Comparing Masonry Jointers

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains the uses for different types of masonry jointers. Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the official This Old House YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=thisoldhouse Cost: $10-$30, depending on the tool Types of masonry jointers discussed: Convex jointer Flat jointer Grapevine jointer Rat’s Tail jointer Skate jointer Concave jointer Steps: 1. There are a variety of different masonry jointers to slick the joints to ensure they are sealed properly based on the climate they’re located in. The jointers also add an aesthetic look to the joints. 2. The convex jointer is common in New England. The convex curve describes the shape of the tool itself, not the slick it leaves in the mortar. 3. The grapevine jointer is common in Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic region. It leaves behind a very distinct groove in the mortar. 4. A flat jointer is a pretty standard jointer that’s common in most parts of the country. Mark likes to hold the flat jointer at an angle to allow water to slide off the joint and onto the face of the brick below it, which minimizes the risk of water getting behind the brick. 5. A rat’s tail jointer has a couple different names, but it varies in size depending on which part of the jointer you use to slick the mortar. It’s especially good for stonework, where the gaps between the masonry varies from stone to stone. 6. A skate jointer makes fast work of long gaps of masonry jointers. The masonry nail in the middle sets a consistent depth that can then be dragged along the mortar and smoothed out using the back end of the jointer. 7. A concave jointer creates the opposite look of the convex jointer. It’s more common in the South and leaves more of the mortar exposed in the joints. Resources: Mark demonstrated a variety of masonry jointers that are typically more common in specific regions based on climate conditions. Some of the more common jointers, including the flat jointer, concave and convex jointers, can be found at most home centers and masonry supply houses across the country. Some of the more specialty jointers, like the grapevine jointer, the rat’s tail jointer, and the skate jointer are more specialty tools that can be found at masonry supply stores. The ones shown in the segment were found at Bon Tools (http://bit.ly/2IBZOGa). Expert assistance with this segment was provided by MJM Masonry (http://mjmmasonry.com/). Ask This Old House TV Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook. This Old House releases new segments every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Keywords: This Old House, How-to, home improvement, DIY, ask this old house, Mark McCullough, Kevin O'Connor, masonry, jointers, tools Watch the full episode: http://bit.ly/2KTNClY Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House: Facebook: http://bit.ly/1psm4fC Twitter: https://twitter.com/thisoldhouse https://twitter.com/asktoh Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1psm4fE G+: http://bit.ly/1CtsNjJ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1psm1QZ Tumblr: http://bit.ly/1CtsLbH