How can I make control joints in concrete walkway?

Question

I just used the jack hammer to remove a 8'x5' concrete slab because it was broken.

Now I want to pour new concrete and I want to make control joints between the existing hard concrete and the new slab. How can I do that without buying special tools?

Answer 1

go to home depot and rent a concrte cutting machine, use a 2x4 as a guide to keep the cut straight.

But if yu have a wormdrive saw get a masonry blade for $2 and use that.

Answer 2

Place a strip of 1/8" hardboard along the edge of the existing concrete slab.  You can keep it in place with duct tape or whatever.  The hardboard stays in place after your new pour and seems to last indefinitely -- I have one spot where I know it was placed 28 years ago (date in concrete) and it still looks ok.

The other way is to buy the "special tool" which only costs about $10.00.

Answer 3

just buy this simple "special tool" shouldn't cause you any worries... although... if it were me, i would use one of these AND cut the slab. into 2 - 4x5 sections.

Concrete Edger:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stor...  

Answer 4

just buy U some of those felt/tar spacers.

Answer 5

The felt/tar spacer is actually an expansion joint. Go to the home center and buy the joint tool designed to make the control joint. it's a bout $5.00 for the tool.