Masonry Magazine July 2009 Page. 24
BRICKLAYER'S TOOLS
Many customers who bought GATOR-BACK's first mortarboards five years ago are still using them, Carney says, noting that the company has made improvements to make the material more flexible, durable and ergonomic. "We added a rubber element, so they're able to withstand more abuse, especially during the winter," she explains. "Our mortarboards are easily four to five times longer lasting than a wood or metal pan. The durability and longevity are something we can offer with our boards, this is something contractors will never get from plywood boards"
The company's newer mortarpan, which is six inches deep, allows masonry contractors to carry and then scoop out mortar. "It has handles in both sides, so it's easy to carry, even when it's full. The design and the fact that it won't absorb moisture help masons set up quickly and go to work," Carney says. "The mortarpan is also great for small repair jobs. You can mix the mortar in the pan, and you're ready to go."
Environment Saver
Green Tool and
Equipment Cleaner
A new, environmentally safe cleaner, SPEC MIX Mortar and Concrete Dissolver, removes mortar or cement from masonry tools and equipment, says Brian Camey, VP and general manager for SPEC MIX Inc. in Mendota Heights, Minn. The cleaner molecularly breaks down the ionic bond in Portland cement, which releases the mortar or cement from the surface to which it's adhered.
"You can use it to clean your forklift, mortar mixers, tubs or tools," Carney says. "Mortar and Concrete Dissolver is 100 percent caustic acid free, and it's bio-degradable."
Masonry contractors spray the cleaner onto their tools or equipment with a garden sprayer, and then wash it off with water. The cleaner is available in five-gallon containers or 65-gallon drums.
"You spray the surface, let it go to work, and then 15 minutes later, power wash it off. And, it won't hurt painted surfaces or decals on your equipment," Carney says. "If you're going to invest in quality tools, the benefit of this product is that it protects your investment. You put your brand or company name on your tools and equipment, and Mortar and Concrete Dissolver makes sure it stays visible. This protects your branding. You don't see Coke trucks driving around with dirt all over them." IMAS
The New Improved Quikpoint Drill-Mate Mortar Gun.
Melvin Mancia (Mason Forman)
Job: The John Winthrop School, Dorchester, Ma.
Just scoop mortar into the three quart capacity hopper, pull the trigger on the drill and a continuous controlled bead of mortar can be applied, up to five times faster than conventional pointing methods, to any masonry application.
New twist on existing tools
MANUFACTURERS DON'T NEED to start from scratch to develop a great tool. Several new tools are the result of improving existing models. A new mason's line from Kraft Tool uses yellow and black marker strand to make it strong and visible in various working conditions.
"It's a heavier line, which many masons prefer because it doesn't stretch. You get a precision line," Cook says of the 216-pound test line. "It's a bonded, braded line. That's the strongest way to make mason's line. A special process makes the line abrasive resistant for long wear."
The company is also offering a heavy-duty acid brush with a stainless steel scraper. "It's a cleaning tool," Cook says. "Masons can use it to scrape and clean newly laid masonry with hard-to-remove stains and mortar."
The blade is great for scraping off mortar, Cook says. "This special brush with acid-resistant binding is a mix of palmyra and tampico fibers made for tough scrubbing with excellent liquid holding characteristics."
Moving, storing and carrying tools
NEW PRODUCTS from Kraft Tool make it easier for mason contractors to bring their tools to the jobsite and to carry a trowel while working. The company's new tool bag features a double layer of nylon with a reinforced bottom and six pockets inside and another six pockets outside the bag.
"Traditionally, the mason will use a canvas bag," Cook says. "This new bag has many more tool carrying features and is easy to clean."
Kraft Tool's new leather trowel pouch fits over a masonry contractor's belt to conveniently hold a small trowel.
"Every mason will carry a small margin or pointing trowel," Cook says. "This pouch is made of leather, put together with rivets, to hold a trowel. This keeps the mason from having to carry the trowel in his pocket." IMAS