What is a pointing iron?
A pointing iron is a narrow hand tool used to press pointing mortar into the joints of masonry and smooth it. It is one of the basic tools of the pointer. It is also called a jointer or jointing iron.
Shape and types
A pointing iron has a handle and a narrow, flat or slightly curved blade sized to the joint:
- Width — available in various sizes, so the blade fits exactly into the perpend (vertical) or bed joint (horizontal).
- Shape — straight for flush joints, or hollow/round for a recessed, concave joint.
- Jointer or slicker — related tools for smoothing and profiling the joint.
Method
Pointing is done after the masonry has hardened enough and the joints have been raked out. The pointing mortar is held on a hawk and pressed into the joint with the pointing iron. Work the perpends first and then the bed joints, so a crisp, continuous joint pattern results. Press the mortar in well; a well-compacted joint is denser and more resistant to water ingress and frost. The depth and shape of the joint (flush, recessed, concave) help determine the look and durability of the wall.
Related terms
- Joint
- Bricklaying
- Mortar
- Jointing (finishing)
- Perpend
More guides and plans available at fredsdiyplans.com