What’s the best way to remove mortar?

When the mortar between masonry units fail or becomes in need of replacement, re-pointing is required to protect the masonry’s longevity and prevent undesired water ingress and promote structural stability.

When it comes to preparation before re-pointing, it is important that all old mortar is removed between the masonry to a sufficient depth (usually twice the size of the mortar joint height). This ensures the new mortar has a sufficient base to adhere too, and also to be deep enough to prevent accelerated drying.

The best way to remove mortar depends on many factors that need to be considered for example; Property age, Masonry type, Joint size, Existing mortar strength, Property Status i.e Listed properties, conservation areas.

Once these questions have been answered, you can then look at the best tools for raking out mortar.

 

Diamond Mortar Raking Blades  

Diamond mortar raking blades are generally the best and quickest way to remove old mortar between masonry. The diamond blades are fitted to angle grinders which in turn can have dust extraction attachments fitted, reducing the health risks and environmental safety aspects of the work.

Diamond mortar raking blades are widely available and come in a variety of different sizes and quality, but generally an 8mm thick blade will be perfect for joint sizes of 10mm and higher.

Using a diamond mortar raking blade is best avoided when repointing listed properties as preserving the masonry is of utmost importance, the only time this would be deemed viable is when the property has previously been repointed with a high strength mortar that is degrading the masonry. Look here for our high performance diamond mortar raking blade.

Mortar Rakes

Mortar rakes are similar to diamond mortar raking blades by the fact that they are used with angle grinders, but their unique pencil like design means you have more visibility when removing the old mortar. Similarly these mortar rakes come in various lengths and widths.

Although the mortar rakes enable novice DIYer’s to undertake repointing work without the risk of damaging the surrounding masonry, they wear quite quickly and are not so good when a hard mortar is present. Look here for our top pick mortar rake.

Hand Tools

Various hand tools can be used to safely remove mortar, but take more time and physical effort. This method of mortar removal is best suited to small areas of pointing or when a property is listed or in a conservation area.

Hand tools such as plugging chisels are very useful in removing mortar to a good depth providing the mortar is soft, or using a Chariot which is a wheeled hand tool that uses a nail to scrape away the mortar by the operator using a back and forth motion.

 

Arbotech Allsaw

The Arbotech Allsaw is a revolutionary product for the safe removal of mortar, especially when used on listed properties or in conservation areas.

The arbotech is a power tool that uses two reciprocal blades in an orbital cutting action, this removes the mortar extremely quickly when used with a softer type of mortar however, the Arbotech isn’t very nice to use on harder mortars.

Arbotechs are used to remove mortar without damaging surrounding masonry and even has a dust extraction attachment for user and environmental safety.

 

Still not sure on which method/product is right for your needs?

Contact our technical team for free guidance.