I finally stopped using those cheap plastic spacers
Used them for years. Thought they were fine. Did a 2000 sq ft job in Phoenix last summer with the cheap ones. So many popped out during the pour. Had to go back and fix gaps. Bought the metal ones with the rubber ends after that. Cost more but they stay put. Plus they're reusable. Anyone else switch to metal spacers?
Had the exact same problem on a patio job here in Texas. Used those blue plastic spacers for a few years and figured they were fine until I had a whole row shift on me during a hot pour. Switched to the metal ones with the rubber rings and never looked back. They stay locked in place even when you're dumping concrete from the chute. Plus I've reused them on like 5 jobs now so they paid for themselves. The plastic ones always break or get crushed under the weight.
Man that Texas heat really puts those plastic spacers to the test, I totally get why you made the switch @johnson.jason. Nothing worse than watching your hard work start shifting while the concrete's still wet.