Custom Concrete Tools (2025) — How to Build “The Knee Pads” Like a Pro

Custom Concrete Knee Pads are essential for any finisher spending long hours on their knees. Standard store-bought pads often fall short in durability, comfort, and sweat management. The main bonus of these custom pads is they don’t stick to the concrete — you can slide across without tearing it up and leave smaller imprints when kneeling. By combining recycled materials with smart padding, you get a pair that lasts, protects, and keeps you working comfortably all day.

Want to make your concrete projects even easier? Check out the Concrete Buddy app — a free, all-in-one concrete calculator and estimator for pros and DIYers alike.

Why Custom Knee Pads Matter

Finishing concrete requires constant kneeling on rough or uneven surfaces. Poor-quality knee pads lead to fatigue, sweating, and even long-term joint strain. Custom knee pads, built from worn motorcycle tires, foam, felt, and leather, solve these problems by:

  • Providing durable, impact-resistant protection with motorcycle tire rubber while allowing you to slide without pulling up concrete
  • Offering comfort with foam padding
  • Reducing sweat and friction with a felt layer
  • Allowing a snug, adjustable fit with leather straps and buckles

Materials You’ll Need

  • Old Motorcycle Tire: Back tire preferred (8–9" wide) for better coverage. Easy to find; many shops discard them.
  • Foam: Salvaged from old kneeling boards (Marshalltown, Kraft) for cushioning.
  • Felt: Thick felt (saddle-making scraps or craft store) to manage sweat and comfort.
  • Leather Straps: ~3/4" wide for securing pads; purchased from craft store.
  • Buckle & Leather Rivets: From a craft store; for strap fastening.
  • Inner Tube: Optional, from old bike tires; keeps straps snug and adjustable.
  • Spray Glue: High-quality adhesive to bond foam, felt, and rubber layers.

Tools Required

  • Utility knife or heavy-duty cutting tool (for tires and foam)
  • Drill with small bit (for rivets)
  • Hammer (for setting rivets)
  • Hole punch or awl (for leather straps)
  • Bucket or paint can (to hold shape while glue dries)

How to Build Custom Knee Pads

  1. Prepare the Tire: Cut an 8–9" wide section from a back motorcycle tire. Avoid tires with steel threads if possible — easier to cut.
  2. Cut the Straps: Cut three leather straps:
    • One 5–6" strap for the buckle loop
    • Two 7–9" straps with multiple holes for adjusting fit through the buckle
    • Optional small 3–4" strap for connecting the inner tube to the tire
    Punch holes for rivets in each strap as needed.
  3. Layer Foam & Felt: Cut foam slightly larger than the tire base. Add felt on top of foam for sweat management. Soak each layer with quality spray glue before pressing into place.
  4. Attach Straps: Use rivets to secure leather straps to the tire. If using an inner tube, attach it to the strap ends to allow adjustable tightness.
  5. Shape & Dry: Strap the pads onto a bucket or paint can to hold the shape tight while glue dries. Let it set overnight for maximum adhesion.
  6. Trim & Finish: Once dry, trim excess foam and felt to match the tire shape. Make sure all edges are smooth and straps are secure.

Pro Tips for Using Your Custom Knee Pads

  • Use back tire sections — they’re wider and give better coverage.
  • Layer felt carefully to manage sweat during long pours.
  • Optional inner tube straps improve fit and prevent slipping.
  • Always secure straps tightly while glue dries to maintain shape and comfort.
  • Inspect rivets and straps periodically; replace if worn for long-term durability.
  • Enjoy sliding across the slab without pulling up concrete — it saves time and leaves smaller impressions.

Why Every Pro Should Make Them

Custom knee pads combine comfort, durability, adjustability, and non-stick performance at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives. Using recycled materials like motorcycle tires and old foam keeps costs low, and the result is a tool you’ll rely on daily. Every finisher who makes their own knows: once you try them, you won’t go back to standard pads.

Looking for more custom concrete tools? Check out our main guide: Best Hand Tools for Concrete Finishers (2025).

Want to take your concrete projects to the next level? Download the Concrete Buddy app for free — your all-in-one concrete calculator and resource for pros and DIYers.

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