Patching Concrete: Cracks, Holes, and Spalling
FriendsWithTools.io earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. We do not test these tools ourselves — all claims are sourced from manufacturer specifications, retailer listings, and aggregated user reviews, each linked inline. Prices and ratings were verified on May 2026 and may have changed.
Concrete cracks. Every slab, sidewalk, and driveway develops them over time from freeze-thaw cycles, settling, and age. Small cracks (under 1/2 inch) are cosmetic repairs you can handle in an afternoon. Larger cracks, spalling (surface flaking), and broken edges take more prep but the same basic tools.
Cost Breakdown
Prep & Cleaning
Scrub loose concrete and debris from the crack or damaged area. A stiff bristle brush works too.
Chip away loose or crumbling concrete at the edges of the repair area. Creates a clean edge for the patch to bond to.
Drives the cold chisel. A 3 lb mini-sledge gives more force with less effort than a claw hammer.
Cleans the damaged area and surrounding concrete for better bond. A garden hose with a nozzle works for small patches.
Patching
A margin trowel (pointed) for filling cracks, a finishing trowel (flat) for smoothing the surface.
Smooths the patched area flush with the surrounding concrete. A wood float gives a slightly textured finish that matches most sidewalks.
For hairline cracks, a self-leveling concrete caulk in a caulk gun is the fastest fix.
Consumables and Supplies
These get used up during the project. Always buy these new.
- Concrete patching compound Vinyl-patching compound for small repairs, hydraulic cement for wet or deep patches
- Concrete caulk (self-leveling) For hairline cracks under 1/4 inch. Apply from the tube, it levels itself.
- Bonding adhesive Brush on the old concrete before patching. Helps the new material bond to the old surface.
- Concrete sealer Apply after the patch cures to match the appearance and protect the repair
Safety Gear
- Safety glasses (chipping concrete throws fragments)
- Work gloves (concrete is alkaline)
- Dust mask (if grinding or chiseling)
Before You Buy Anything
Check if your neighbors already have the tools you need. Borrowing saves money, saves storage space, and keeps tools in use instead of collecting dust.
See how FriendsWithTools worksCommon Questions
Can I patch a crack permanently?
Hairline cracks from shrinkage can be sealed permanently with flexible concrete caulk. Structural cracks (wider than 1/2 inch or growing over time) indicate movement in the slab. You can fill them, but the crack will likely return because the underlying cause (settling, frost heave, tree roots) has not been addressed. For structural cracks, filling is maintenance, not a permanent fix.
How long before I can walk on a concrete patch?
Most patching compounds are walkable in 4-6 hours and fully cured in 24-48 hours. Fast-setting compounds are walkable in 1-2 hours. Check the product label. Do not drive on a patched driveway for at least 48 hours, and avoid heavy loads for a week.