Professional Masonry Joint Raker Tool for Precise Mortar Removal
The Secret to Professional Masonry: A Deep Dive into the Marshalltown Joint Raker
If you’ve ever looked at a brick wall and admired the clean, deep, and uniform lines between the bricks, you aren't just looking at good masonry—you’re looking at the work of a specialized tool. In the world of bricklaying and restoration, there is one step that separates a messy DIY job from a professional masterpiece: raking the joints.
Whether you are a seasoned mason or a weekend warrior tackling a repointing project on your home, you know that removing excess mortar is back-breaking work if you don't have the right gear. Enter the Marshalltown Joint Raker (Model 89).
At first glance, it looks like a simple skate on a stick. But in the hands of someone who values precision, it is a game-changer. Today, we’re doing a deep dive into why this $13.99 tool is a permanent fixture in tool belts across the country.
Why the Joint Raker Matters in Masonry
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of the Marshalltown 89, let’s talk about why you need a joint raker at all. When you lay bricks, mortar often oozes out or sits flush with the face of the brick. To create a "raked joint"—which provides a beautiful shadow line and prepares the joint for tuckpointing—you need to remove a consistent depth of mortar while it’s still relatively soft.
Doing this with a stick or a trowel is a recipe for uneven depths and shaky lines. A wheeled joint raker, however, provides the stability and depth control needed for a flawless finish.
Key Features of the Marshalltown Joint Raker
1. Robust Aluminum Handle Construction
The heart of this tool is its 8 1/2 x 3-inch aluminum handle. Marshalltown didn’t just slap a handle on; they contoured it. It fits the palm of your hand naturally, reducing the hand fatigue that usually sets in after twenty minutes of scraping.
Furthermore, the handle is squared off at the end. This is a subtle but brilliant design choice. It allows you to get into tight corners or scrape off stubborn bits of mortar that the nail might have missed.
2. Large 1 3/4-Inch Skate Wheels
The "skate" design is what makes this tool so effective. The Marshalltown Joint Raker features two large, 1 3/4-inch wheels. These wheels roll smoothly along the face of the brick, acting as a guide. Because the wheels are wide and sturdy, they prevent the tool from wobbling, ensuring that your raked line remains perfectly parallel to the brick edges.
3. Adjustable Hardened Nail
The "business end" of the tool is a hardened steel nail. This isn't just a fixed spike; it is fully adjustable. By loosening the screw, you can slide the nail up or down to set your desired raking depth. Whether you want a shallow 1/4-inch indent or a deep 3/4-inch recess for a specific aesthetic, this tool accommodates it in seconds.
4. Proudly Made in the USA
In an era of disposable plastic tools, Marshalltown stays true to its roots. The Model 89 is Made in the USA with global materials. For professionals, this usually translates to better quality control and a tool that won't snap the first time it hits a hardened bit of aggregate.
The Benefits: What This Means for Your Project
Speed and Efficiency
Time is money on a job site. Scraping joints manually is slow. With the Marshalltown Joint Raker, you can "skate" across a wall in a fraction of the time. The smooth rolling action allows for a continuous motion that clears out mortar much faster than a standard raking tool.
Consistency is Key
The biggest challenge in masonry restoration is making the whole wall look uniform. Because the wheels of the Marshalltown 89 ride on the face of the brick, the depth of the mortar removal is governed by the nail setting, not your hand pressure. This results in perfectly consistent joints from the first brick to the last.
Ergonomic Comfort
Masonry is hard on the body. The contoured handle of this raker is designed to be gripped comfortably for hours. It’s lightweight (thanks to the aluminum) but heavy-duty enough to handle the pressure required to move mortar.
Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
The Pros:
Inexpensive: At just under $14, it’s a professional-grade tool at a DIY price point.
Highly Durable: The aluminum body and hardened nail are built to last through hundreds of projects.
User-Friendly: There is almost no learning curve. If you can move a toy car, you can use this raker.
Adjustability: Easy to customize the depth for different architectural styles.
The Cons:
Nail Wear: Like any tool that scrapes abrasive mortar, the nail will eventually wear down. However, it is easily replaceable with a standard hardened nail.
Wheel Maintenance: If you don't rinse the tool off, mortar can dry in the wheel bearings, causing them to stick. A quick rinse after use solves this.
Who is This Product Best Suited For?
The Professional Mason
If you do brickwork for a living, you likely already own a Marshalltown. If you don’t, you’re making your life harder than it needs to be. It’s the industry standard for a reason.
The Historic Homeowner
Do you live in a classic brick home that needs repointing? Don't hire a contractor for thousands of dollars until you see if you can do the prep work yourself. This tool makes removing old, crumbling mortar a breeze.
The Weekend DIYer
Building a brick mailbox, a fire pit, or a garden wall? The Marshalltown Joint Raker will give your project that "hired a pro" look that makes your neighbors jealous.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
There are some tools where you can "get by" with a cheaper version or a makeshift substitute. A joint raker is not one of them. For $13.99, the Marshalltown Joint Raker offers a level of precision and ease of use that saves you hours of frustration.
It’s durable, adjustable, and ergonomically designed to protect your hands. Whether you are cleaning out fresh mortar or prepping an old wall for a facelift, this is the best $14 investment you can make in your masonry toolkit.
🚀 Ready to elevate your masonry game?
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