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If you own a home, one of the most helpful skills you can learn is how to tuck-point. This is the process of removing old, damaged mortar and then re-applying new mortar. Thanks to these tips, tuck-pointing is going to be less difficult.

Purchasing the Right Tools

Before you can do anything, you need to purchase the right tools. One of the most important things you will need is safety glasses. While removing mortar, bits of mortar can fly up near your eyes. Thanks to safety glasses, which feature a durable polycarbonate lens, you don't have to worry about being temporarily blinded by mortar and debris.

You are also going to need a tuck-pointing tool. This tool is long and features durable steel, and it's designed to help you get in between bricks. Other things you will need include:

• Hammer drill
• Angle grinder
• Dust mask
• Hammer

Grinding and Removing

After you have purchased the right tools, you are ready to start grinding and removing the mortar from the bricks. Use a grinder and start grinding the bottom and top portions of the mortar. It's important to go in a horizontal line and not to put too much pressure on the grinder. Doing this could potentially knock the corner bricks out of place.

Now that you have loosened the mortar, you can remove it with a rotary hammer drill. This machine allows you to remove mortar in an effortless manner, saving you time and stress. Start with the outer corner bricks first and then work your way in. It's important to have your safety goggles on during this step, as mortar and debris can disperse around you.

Mixing and Applying

After the mortar has been removed, you are now ready to mix the new mortar and apply it between the bricks. You will have to stir mortar mix in a bucket filled with water. Keep mixing until the mortar takes on a consistency much like peanut butter.

Use your tuck-point tool to apply the new mortar between your bricks. Pack each joint in full until it's flush with the front portion of your bricks. Let the mortar fully dry before you try to clean it. The process can be a little lengthy, but this skill can benefit you tremendously as a homeowner.

Learning how to tuck-point is an important skill to learn, especially if your home is made out of bricks. To help you out with the process, you can consider the tips above. For more information, check out companies such as AAA-1 Masonry & Tuckpointing.