What is a good simple hand tool for packing small surfaces of dirt to prepare it for laying concrete? I've seen big pneumatic hammers at large construction sites and was wondering if there is a good manual version of it.
Concrete – Hand tool for packing dirt
concretegroundtools
Related Solutions
Have you considered one of the portable workbenches such as the Workmate?
They fold to a pretty small package and come in a variety of sizes and prices.
Black and Decker used to make several Workmate vises in a benchtop and toolbox version such as these
They appear to be discontinued. I found mine at yard sales, but they show up online occasionally.
If one of these suits, you may be able to continue to use your preferred tools.
Jig saws are for delicate work; they cut slow and the blades like to bend and break.
Reciprocating saws are for not delicate work and cut fast, the blades bend if you let the tip of the blade bounce on your work.
Circular saws are for relatively straight cuts, their blades do not break or bend, readily.
Table saws are just better circular saws.
Miter saws are for nice, straight cut-offs.
If I had to pick one to keep, it'd be my real (Milwaukee) Sawzall®. In a $50 price range you can get a crappy jig or reciprocating saw. For chores around the house (random home improvements) get a reciprocating saw. For small wood working projects, you may want a jig. I 'work with my hands' and to me a jig is a specialty tool, seldom necessary and a pain to keep changing blades and they take forever to cut.
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Best Answer
I use a plate tamper. Most of the hardware stores, garden centers, and big box home improvement places around here carry them.