Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 3 Tools and Equipment 27 3.1.2 Jointers Jointers are used to finish the surface of mortar joints. See Figure 3‑5. They are also called joint tools or fin- ishing tools. Several types and sizes of jointers are com- monly used. They are usually either cast or forged rods or stamped sheet metal. Acrylic jointers are used to finish joints for glass block or mortar that is white. This type of jointer does not leave discoloring stains that may occur when metal is used. The cross-sectional shape of a jointer gives the mor- tar joint its shape. Long horizontal joints are easily fin- ished with a sled runner (also called a joint runner). This tool has a handle for better control. 3.1.3 Joint Rakers A joint raker, Figure 3‑6, is a tool used to remove a portion of the mortar from a joint just before the mor- tar hardens. Rake joints require the use of this tool. Trade Tip A trowel must be clean to perform properly. Old mortar should be removed from the blade and shank. Form the habit of cleaning your tools at the end of each day. They will then be in good condition the next time you use them. handles are most common, and usually have a ferrule (metal band) around the shank end. The ferrule adds strength and prevents the handle from splitting. Special-purpose trowels are designed to aid the mason in performing specialized jobs. See Figure 3‑4. ■ ■ Duck bill or coke. This trowel can be used for finishing curbs or gutter faces or other rounded surfaces. ■ ■ Gauging. This trowel is shorter than a normal trowel and is used for gauging or mixing small amounts of mortar, thin set, or other masonry products. ■ ■ Margin. This trowel has a rectangular front and a V-shaped back. It is used for mixing mortar or other masonry products. It is also used to holding mortar when tuck-pointing or spreading grout or mortar. ■ ■ Pointing. This trowel has a distinctive pointed tip with a V-shaped back. It is used to spread mortar or similar materials in tight corners. A pointing trowel is similar to a brick trowel but considerably smaller. ■ ■ Tuck pointer. This trowel is used for filling or shaping mortar between brick. A margin trowel is used to hold the mortar in place, and then a tuck pointer trowel moves or pushes the mortar between the brick. Duck bill or coke Gauging Margin Pointing Tuck pointer Marshalltown Company Figure 3‑4. Specialized trowels used by masons.