3 things to know before renting a flooring scraper

It’s a given that the size and scope of the flooring job you are working on dictates what type of equipment you choose. But there are other factors to consider before renting a flooring scraper, so here are three things you should know before renting a flooring scraper.

Know the building

What is it capable of? If you are working on a large surface area, would a ride-on scraper be more time efficient and effective? While it seems like a no-brainer, a ride-on scraper is not appropriate for every large job, especially if it’s divided into smaller units or is above ground level with no elevator access.

Make sure you know the structure of the building. For example, is it built on a slab-on-grade foundation? Is it raised? Is there a crawl space? Find out how many pounds per square inch the floor can handle or you may risk damaging the surface.

Know the task before renting a flooring scraper

When working on tougher applications like hardwood floors, you should prioritize torque over speed for removal efficiency. If the floor removal is inside, use an electric or battery powered scraper. This especially comes into play when you’re doing surface preparation jobs in public buildings like hospitals or schools.

Pick the right blade

A scraper is only as good as the blade you use. The bottom line is that different surface preparation machines use different blade technologies. In addition, if you’re using a stripper blade that has lost its sharpness, you may double your floor removal time.

Blunt blades tend to glide along the top of the floor, rather than pulling it up. That means you will have to take several runs at a length of flooring to remove it completely. As for blade types, carbide tipped blades have a longer life than regular steel ones and perform better where other blades fail. Just remember to keep checking for bluntness.