Rant: I tried a cheap magnesium float from a box store versus my old steel one

Got a new magnesium float for a garage slab job in Springfield last month, cost me about $15. Figured it would be fine. Wrong. That thing dragged like it was stuck in mud, leaving marks and not closing the surface right. Went back to my trusty steel float, the one I've had for years, and the difference was night and day. The steel just glides, gives you that smooth, tight finish without fighting you. The cheap one made me work twice as hard for a worse result. Now I'm looking at a patch job because of those early drag lines. Has anyone else had a bad run with those budget magnesium floats, or did I just get a real lemon?

3 comments

3 Comments

chen.adam1mo ago

Actually, magnesium floats are meant for final finishing.

riley_miller251mo ago

Used to think they were just for rough work. Your point about final finishing makes a lot of sense though. Guess I learned something today.

joseph_ellis851mo agoMost Upvoted

My buddy in Joplin had the same problem with a cheap one from the same chain. It wasn't just the drag, the handle was welded off-center so his wrist was killing him after an hour. He said it felt like trying to smooth concrete with a brick. That's when you learn the good steel ones are balanced, almost like an extension of your arm. Cheap tools cost you more in time and frustration every single time.