Is it wise to tuck point with an angle grinder?

jpearson311

I have some brick on my home that I need to tuck point and I'm thinking of using an angle grinder with a masonry wheel to do it. Does this work well? I've seen the bosch tuck point grinder but it's like $300. I'm just a DIYer so I don't want to spend that much money. What do you guys think? Thanks!

Jesse

nap

I have seen it done with one. Just don't use too wide of a wheel.

the only real difference with the Bosch tool is you can set the depth.

Be sure to use a proper respirator.

jpearson311

Ok thanks nap. If I get a 4 1/2" grinder and attach a 4" diamond masonry blade to it, will that work?

Ron6519

That size is good for the vertical runs. You'll just need to clean out the ends with a chisel or a drill bit. The horizontal runs will be a little slow, but you'll have more control with the 4" unit then the 7" one.
Ron

shumakerscott

Get a grinder that is variable speed. Mine is a Makita. The ability to slow it down will open up lots of other uses, you don't always need the thing screaming at 12,000 rpm. dorf dude...

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Maintenance 6

I've done exactly what you describe with the angle grinder. I'd recommend that you do the verticals first. The angle grinder will leave you with a half moon cut. You'll need to clean the corners out with a narrow chisel. Then do the horizontals. Otherwise you run the risk of knocking the corners off of the bricks when you chisel out the little triangles of mortar. You need a steady hand. That diamond wheel will eat brick just as easily as mortar.