diamond blades included when hiring a concrete saw?
Often the blade is supplied, but wear is usually charged separately, based on how much of the blade's diamond segment is used. Some suppliers sell blades outright. Ask how wear is measured and charged before you start, since cutting hard aggregates or reinforced concrete can wear a blade quickly.
Do I need to control silica dust when cutting concrete?
Yes. Cutting, grinding or drilling concrete, brick, tiles or stone can generate respirable crystalline silica dust, which can cause serious lung disease. Work health and safety laws require controls, such as water suppression, on-tool extraction and suitable respiratory protection. Check with your state regulator for requirements that apply to your task.
Can I use a petrol concrete saw indoors?
Petrol concrete saws produce carbon monoxide, which can build up to dangerous levels in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. For indoor work, electric or hydraulic saws are usually safer. If a petrol saw must be used, seek advice on ventilation and monitoring. Ask the supplier for alternatives suited to indoor cutting.