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Purpose-built tools vs. makeshift tools
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Shop for Brick Jointers |
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Purpose-built tools
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A purpose-built tool is one that has been designed and manufactured for a specific application.
A purpose-built jointer makes it easy to achieve a consistent mortar finish as these tools are specifically designed to run smoothly across mortar, whilst offering a suitable hand position for guidance, a factor that becomes important when jointing large areas of brickwork.
For more information, see our section: What are the different types of brick jointer? |
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Makeshift tools
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A makeshift tool is one used in place of a regular tool as a temporary measure. You may see everyday objects commonly adapted for mortar finishing, common substitutes include: bucket handles or pieces of rubber hose. |
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Why use a makeshift tool?
You may wish to use a makeshift tool to avoid the initial purchase cost of a purpose-built brick jointer, or to create a tool that is otherwise unavailable.
A few makeshift tools used when brick jointing and raking are listed below: |
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Improvised depth gauge
An improvised depth gauge (pictured left) simply consists of a square section cut out of a wooden plank with a nail in. This can be used for raking out a joint.
If you are able to make the required tool, this could save you money otherwise required for the purchase of a brick rake. However, be aware that it may be hard to produce a consistent motion and stop-start grooves may be noticeable in the mortar. |
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Homemade jointing tool
If you are resourceful, you may wish to make your own jointing tool. However, do consider that a mortar joint may not be properly compacted by a makeshift tool which has the incorrect radius for the mortar gap. |
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Repointing a small area
You may wish to only repoint one specific joint. In this instance it is of course reasonable to use a flat makeshift tool in place of a jointer for a quick fix. However, do consider that you may need to match an existing mortar pattern. |
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Using rubber hose to tool the mortar joint
Rubber hose should be avoided. It can wear down and leave small pieces of debris in the mortar, or cause discolouring. |
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Using wooden dowelling to tool the mortar joint
Wooden dowelling is best avoided as it wears quickly and any rough edges can leave inconsistent markings in mortar. |
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