Masonry Magazine July 2008 Page. 27
Simple ideas deliver big results
SOMETIMES a basic idea leads to new tools that make bricklaying faster or easier. "With mortarpans, a simple change can make a big difference in how masons do their work," Carney says.
Last fall, the company released its new mortarpan. Like the GATORBACK mortarboard, the mortarpan is made with a non-porous, copolymer material that won't absorb moisture from mortar, keeping the mortar at optimum workability.
"Other pans are either steel or weaker polypropylene plastic," Carney says. "These pans eventually bend and warp. GATORBACK mortarpans hold their shape."
The 30- X 30-inch mortarpan is six inches deep and weighs 8 pounds. Ultra violet protection and hardening additives keep the pan from becoming brittle from sun exposure.
"We made the mortarpan easier to carry with reinforced handles embedded in the sides, and the ergonomic design helps ease the strain on your back when you carry one or more," Carney says. "We reduced the angle of the pan to make it more mason friendly for getting the mortar in and out. There's not as much twisting of the wrist while scooping out mortar."
The Grout Grunt provides a fast, ergonomic way to hand-deliver grout.
Morgan Agazzi, manager for Grout Grunt in Livonia, Mich., calls his company's two-handled plastic scoop, which replaces a bucket for moving and placing grout or other high-density materials on walls, a "mousetrap idea" because of its simplicity.
The Grout Grunt provides a fast, ergonomic way to hand-deliver grout, Agazzi says.
"Insurance people are telling people to use it," says Agazzi. "It helps eliminate insurance claims, because it's ergonomically friendly. A full bucket of grout weighs almost 80 pounds. The Grout Grunt weighs 45 pounds with a half cubic foot of grout, and you can't overfill it."
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