Do-it-yourself brick repair appeals to the thrifty and handy alike.
You know that getting your masonry work done is often a question of paying for labor more than anything else. And you are willing to do that labor.
You just need the right equipment first.
Brick repair can require a large range of different tools depending on the scope and type of the work.
In this article, we take a look at a wide range of different tools used for brick repair. We also help you figure out what situations these tools can be used for.
Tools to Remove Mortar From Brick
Removing mortar from brick is usually the first step in brick repair.
Made of sand and cement, mortar is specifically designed to stick around for the long haul, which means it isn’t easy to remove.
Below we list a few brick repair tools specifically designed to remove mortar from bricks.
Masonry Joint Raker
A masonry joint raker works by featuring an adjustable pin that can be altered for different levels of depth and pressure.
The device is controlled using a handle. The user scapes the device against the mortar to remove it directly from the bricks.
Removing Mortar Using a Cold Chisel and Hammer
A cold chisel and a hammer are a more rustic way to remove mortar from brick.
Many experts favor this method for removing lime-based mortar as it is softer and easier to break apart with one strike, reducing the risk that the brick itself will be damaged.
Using a Grinder or Drill to Remove Mortar
Drills and grinders are often used by experienced brick repair professionals to remove mortar from the surface of a brick.
They are valued for their speed and power. However, there is a catch.
Both tools can damage the brick quite easily, which is why many brick repair experts recommend against it.
Dissolving Brick Mortar
Muriatic or hydrochloric acid are both commonly used to remove mortar from brick.
Though not as quick as some other tools on our list, they are thorough and reduce the risk of further damaging the brick.
One con to remember is that acid can be a highly dangerous chemical. Use with extreme caution.
Tools For Repairing and Repointing Brick
Below we touch on tools that are used to repair and repoint bricks.
Brick and Mortar
Naturally, brick and mortar are essential components of masonry work.
There are different types of brick, as well as types of mortar, so go in with a clear idea of what your project calls for.
Brick Laying Trowels to Lay Mortar Mix
Trowels are used to lay the mortar mix. You will want to have several brick-laying trowels on hand to apply the mixture.
Using a Brick Jointer Tool
The brick jointer tool is used to apply groves into the newly laid mortar mix. Not only does it improve the performance of the mortar but it also increases the visual appeal of the work.
Cleaning With Stiff and Soft Brushes
Stiff brushes can be used to clean the area before you start your work.
Soft brushes can be used to clean up the excessive drying mortar before it hardens into permanently sloppy evidence of your work.
Brick Repair and Masonry Safety Equipment
Even brick repair work can come with a degree of physical risk.
To mitigate these factors, it is appropriate to invest in the appropriate safety equipment.
There is a reason the professionals prioritize wearing proper preventative equipment. Take the right precautions now and stay safe during your brick repair work.
Safety Goggles or Glasses For Mortar Debris
Depending on what method you take, there may be a lot of flying mortar debris as you work.
Those shards can seriously damage your eyes if you aren’t careful. Prevention is simple. Slip on a pair of safety goggles!
Footwear, Gloves, and Hearing Protection When Removing Mortar
If you look at a brick repair pro, you will quickly see that safety equipment permeates every aspect of their wardrobe.
There are gloves to absorb the shock of their power tools and prevent cuts and other injuries.
There are special, steel-toed shoes to prevent damage by dropping objects.
And then there is hearing protection. Many of the brick repair tools listed here are very noisy. Ear protection will help prevent hearing loss in the future.
Ladder, Safety Rope, and Harness For Wall or Chimney Repair
Brick repair is always safest on land. But when you have to leave the ground, it’s critical to come prepared.
Safety ropes, harnesses, and ladders can be life-saving for work on walls or chimneys.
Boom Lift and Scaffolding
Boom and lift scaffolding is admittedly associated more with professional-grade brick repair than the type of work that most amateurs will be doing.
Give it a shot if you’re game, but most people will be better off calling in the pros for work at this scale.
You Know the Tools You Need For Masonry Repair, Time to Go Shopping
This covers the essentials. What comes next is a trip to the hardware store. Stock up on your brick repair tools, and get cracking.
Want to learn more about masonry work? Feel free to check out our masonry blog. And if a job feels too big for you to handle, professional help is always just a phone call away.
Also, if you found this article helpful and you’d like to learn more about bricks, read: Why Are My Bricks Falling Down?.
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