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For more than fifty years, A-LOK Products, Inc. has built solutions for precast plants and the crews who install their structures. Three new products continue that work: a smarter way to set pipe in a mortared opening, a faster way to verify setup before and after the pour, and a safer way to get hardened concrete off equipment.
THE ROCK: An End to Sticks and Stones
THE ROCK is a multi-faceted dimensional pipe spacer engineered to assist with mortared pipe connections. It is designed as an alternative to using sticks, stones, or chunks of concrete or brick, the common practice for supporting and controlling the pipe within the structure opening prior to placing the mortar in the annular space.
THE ROCK addresses the inconsistencies of traditional methods by offering a simple and reliable way to set pipe elevation and ensure proper system flow. It is manufactured with precision to create a perfectly measured annular space and allow for consistent mortar joint application. By simply turning it to the desired orientation, THE ROCK provides the desired space for the placement of mortar around the entire opening to create a watertight and soil-tight connection. With its flow-through mortared-in design, it becomes a permanent part of the structure.
THE ROCK comes in two sizes, TR-250 and TR-175, covering any annular space from 1.00 inch to 2.50 inches in 0.25 inch increments. It is available in bulk or in pre-packaged bags with instructions: eight TR-250 units, ten TR-175 units, or a mixed pack of four of each size.
Early reactions from the field, in their own words:
“As a former pipelayer who mortared in lots of pipes into structures, I can tell you that we used lots of sticks, stones and broken chunks of concrete to center the pipe before applying mortar.”
“I saw this a couple weeks ago. Great product! This has been an industry need for as long as I can recall.”
“So simple, but a perfect solution.”
THE GAUGE: Precision You Can See
THE GAUGE provides a fast and reliable way to confirm hole form or mandrel height and placement during setup and after casting. Its simple, durable design allows plant personnel to quickly double-check measurements, helping ensure penetrations are set correctly and reducing the risk of costly rework.
THE GAUGE can be made at any custom sizing, is magnetized to aid with setup, and gives quick visual confirmation of height and placement. It improves consistency and accuracy during setup, helps catch issues before and after the pour, and is simple to use for fast quality checks on the floor. THE GAUGE is also designed to work in conjunction with A-LOK’s magnetic angle tape measures to aid setup and installation.
FOAMING HAMMER: The Concrete Remover That Spares the Equipment
FOAMING HAMMER HD is a concrete remover designed specifically to clean concrete build-up off hauling, handling, and finishing equipment. It delivers acid-like cleaning power without the hazards: the formula contains no muriatic, sulfuric, phosphoric, hydrofluoric, or hydrochloric acids, produces no toxic fumes, is non-corrosive and biodegradable, and requires no special labeling or shipping.
Because of its less corrosive nature, FOAMING HAMMER HD can be used on steel, aluminum, painted, and plastic surfaces without concern for etching or damage. Even sensitive engine components and radiators can be cleaned without fear of damage. Use it on concrete equipment, tools, steel or aluminum formwork, ready mix trucks, concrete pump trucks, and telebelts.
Rather than dissolving cement, FOAMING HAMMER HD uses surfactant technology and small molecular size to penetrate concrete residue and break the cement’s chemical bonds from within, turning build-up into a soft paste that is easy to remove. One application removes light build-up; moderate to severe build-up may take regular applications over a period of days. It is available in 55 gallon drums and 275 gallon totes, and can be applied with a two gallon handheld foaming sprayer or a wall mounted foam applicator.
Frequently asked questions
Is FOAMING HAMMER a concrete dissolver?
It works differently. Rather than dissolving cement, FOAMING HAMMER HD breaks the cement’s chemical bonds, turning build-up into a soft paste with a consistency similar to toothpaste that is easy to remove. That is why it can be aggressive on concrete while staying safe on steel, aluminum, painted, and plastic surfaces.
What sizes does THE ROCK come in?
Two sizes, TR-250 and TR-175, covering any annular space from 1.00 inch to 2.50 inches in 0.25 inch increments, available in bulk or pre-packaged bags with instructions.
Get the details
For sizing, packaging, or pricing on any of these products, call A-LOK at (215) 547-3366, email info@a-lok.com, or use the contact page. Product sheets are available in the Technical Library.