Please note

Because of the lack of published trowel and masonry tool histories, the information here is based on other sources that may be less reliable and certainly are incomplete. These include eBay and tools that I purchase myself that are the starting points for my research. I will write what I know as I learn it. If what you read here interests you, please check back often and look for revisions and corrections. Scanned catalogs are on Archive.org as pdf files. A few are links to other websites. Your photos and information are welcome. Please click on any picture to enlarge it. Comments are welcome, but any with links will be deleted as possible spam.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Tuck Pointers, Tuck Irons, Tuckpointing Tools

Tyzack & Son tuck iron
Tuck pointers, also called tuck irons, are for a specialized technique of applying a ribbon of white or cream lime putty to create the look of straight joints on brick. Wikipedia has a good article on tuckpointing, and there is more information on this UK site, Historic Brick Pointing and a video by the same craftsman. Tuckpointing is practiced in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States, primarily on old or historic buildings.

The Australian company Speedex makes tuckpointing tools.

Tuck pointing (head joints), Old Clerk's Office, Essex County, VA  

Thank you to Anthony from Australia for the idea for this topic. This technique and its tools are different from the repair of mortar joints, also called tuck pointing, pointing, or repointing.