How to choose builder's buckets and tubs: capacity and material

For mixing and carrying mortar or adhesive, a rubber or flexible plastic bucket of 10-20 litres is the most common choice: it is easy to handle and hardened mix comes off when you tap the container. For larger quantities you need baskets and tubs of 25-40 litres, and beyond that size polyethylene bins. In the collection you will find capacities from 2 to over 70 litres, so the first question is always: how much mix do I need to move at once?

The types

• Rubber buckets: flexible, they deform without breaking and are cleaned by tapping. They are the most widely used for mortars and adhesives.
• Plastic buckets: lighter and more rigid, for water, paints and materials that do not set. There are reinforced or "extra-strong" versions, such as the light blue bucket of 10 litres Pavan.
• Basins: wider and shallower than a bucket, handy for scooping with a trowel or for dipping tools.
• Baskets and tubs: larger and with two handles, such as the Flextub plastic baskets in 25 L and 40 L by Rubi.
• Polyethylene bins: large containers, for site mixes or loose material.
• Accessories: bucket holders and mortar holders, such as those from the Butti brand, to support or carry the container.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

Capacity

It is given in litres. Values range from 2 to 40 litres for individual buckets, up to 65-75 litres in the largest series. Some series offer several sizes of the same model, for example 15, 25, 42 and 75 litres. A 10-litre bucket is easy to carry; above 20 litres it is heavy when full and must be lifted using both handles.

Material

Rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene or plastic; only a few products in painted steel. Rubber is the best choice for mortars and adhesives because it withstands impacts and the mix comes away easily. Rigid plastic is light and fine for water and materials that do not set.

Top diameter and height

The top diameter ranges from about 280 to 580 mm, the height from 12 to 29 cm for buckets. They matter if you need to mix with a paddle: you need a wide enough opening and a height that does not cause splashing.

Weight

From 0.8 to 2.8 kg empty. A container that is heavy when empty is sturdy, but it will weigh even more when full.

Colour and code

The colour (white, black, yellow, green, blue, grey) is used to tell containers apart by use: one for water, one for adhesive. The article code is what you need to reorder the same model.

Common mistakes

• Choosing by capacity alone: a 20-litre bucket full of mortar cannot be carried with one hand.
• Using rigid plastic for mortar or adhesive: tapping it to loosen the mix makes it crack. For these jobs rubber or flexible plastic is better.
• Letting the mix dry inside: wash it out immediately after use, before it sets.
• Lifting the full container with one hand: use both handles and do not exceed the weight you can safely handle manually.
• Using the same bucket for everything: clean water and adhesive in the same container spoil the job.

Frequently asked questions

Rubber or plastic: which one should I choose?

Rubber if you work with mortars, adhesives and plasters. Plastic if you need a light container for water, debris and materials that do not harden.

How many litres do I need for mixing?

It depends on the job. For adhesives and small mixes 10-14 litres are enough. For a bricklayer's mortar a tub of 25-40 litres is best, such as a Flextub basket, because it holds a whole batch.

How do I remove hardened mortar?

In rubber or flexible plastic containers it is enough to tap the walls: the mix comes away. The best way is still to wash it out straight away.

What are bucket holders and mortar holders?

Accessories from the Butti brand, in the same collection, to support or carry the container: bucket holder and mortar holder.

Buckets, tubs, baskets and bins are in the Buckets, tubs and builder's pails collection: to choose the right size or request a quote, write to the AMES technicians.