Ever wonder why your masonry construction does not seem to be the same? Has your masonry been living for a decade now? No matter how sturdy your building, wall, or chimney appears to be, its mortar joint could be needing some kind of repair called tuckpointing. Tuckpointing is the process of removing the damaged mortar and replacing it with a fresh mortar. Grab the responsibility to fix the problem so it won’t develop any further. In addition, brickwork or stonework has a lifespan of 50 years, especially if you have your building, wall, chimney, or mortar structure regularly checked for tuckpointing. 

If you have the time and the skills, you can do the tuckpointing yourself since it is not that difficult. However, if you are going to do the tuckpointing yourself, make sure to prepare these quality tuckpointing tools below.

What are the common masonry tuckpointing tools and their uses?

If you are residing in a structure that is made from brick or that has bricks, it is more likely that you will get some tuckpointing job to do in the future. If the time comes, and you want to do the tuckpointing yourself, please prepare the tools below to help you with tuckpointing.

Tuckpointing Grinder

You remove the mortar with grinders since it provides increased precision and a guaranteed quick process. This tool can reach deeper areas than the raker bars. In addition, you can also use grinders with bricks that need removal.

Some masonry experts also use a saw for cutting and removing mortar joints as it is equipped chiefly with diamond blades.

Raker bars are tools to use when removing the mortar joints manually. These are used in raking out the old mortar joints. It is almost similar to a tuckpointing grinder. However, this is used when you want to remove the mortar manually. This is more commonly used when you are spot tuckpointing smaller areas.

In addition, if you don’t have raker bars at home or you can’t find one at a hardware store, you may use spring hammers as an alternative. You have to change the handle and the bench grinder to make it suitable for a painless mortar joint removal.

Jointers

This tool’s primary function is to produce flat edges on boards to join from edge to edge. Through this, the new mortar will get into the joints and create different mortar joint styles. This tool helps for forming brickwork and enhancing its appearance. Below is a list of the most common jointers that can help:

Concave

It is the most popular jointer, and its sizes are ranging from 1/8″ to 1″. This is the opposite of a convex jointer. This style can be found in almost all tuck pointers tool bags.

Convex

This jointer style should be done by a skilled masonry expert since it requires more attention to detail. This is mostly used for decorative joints.

Flat

There is a variety of sizes because it is also common. This style is pretty standard on almost every masonry construction. In addition, this reduces the water from getting behind the brick.

Ribbon

If you see a joint extending from the wall, it is styled using a ribbon jointer. This style is almost similar to convex; however, it is extending past the wall.

Grapevine

Are you aiming for a concave style but want it less? Grapevine is perfect for you, as it creates a smaller and lesser open joint.

Hawk boards

One of the essential tools for tuckpointing as its primary function is to hold the material applied to the wall. Here are some types of hawk mortar boards:

Aluminum hawk board

It is the cheapest board; however, it easily breaks and bends.

Wood hawk board

If you want a wooden top board, this could be best for you. However, since it’s made of wood, it is vulnerable to warping.

Magnesium hawk board

This board is the most recommended as it is the strongest and most durable. It can also last for years; however, it is not that affordable.

Mortar Gun

With the help of this, expect that the project will be finished quickly. Because the application of mortar into the brick for crack mortar repairs is sped up because of a mortar gun.

Mortar Trowels

This tool’s primary function is to spread the mortar for tuckpointing the brick, stone, or block. It is suggested to assess the size first if it is wide enough for the mortar since it has different size options. If you want more control, you must use the right trowel width. This tool can also be used for scooping mortar to the hawk boards.

Light duty demo hammers

This tool helps with hammering joints. You must use this with a chisel that is just right to control when you crack the mortar.

Masonry brushes

Before finishing a project, make sure to remove all the debris and dust particles using your masonry brushes. This can also help with the finishing touches of your wall or chimney. Some brushes are made from synthetic horsehair.

Wheelbarrow, Shovels, and Brooms

This is where you get your mixed mortar done. This tool is used to mix the mortar. While you use shovels and brooms to clean after the project. 

These tools will help you with your tuckpointing project and will improve your building structural integrity. However, if you want powered masonry tools, you can call a professional, as they have all the tools perfect for the project. Also, you can ask the masonry expert about the options if you are aiming for a specific look for your tuckpointing project.

Need assistance? Ask a professional

If you think you don’t have these handy tools and don’t have the time and energy to buy all the proper tools, you may ask for help. A tuckpointing expert will have all these highly durable tools, and of course, the newest and improved tools made for tuckpointing and repointing. Visit a masonry tuckpointing contractor because it’s guaranteed that you will receive excellent service because they have excellent tuckpointing and repointing tools. Plus, they have specialized tools just for the project!

We provide masonry tuckpointing services in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia if you’re looking for someone to help you with your next project.