What Is a Striker in Masonry
A striker in masonry is a term used to refer to the person or tool responsible for finishing the mortar joints between newly laid bricks.
“Striking” in masonry refers to the process of completing the mortar joints after filling in any surface voids.
This is typically done in a specific order, with vertical joints being struck first, followed by horizontal joints.
Different styles of finishing, such as flushed, weathered, hollow key, struck, and recessed key, can be achieved through the use of various techniques and tools like strips of wood, small trowels, or metal jointer tools.
The Marshalltown Brick Half Round Sled Runner, priced at $30.35, is one such tool used for striking, featuring a heavy gauge steel mounting and a resilient DuraSoft handle.
Did You Know?
1. A striker in masonry refers to a specialized tool used to strike or hit chisels and mallets when working with stone or bricks. It helps to accurately control the force applied, preventing damage to the material being worked on.
2. The term “striker” in masonry can also refer to a skilled craftsman who specializes in shaping stones for construction purposes. These craftsmen are highly respected for their ability to create intricate designs and patterns in stone structures.
3. In ancient times, strikers in masonry were highly sought after and considered valuable assets in constructing magnificent monuments and structures, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza or the Roman Colosseum.
4. Strikers in masonry often undergo extensive training and apprenticeships to perfect their craft. This includes learning about the different types of stone, their properties, and the most effective techniques for cutting and shaping them.
5. The use of strikers is not limited to traditional stonework. Today, modern masonry techniques, such as using concrete blocks or bricks, still rely on the skills of strikers to ensure precision and quality in construction projects.
Definition Of A Masonry Striker: Finishing The Mortar Joints
Masonry is a construction technique involving the joining of individual units, such as bricks or stones, using a binding agent called mortar. One crucial step in the masonry process is striking, which refers to the process of finishing the mortar joints between the newly laid bricks. Striking is necessary to ensure a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance for the masonry structure.
After the bricks have been laid, any voids or gaps in the mortar joints are filled in with additional mortar. Once this is done, striking is performed to achieve a smooth and finished look. It involves removing the excess mortar from the joints and ensuring that they are level with the brick surface. This process not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves the durability and longevity of the masonry.
Order Of Striking In Masonry: Vertical Joints, Then Horizontal
When carrying out striking in masonry, it is important to follow a specific order. The first step is to strike the vertical joints, which are the ones running vertically between the bricks. By doing this first, any excess mortar can be removed before moving on to the horizontal joints.
- Following this sequence ensures a systematic and efficient striking process.
The order of striking is essential because it allows masons to maintain a consistent and uniform appearance throughout the masonry structure. By first focusing on the vertical joints, any inconsistencies or imperfections can be corrected before moving on to the horizontal joints. This approach ensures that the finished product not only looks visually appealing but also meets the required standards of quality and craftsmanship.
- By striking the vertical joints first and then the horizontal joints, masons can effectively remove excess mortar and correct any imperfections.
- This systematic approach ensures a consistent and uniform appearance in the final masonry structure.
“Following the correct order of striking in masonry ensures efficient and visually appealing results.”
Different Styles Of Finishing For Masonry Striking
There are several styles of finishing that can be achieved through striking in masonry. These styles determine the final appearance of the mortar joints and can be selected based on the desired aesthetics of the project. Some common finishing styles include:
- Flushed: involves removing the excess mortar from the joints and leveling them with the brick surface. This style produces a neat and uniform appearance.
- Weathered: creates a slightly recessed look by smoothing the edges of the mortar joints.
- Hollow key: incorporates a groove in the joint that enhances the visual impact of the masonry.
- Struck: similar to flushed finishing, involves removing excess mortar but leaves a slight indentation.
- Recessed key: creates a deep groove within the mortar joint, giving a distinct and pronounced appearance.
Remember to choose a finishing style that suits the desired outcome of the project.
Techniques And Tools For Achieving Different Striking Styles
Different striking styles require specific techniques and tools to achieve the desired finish. For flushed, weathered, and hollow key finishes, a strip of wood or a small trowel is commonly used. These tools allow masons to remove the excess mortar and level the joints with precision. For struck and recessed key finishes, a metal jointer tool is often employed. This tool is used to create the desired indentation or groove in the mortar joints.
The choice of technique and tool depends on the desired striking style, the skill level of the mason, and project requirements. It is essential for masons to have a good understanding of the various techniques and tools available for achieving different striking styles. This knowledge enables them to deliver high-quality craftsmanship and achieve the desired aesthetics for each masonry project.
- Flushed, weathered, and hollow key finishes require a strip of wood or a small trowel.
- For struck and recessed key finishes, a metal jointer tool is used.
- Masons should have a good understanding of techniques and tools available for achieving different striking styles.
Introducing Marshalltown Brick Half Round Sled Runner For Striking
The Marshalltown Brick Half Round Sled Runner stands out as a reliable and efficient tool for striking mortar joints in masonry.
Featuring a heavy gauge steel mounting, this tool offers durability and stability during use. Its resilient DuraSoft handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, reducing fatigue and improving control. With a size of 15×1/2 inches, this sled runner is well-suited for a wide range of masonry projects.
Priced at $30.35, the Marshalltown Brick Half Round Sled Runner offers excellent value in terms of performance and durability. Whether you’re a professional mason or a DIY enthusiast, this tool can assist you in achieving the desired striking finish for your masonry projects. Invest in quality tools like the Marshalltown Brick Half Round Sled Runner to enhance your craftsmanship and achieve exceptional results in the art of masonry striking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is raking in masonry?
Raking in masonry refers to the process of scraping or removing mortar from the front portion of a joint, leaving it less compact against the surfaces. This technique, also known as raked joints, can create voids in the head and bed joints that unfortunately enhance water penetration. While it may serve an aesthetic purpose or provide decorative effects, it is crucial to consider the potential consequences of increased water infiltration due to these exposed openings in the mortar joints.
What is a slicker in masonry?
In the realm of masonry, a slicker is a handy tool utilized for the traditional installation of lime mortar. Its purpose lies in ensuring the proper compression of the mortar into the joint. By employing a slicker, masons are able to achieve a thorough and effective bond, resulting in sturdy and durable structures. This age-old technique demonstrates the importance of meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in the field of masonry.
What is a strike joint?
A strike joint refers to a specific type of joint found in rocks, where its horizontal direction aligns with the strike of the rock. This means that the joint follows the same orientation or trend as the rock formation itself. Strike joints can be significant in geological studies as they play a role in understanding the structure and behavior of rocks. By examining strike joints, geologists can gain insights into the history, formation, and deformation processes of these rocks within the Earth’s crust. Understanding the characteristics and distribution of strike joints can help geologists unravel the complex geological puzzle of an area and provide valuable information for various fields such as mining, engineering, and natural hazard assessment.
What is striking the joints?
When it comes to joint finish, a striking technique is employed, which involves inclining the joint. This term refers to the process of crudely striking a joint by inclining the finish of the bed joint towards the upper arris of the lower brick during the 15th century. This technique resulted in a slightly recessed lower edge, adding a unique touch to the joints.