Mortar raking

[23vc]

I’ve got to repoint the entire gable wall of one end of my house. 60s cavity wall.
Any recommendations for raking out? I’ve already got a titan dust extractor which I’m happy to sacrifice if it’s going to kill some of the dust, even if it kills the machine.
I’m thinking a cordless 4inch grinder with one of those “dust arrest” snap on adapters to allow it to connect to an extractor. Seen something available where you can set the depth which looks like it could be handy.

Not one I’m looking forward to but any tips appreciated!

 

[Tigercubrider]

You can buy mortar rakes for angle grinders

 

[Jurassicspark]

What you propose is fine but I'll be careful of the dust extracted from doing the job.

Have a hammer and chisel with you too.

 

[noseall]

I’ve got to repoint the entire gable wall of one end of my house. 60s cavity wall.
Any recommendations for raking out? I’ve already got a titan dust extractor which I’m happy to sacrifice if it’s going to kill some of the dust, even if it kills the machine.
I’m thinking a cordless 4inch grinder with one of those “dust arrest” snap on adapters to allow it to connect to an extractor. Seen something available where you can set the depth which looks like it could be handy.

Not one I’m looking forward to but any tips appreciated!

We use the cheap Silverline thick diamond blades for discing out.

 

[Tigercubrider]

https://www.screwfix.com/p/essentials-mortar-rake-8mm-x-40mm/31307?tc=QT6&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD8IdPzYysmQfZ3KEaYKK6V5n-1P3&gclid=CjwKCAiAw5W-BhAhEiwApv4goGiyFuJ60Pfs9gWpwRnp0pGIcxYE5MCMH23a-Wpy6UW__6xKw4HBoxoCOK8QAvD_BwE

 

[23vc]

https://www.screwfix.com/p/essentials-mortar-rake-8mm-x-40mm/31307?tc=QT6&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD8IdPzYysmQfZ3KEaYKK6V5n-1P3&gclid=CjwKCAiAw5W-BhAhEiwApv4goGiyFuJ60Pfs9gWpwRnp0pGIcxYE5MCMH23a-Wpy6UW__6xKw4HBoxoCOK8QAvD_BwE

Yeah, seen those, but not sure what advantage they give over a disc?
I’ve never tried using one tbf, have always used discs. Guess I could try it

 

[23vc]

We use the cheap Silverline thick diamond blades for discing out.

Any extraction? Or just let them wash the cars after?

 

[ree]

OP,
Set your guard at a 25mm depth for grinding out - use, as you suggested, a dust extraction device.
One method is to grind down the middle of the beds and perps using whatever disc you have - and then use the mortar rake to clean up the remaining mortar.
Doing it this way best protects the brick edges from chipping - and makes it much easier to remove very hard mortar.

 

[noseall]

Any extraction?

Never bothered no.

 

[cdbe]

Every wall is different - do a bit of investigation before deciding on a strategy. I raked mine out with a screwdriver (1930's coal slag mortar that had been smeared with a few mm of sand/cement mortar about 20 years ago).

 

[23vc]

Every wall is different - do a bit of investigation before deciding on a strategy. I raked mine out with a screwdriver (1930's coal slag mortar that had been smeared with a few mm of sand/cement mortar about 20 years ago).

Yeah, did hope it may be as easy as that, but this one’s the annoying combo of ridiculously soft patches that come out with screwdriver, but mainly rock solid so will need the grinder. Don’t want to risk just patching the odd bit, as I’m going to build a polycarbonate roofed shed/bike shelter under it, so access in future would be tricky