Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 3 Tools and Equipment 29 are made of extra high-density, UV-stabilized polyeth- ylene, or similar materials. See Figure 3‑8. Contrac- tors select this type of mortar box because of its lighter weight, which aids in moving the box from one loca- tion to another on the jobsite. Another advantage is the composite mortar box is easier to clean. Mortar Hoe A mortar hoe is used to mix mortar in a mortar box or a mason’s wheelbarrow. It is also used when mortar needs a little water to be added to the mixture. Figure 3‑9 shows a long-handled 60″ mortar hoe with straight sides. Hoes are also available in short handles and rounded sides to aid in mixing mortar in wheelbarrows or other devices that have tapered and rounded sides. Mortar Bag Masons use a mortar bag, Figure 3‑10, to aid in placing mortar into joints where old mortar has been removed because it was damaged or aged by weather condi- tions. The bag is filled with mortar and then squeezed to push mortar to the pointed front of the bag. Then the mortar bag tip is placed into the joint and mortar is forced through the tip into the mortar joint. Also, Timothy L. Andera Figure 3‑8. A polyethylene mortar box, which will not rust, warp, or take on moisture. Marshalltown Company Figure 3‑9. The blade of the mortar hoe can have holes in it to allow the user to pull and push the mortar through the holes to reduce time in mixing the different components. Marshalltown Company Figure 3‑10. Mortar or grout bags come in different sizes and tips. This bag has a plastic tip that can be cut to the desired diameter. More expensive models can be purchased with removable metal or plastic tips in different sizes. A Marshalltown Company Figure 3‑7. A—This mason’s brick hammer has a soft grip handle. B—This mason’s brick hammer has a wooden handle. B