Wonkee Donkee’s Top Tips for Mortar Raking

2nd March 2020


Wonkee Donkee’s top tips for mortar raking


	Shop for Mortar Rakes


		Think about your power tool
		Choose the correct mortar rake for the power tool you intend to use.

		Check that your power tool and mortar rake are compatible. Look on the packet of the mortar rake or the product description and this should let you know what power tools the mortar rake can be used with

		Know the property you’re working on
		Many conservationists frown upon people using power tools on listed properties, but they should not be completely disregarded. Used by a highly experienced craftsperson, they are useful, though where historic masonry is concerned these power tools should certainly only be used by experienced professionals!

		Practise, practise, practise
		Make sure you feel comfortable with the tools you are using. Practise on a test area first before starting a whole project. You don’t want to feel out of control when removing mortar.

		Choose the correct size
		Select the correct size mortar rake for the job you are doing. Only choose a long mortar rake if you are planning on removing one or two bricks and not for vast areas of mortar removal.

		Consider a starter kit
		If you are using an angle grinder with a mortar rake then it is advisable to use a mortar raking starter kit to remove dust, guide your cutting, and show you where you will be raking.

		Don’t rake too deep!
		The standard depth of raking out needs to be a minimum of 25mm, which is about two times the width of a mortar joint. The rear of the joint should be square with clean sides, and you should never widen the original joint, no matter how narrow it is!

		Progressive raking
		To prevent the power tool and mortar rake overheating, it is best to do a small amount of mortar raking at a time, and take frequent breaks.

		Gently does it
		Don’t force the mortar rake. With any of the power tools and mortar rakes you use, let the tool do the work. If the resistance is too strong, you are probably using the wrong power tool and mortar rake combination.

		Use a dust extraction unit
		If you have the option of using a dust extraction unit with the power tool you are using, then use it. The amount of dust created through mortar raking can be surprising.