Plastering walls and pouring floors in our time is often done using the "beacons" technology. This technique allows you to ultimately obtain the most even and smooth surfaces. One of the tools used in the performance of work on this technology is the rule.
The traditional fixture of this type is a regular long bar with a wooden handle. Such rules are quite convenient in work. However, they do not last very long, unfortunately. Plasterers-painters often have to simply throw away such a tool after one shift. Recently, a special type of rules has appeared on the market - h-shaped. Devices of this type are not made of wood, but of aluminum, they can last quite a long time.
A bit of history
The use of h-shaped rules by plasterers-painters in Russia began quite recently - in the middle of the first decade of the 21st century. Today, this tool is very popular among professionals. Of course, amateur finishers who independently repair theirapartments and houses.
Aluminum trapezoidal rules were originally introduced to the market. Such tools have been used by craftsmen for a long time. However, the rules of this variety are usually applied only for finishing the leveled surface. The actual leveling and redistribution of the solution with their use is not very convenient.
It is much more convenient to perform such operations with an h-shaped tool. A device of this type was developed by the specialists of the Stupinsky Trading House company, after which the company began to supply them to the market. Plasterers-painters quickly noticed that h-section rules are very convenient for performing the bulk of the plaster work on lighthouses, such fixtures gained popularity among professionals instantly. Trapezoidal rules are still used today by craftsmen to perform such an operation as perpendicular trimming.
H-shaped instruments are currently quite popular with both professionals and amateurs. And they are realized, of course, in many cities of the country. If you wish, you can buy an h-shaped rule in Vladimir, Moscow, Yekaterinburg and even in small towns.
Design features and types
The main components of such rules are:
- aligner;
- holder.
On the edge of the latter there is a special seal that allows you to make the use of the tool more convenient and safe. Profile widthdevices of this variety can be equal to 10-16 cm, length - 0.5-4 m, height - 2-4 cm.
Tools of this variety are usually made of aluminum grades AD31, 6060, 6063. Sometimes light alloys are also used for their production. It can be, for example, duralumin.
Due to high strength, precise geometry and ease of use, walls using this rule can be made as smooth as possible. That is, the use of a tool of this variety allows not only to speed up the process of plastering surfaces, but also to improve the quality of work.
How to work the h-rule
Finishing with this tool is easy and convenient. After applying the solution to the surface with this tool, a preliminary contraction along the beacons is performed. The master wraps around the rule holder so that:
- thumbs down;
- everyone else on top.
Next, the specialist presses the rule with the working part against the still uncured surface, then grouting is performed. If necessary, the master adds mortar to the surface in the right places, that is, such a rule is used in the same way as a regular wooden one.
Beacons when applying rules with an h-shaped profile should be installed so that the distance between them is a quarter less than the length of the latter.
Helpful advice
Use such rules experiencedmasters advise only to fill the space between the beacons and redistribute the solution. It is not very convenient to expose surfaces with them, since they, although a little, can still bend. To refine the plaster, craftsmen most often still use rigid trapezoidal rules.
Also, experienced craftsmen advise choosing h-shaped tools very carefully in accordance with the width of the area to be treated. If necessary, such a device can be cut to the desired length. When finishing, for example, slopes, some craftsmen separate a small piece from such tools, making an h-shaped “trowel” that is very easy to use.
Filling screeds
In this case, the h-shaped rule is used in almost the same technology as in the plastering process. The only difference is that the master grouts them not in a vertical, but in a horizontal plane. After leveling the floor, beacons are removed from it. Next, the remaining grooves are filled with mortar and leveled.
Reviews
The opinion of the plasterers-painters about the h-shaped rules is pretty good. Working with this tool, judging by the reviews, is actually more convenient than a standard wooden one. The advantages of tools of this variety experts include:
- high hardness;
- wide working part;
- durability.
Rules of this type do not flex during redistribution work. According to the masters, due to the high rigidity of the material used formaking such material tools, h-shaped fixtures usually remain straight even after many uses.
For work, h-shaped rules, as indicated by the masters, are more than convenient. Professionals also attribute to the significant advantages of this type of leveling devices that a lot of mortar is placed on their shelf when grouting. At the same time, it is convenient to remove the solution from the sole and apply it back to the wall, filling the remaining voids. The same trapezoidal tool will not be able to perform such a procedure.
When working, the rule of this variety just hangs on the fingers. As a result, the master gets the opportunity to freely adjust the angle of the “grip”. If desired, it can be made almost zero and work parallel to the wall.
The solution is removed from the working sole of such a tool during cleaning with a conventional spatula in one motion. Trapezoidal rule configuration is less convenient in this regard.
Flaws
The main disadvantage of the h-shaped aluminum rules, the masters consider the high cost. In principle, the price of such instruments is not so prohibitively high, but it still exceeds the cost of wooden and trapezoidal rules by almost two times.
Also, some craftsmen believe that such devices have too wide an edge. The most significant disadvantages of the instruments of this variety, many masters also include the fact that with considerable effort they can bend in a figure-eight. You need to work with such a tool very carefully.
Some experts even recommend using these rules only for light gypsum plasters. The masters advise to finish the walls and fill the screeds with the help of conventional tools. Also, according to experts, due to the rigid grip, it is almost impossible to vibrate the plaster with such a rule.
Conclusion
Despite some of the shortcomings, such tools can still be considered quite convenient and practical for plastering walls and pouring floors. For leveling the mortar along the beacons, devices of this type are best suited, according to professional craftsmen. Experts advise amateur finishers to definitely purchase at least one h-shaped rule for themselves. In Chelyabinsk, Vladimir, Moscow, Orenburg and in many other settlements of our vast country, it will not be difficult to buy such an instrument in our time.
