Wacker Plates - An All You Need to Know Guide

When it comes to the wonderful world of concreting, HSS has plenty of tools available for hire that covers every aspect of the job including wacker plates - but how much do you know much about them?

In this blog we talk about all you need to know about wacker plates including what they are, how use them & where to use them.

What is a Wacker Plate?

A wacker plate, also known as a compactor or vibrating plates, is a construction tool that is used for compacting soil, sand and loose gravel to create a solid compact base for a number of DIY projects.

Why Do I Need One?

Jobs like creating a shed or greenhouse base, building a new pathway, driveway or a garden pond, will all benefit from using a wacker plate. Compacting the surface is incredibly important when building new structures. Not only does it provide a solid base but compacting the ground means that the structure will be less prone to poor weather conditions, like the freeze-thaw cycle, that can damage the base & cause uneven finishes.

Types of Wacker Plates

There are different types of wacker plates available to hire at HSS - fuel powered and electric.

Petrol/Diesel

The most obvious difference between the two machines is the energy used to make the machine work. With petrol & diesel wacker plates, they'll need (you guessed it) fuel to power them up. As these tools will produce toxic fumes, they cannot be used indoors or in confined spaces as they'll cause serious damage to your health. Use petrol and diesel powered wacker plates outdoors and in well-ventilated spaces.

Electric

An electric wacker plate is better suited for indoor projects as they are environmentally friendlier than a petrol or diesel model. You can use an electric wacker plate both indoor & outdoors but be sure to keep an eye on the weather & check for rain as you don't want it to start whilst you're using the machine. No matter where you use the wacker plate, you'll need a generator or transformer to power it.

How to Use a wacker plate?

When using any wacker plate, it's important to know how to use one before starting it up. But before you begin, make sure you have the correct personal protection equipment to hand. At HSS, we have a selection of dust masks, safety glasses, ear defenders or ear plugs, safety footwear & gloves that is available to buy so you can be as protected as possible when handling the wacker plate.

When using a petrol wacker plate -

• Start by checking the fuel levels & adding any if needed.
  
  
• Next, open the fuel tap. You can do this by moving the on/off lever to the right. You may need to set the choke on if you are restarting the engine from cold - if not skip this step.
  
  
• Turn the switch to the ‘I’ position before setting the machine’s throttle to the idle position.
  
  
• Now take a firm grip of the control handle, grab the starter cord and pull it towards you a few times until the wacker plate turns on - it should take no more than 6 or 7 attempts. If the wacker plate doesn't start, go back to the beginning of the steps and do everything again.
  
  
• Once the machine is fully set up, move the choke to the off position gradually.
  

If you're using an electric wacker plate, plug in the transformer to a power supply, and then the wacker plate into the transformer. Then simply switch the wacker plate on.

Step By Step

Using the plate is pretty simple once you know the steps & they're also easy to manoeuvre & handle.

• Once you have set the throttle lever fully open, the plate is at its most efficient. The vibration will make the plate crawl along so be sure keep a grip on the handle.
  
  
• Push the wacker plate forward slowly and start compacting. Working in straight lines is best, then left to right, making sure you've gone over all areas have top to bottom, overlapping as you go.
  
  
• If you come to an area that has a dip or a hole, fill it up and then go over it with the compactor. And that's it!
  
  
• When all your chosen area is fully compacted, turn off the engine and allow the machine to fully cool down before storing it away.
  
  

Storage

Make sure to store the wacker plate in a secure, dry location. You'll be able to lift the wacker plate with another person using the lifting points on the machine. If you are using the machine for consecutive days, try to keep it clean so you don't cause any damage to it.

Health and Safety Advice

With any machinery, there are some much need-to-know safety tips you should follow when using a wacker plate.

• Take care with fuel and any flammable liquids
  
  
• The engine & exhaust will get very hot so please DO NOT TOUCH the wacker plate until it has completely cooled down
  
  
• Never re-fuel whilst the engine is hot or running
  
  
• Always switch off the compactor before making any adjustments
  
  
• Make sure to never push the equipment beyond its design limits. If it does not perform with ease, you may have the wrong tool so be sure to contact HSS if you have any issues
  
  
• Make sure to regularly check fuel and oil levels and adjust as necessary
  
  
• We have already mentioned this earlier in the blog - If you are using a petrol or diesel wacker plate, DO NOT use them indoors!
  
  

FAQS

• Where can I use a wacker plate?
  You can use a wacker plate on multiple surfaces both indoor & outdoor. You can compact soil, tarmac, hardcore, sand, concrete in areas such as your garden, your driveway or in different rooms in your home or place of work.
  
  
• Can I buy fuel from HSS?
  Yes! At HSS, we now supply diesel to help power different types of vehicles & machinery. Check out what fuel we have available to buy here. If you need any fuel cans or funnels, we also have a supply of those too. Be sure to contact one of our HSS branches to check if we have the right fuel for your chosen machine.
  
  
• How much does a wacker plate weigh?
  Each wacker plate weigh different amounts. You can check each of the machine's weight on the specification section on the wacker plate product description page or you can ask one of our knowledgeable colleagues in our branches.
  
  

Get in Touch

For any wacker plate questions or queries, get in touch with the HSS live chat team, who are on hand and happy to help or contact your local HSS branch to talk to one of our colleagues.